HOW TO BE A DWC VOLUNTEER

1. Visit our Calendar to see all the available Volunteer Opportunities. 

2. Fill out the Individual or Group Volunteer Application, indicating the opportunities that interest you or your group.  This will help us connect you to a rewarding volunteer experience!

3. Send your completed application to Allison Bamberg, Volunteer Associate by emailing Volunteer@DWCweb.org or faxing (213) 680-0844.

4. Attend a general DWC Orientation or a more in-depth Volunteer Training (Training is required for some but not all volunteer opportunities.  See our Calendar of Events for the next Orientation or Training.

5. If you have any questions, take a look at our Volunteer FAQs below

GET INSPIRED!
Watch this great video about DWC Volunteers! 
 

VOLUNTEERS FAQs

What opportunities are available for volunteering at the Downtown Women’s Center?
There are many great ways to get involved with DWC, including assisting in our kitchen, Day Center, Residence, and job training workshops. Please see our Volunteer Opportunities Guide PDF for more information and additional opportunities.

Is there an age limit for volunteers?
Yes. Volunteers must be 18 years or older.
Because the serves an adult client population, we do not have volunteer opportunities appropriate for minors. Under certain circumstances and occasions (such as holiday celebrations) volunteers under 18 may be able to volunteer if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Please check with Volunteer Associate Allison Bamberg at Volunteer@DWCweb.org for more information.

How do I get started as a volunteer?
Visit our Calendar to see all the available Volunteer Opportunities. Fill out a Volunteer Application, indicating the opportunities that interest you, and send your completed application to Allison Bamberg, Volunteer Associate at Volunteer@DWCweb.org or by fax at (213) 680-0844. Sign up for the next open DWC Orientation. (Some opportunities also require volunteers to attend Volunteer Training.)

Can we volunteer as a group?
Yes! DWC has several types of group volunteer opportunities. For most activities, the ideal group size is 8-12 people, but we can accommodate up to a maximum of 25 individuals. For groups larger than 25, special consideration will be needed. For more information on our group activities, click here. To get started as a group, fill out the group application and email it to Volunteer Associate Allison Bamberg at Volunteer@DWCweb.org. You can find the group application here.

I am interested in leading a workshop or course for the Ladies (e.g., résumé workshop, health education, art class). How do I apply?
Anyone interested in leading a workshop must first complete the Downtown Women’s Center Orientation and Volunteer Training. After attending both sessions, a volunteer can then submit a workshop application to Volunteer Coordinator Steven Alvarez.

Applications are accepted based on the current needs of the organization, the quality of the proposed curriculum, and the instructor’s experience. If an application is accepted, a DWC staff member will contact the volunteer to coordinate details for the workshop and provide necessary support.

Please note that it may take 8-10 weeks to accept a workshop, because DWC program is planned several months in advance.
For more information, visit our Calendar to see all the available Volunteer Opportunities and next DWC Orientation.

Are you currently accepting applications for volunteer-led workshops?
Yes, we are currently accepting applications for our Job Readiness courses in the Workforce Development Department.

DWC also accepts workshop applications on a rolling basis. All accepted applications will be kept for one year.

Do you approve volunteer hours for service-learning or community service?
DWC accepts a limited number of students completing service learning hours. Please note that all volunteers must be at least 18 years old. For availability, please contact Volunteer Coordinator Steven Alvarez at StevenA@DWCweb.org, and provide the following information:

• Name of university or college campus
• Year in school and declared major
• Name of professor and course
• Number of hours requested
• Any specific guidelines for service-learning hours

Opportunities for individuals seeking to complete court-appointed community service hours are limited and are not guaranteed. Please inquire by contacting Volunteer Coordinator Steven Alvarez at StevenA@DWCweb.org before you begin the application process.

Where are you located?
We are located at 442 S. San Pedro Street in Los Angeles, CA 90013, on the corner of 5th Street and South San Pedro Street. You can find a map here.

Where should volunteers park?
On-site parking is not available to volunteers during weekday business hours. Limited parking is available to volunteers for weekend and evening opportunities on a first-come, first-served basis. There are many other options available for parking, including nearby parking lots or meters. Find out more information here.

2011 PRESIDENT'S VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENTS

SILVER
Andria Thompson
Malaka Wilson-Greene
Saidy Espadas

BRONZE
Anne Pauline Warman
Barbara Chasse
Bonnie Sun
Bryce and friends
Capitol Group Companies
Cecilia Ngan
Chandra & Lal Families
Cheryl Rogers
Chris & Nancy Blackman
Donella Wilson
Edith Diaz
Gloria Teschner
Heidi Mezzatesta
Helenes Cooking Club
Hope for LA - Pacific Crossroads Church
Howard Sherman
Katherine Forster
Kim Jackson
Kimberly Clancy
Kiwanis
Lauren Frankel
Lisa and Friends
Lynn Hall Russell
Margaret Williamson
Matthias Connor
Mother's Kitchen- MA Center
Nancy Kim
Nancy Williams
Norma Barragan
Patricia McHugh
Patti Fischer
Shannon McCarthy
Shelli Herman
Shelly Strong
Stefanie Rico
Striving Angels
Telma Barreto Cruz
Ward AME Church

 

 Visit our Calendar
for all Volunteer Opportunities
 

DWC Volunteer Stats:

75% Percentage of days in the year in which the Learning Center was managed by volunteers

6 Average number of Resident birthdays celebrated each month by the Birthday Guild Volunteers

3 Hours each day volunteers serve as Kitchen Assistants

20 Number of women that meet with Case Management Interns every week

5 Classes per week facilitated by Learning Center Volunteers

30%  Percentage of shifts at MADE covered by volunteers every week

100 Number of different Cooking Clubs that prepared meals throughout the year

71 Number of Residents served by volunteers through birthday parties, meals, outings, and companionship

1,820 Number of bags of clothing sorted by volunteers & participants

35 Number of interns at DWC in 2011

12 Months out of the year that volunteers provided over 75% of lunch meals

30,000 Hours that volunteers contributed to DWC in 2011

Over 2500! Number of people who volunteered at DWC in 2011

Meet the Volunteer Department

Margaux Helvey, Director of Community & Corporate Partnerships
Steven Alvarez, Volunteer Coordinator
Katie Escudero, Volunteer Coordinator
Allison Bamberg, Volunteer Associate

Contact Allison Bamberg, Volunteer Associate, if you have any questions; Volunteer@DWCweb.org or (213)680-0600