Volunteer FAQ
What are the volunteer opportunities at Sunflower House?
Sunflower House has a wide variety of opportunities for volunteers. We are always happy to partner with enthusiastic, creative and responsible people. Prospective volunteers will spend time with the Volunteer Coordinator to determine the best possible fit for them in the agency. Some of the possible opportunities are:
Community Education Volunteers –Staff events at local community events and participates in personal safety education activities with children and parents. Assists with professional education trainings at Sunflower House and alternate locations and may provide refreshments as needed. Also assists education staff with preparation of educational materials and administrative assistance. All training provided on an as-needed basis to be determined by the education staff and times vary upon need and event schedules.
Family Care Advocate – act as childcare/hostess in the waiting room to ensure that clients and their families are treated in a respectful and caring manner. Requires specialized training to be provided by Sunflower House staff.
Administrative Volunteers – help with projects either at Sunflower House or at home, such as preparing mailings, shredding, or creating packets for educational trainings. Times may be arranged through the Volunteer Coordinator.
Friends of Sunflower House –the Friends group is a special membership driven group which coordinates special events, community projects and fundraisers for Sunflower House. Friends members meet on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 6:30pm to discuss special events and various ways to support the Sunflower House mission. Interested volunteers may attend at any time.
Special Event Committee Volunteer--if you like to plan parties, work with groups of diverse people, and have a great time, this is the perfect volunteer experience for you! Committee volunteers help with our annual fund-raisers such as the Valentine Gala in February and our Pumpkin Palooza in October.
What opportunities are available to work directly with children?
Due to the sensitive and confidential nature of our work we have very limited opportunities to work directly with the children and families we serve. However, there are several ways in which you can volunteer and make a direct impact on the children we serve at Sunflower House. You can express your interests to the Volunteer Coordinator and together find a volunteer position that is suitable for you and Sunflower House.
What is the process to become a volunteer at Sunflower House?
Future volunteers can complete an application on our website at www.sunflowerhosue.org. Or call 913-631-5800 and we can mail or fax and application. Once we receive the completed application a meeting will be scheduled. During this meeting we get to know the prospective volunteer and explain what we do at Sunflower House and how they can help. We also take a tour of the Sunflower House facility, if possible. New volunteers are required to attend a two hour orientation session held monthly at Sunflower House. This orientation includes an overview of Sunflower House and available volunteer opportunities. At orientation new volunteers will complete background check paperwork and decide which volunteer positions are of interest to them. After orientation and the completion of the background check, volunteers will attend any required trainings or meetings relevant to the position and begin volunteering for Sunflower House!
Why does Sunflower House conduct background checks?
Sunflower House conducts background checks to assure the safety of the children and families in our community. The background check includes, but is not limited to, a check with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the Missouri Highway Patrol, and the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitative Services. Sunflower House staff will also complete a reference check on each prospective volunteer. Sunflower House requires that you provide your social security number and photo identification so we can complete a through background check.
Why is there a minimum age requirement to volunteer?
Due to the sensitive and confidential nature of the work we do at Sunflower House, volunteers must be 18 years of age. However, Sunflower House frequently utilizes younger volunteers for on-site, after hours or community projects that are appropriate for all age groups. Special arrangements may be made for youth groups, community service projects, and Eagle Scout Projects. Please contact the Sunflower House Volunteer Coordinator for more information. |
