Events
Volunteering
Volunteer opportunities are available on a regular or occassional commitment basis. The CAS can work out a flexible schedule that accommodates your availability and respects your other commitments. The caring gift of your time assists the Society in its efforts to keep children and youth safe and secure.
For more information on volunteering at The Children's Aid Society of Ottawa, please call (613) 747-7800 ext. 2805.
who are volunteers
CAS volunteers come from all walks of life.
Our volunteers are citizens from our community who choose to donate their time, energy and skills. They are men and women over the age of 18, including students, working people and retirees, from diverse cultural, ethnic and religious backgrounds. All share a caring concern for children and youth.
How Volunteers Can Help
Child Access Volunteers supervise visits between children and their natural families at the agency. Volunteers monitor visits and prepare an observation report after each session, which provides information for social workers for court purposes. Child Access volunteers must have two years of education in human services, good writing skills, must be mature, and must be familiar with age-appropriate behaviour and activities of children. For this position, volunteers must be available for at least three hours a week and be able to make a one-year commitment.
Clerical Volunteers perform a number of administrative functions including typing, filing, compiling statistics, answering telephones, preparing resource kits and assisting with large mailings. Computer skills and previous office/administration experience are an asset. Volunteers should be available a half-day per week on a regular or occasional basis.
Driver/Attendants transport children and other program participants to and from CAS programs and meetings. Work can range from regular weekly assignments to occasional or weekend shifts. Drivers are reimbursed for their mileage and provided with training. A clear driving record, valid drivers license, vehicle with current safety certificate and a $2,000,000 public liability insurance. Drivers are encouraged to discuss the nature of the assignment with their physician. Drivers must be patient, sensitive and able to relate to children, parents and staff.
Tutor/Mentors assist children and youth in a variety of areas, including basic reading, computers, writing, comprehension, mathematics, sciences, English and French. They provide academic support, encouragement, and attempt to help a child enjoy learning. Volunteers must be comfortable with children and youth and possess an adequate knowledge of the subject matter. Tutoring sessions are typically scheduled once or twice per week for a two-hour period in the child's or youth's foster home.
Team Volunteers provide ongoing, flexible support to service teams. Team volunteers are responsible for researching and writing child social history reports for the child or family file, under the direction of a social worker. Volunteers must have research, writing and computer skills and must be able to work as a team member. The time requirement is four to eight hours per week, 8:30 - 4:30, for a one-year commitment.
Special Assignments are developed in response to agency needs and to the unique skills that individuals have to contribute.
Make a difference
As a volunteer, your contribution provides a vital link between the CAS and the community we serve.
The greatest satisfaction in volunteering with us is the feeling that comes from knowing that you have truly improved the life of a child or youth.
A meaningful volunteer experience with the CAS can also help you to discover and develop skills of your own.
You will meet interesting people and share inspiring moments with other volunteers, staff, foster parents, and the children and families served by the CAS.
"I know by helping Jason perform the basic tasks of reading and writing I am helping him learn things that will be necessary for the rest of his life. The best reward is watching his face light up when he realizes something he once found impossible is now easy." Katie Mennie - Tutor/Mentor
Orientation / Information Sessions are held January, March, May, July, and September and November.
To volunteer, call 747-7800 ext. 2805 today!