From Our Volunteers...

Carolyn Vaught, Volunteer

“I volunteer at A Child's Haven because I love spending time with children who need a little extra love in their lives. I feel like I am giving back to the community, but in reality I think the children give more back to me. The children at ACH are at a crucial age for development, and it is fulfilling to know you may have had a small part in improving the life of a child.”

Kim Newell, Volunteer

“I chose to be a Tuesday night Child Caregiver, and it’s amazing watching the children blossom. I am also passionate about the new Kids in the Kitchen Program. Honestly, I think I look forward to our classes even more than the children do! Just watching their anxious faces while waiting for their turn to mix, pour, measure and stir is worth it. You can really see their pride and sense of accomplishment when it’s time to dig in to their creation. One child said before taking a bite of his mini pizza, ‘Bon Appétit!’ Priceless!”

Jeanie Terrell, Volunteer

“Reading to the little angels at A Child’s Haven is the most rewarding volunteer job that I have ever had. Watching the children's faces light up when I am reading makes me feel so loved and special. I'm totally exhilarated when I walk out of their rooms.”

Volunteering at A Child's Haven

We transform children in crisis with the help of our dedicated volunteers. There is magic to be found in the unique balance of our highly trained staff and our volunteers, who bring their energy and love to these children whenever they can.

There are many ways to get involved- working directly with the children, with the families, or just helping out around the center. Browse through the information and links below, and then call Claudia Arseneaux at (864) 298-0025 (ext. 16). As our Volunteer Director, Claudia can facilitate the perfect volunteer experience, matching your talents and desires to our needs.

You may also download and complete our Volunteer Enrollment Form below.

Our Volunteer Philosophy

A Child’s Haven supports volunteers by;

treating them with respect
placing them in assignments that match their skills and interests
providing them with the necessary training and resources required to do their job effectively
encouraging them, and our staff, to share ideas, concerns and problems so that our organizational goals may best be met
recognizing them for their contributions
rewarding salaried staff for creative and effective involvement of volunteers

In return, we ask our volunteers to support us by;

supporting our mission, goals, policies and procedures
acting in a responsible manner about their commitment to our program
representing our organization in a professional manner
communicating with ACH openly
enjoying their time with ACH

Volunteers are offered the opportunity to;

gain knowledge, through first hand experience about at risk children and related issues such as poverty, child abuse and neglect
develop new skills and enhance existing ones
make new friends
make a difference in the lives or our children and their families

Volunteer Opportunities

We have several volunteer experiences to choose from. Each allows you to take part in something truly special, and allows us to enhance and focus on the transformation of our children and families. You may find yourself to be transformed, as well.

Click on the opportunities below for more information. When you find something that’s right for you, call Claudia Arseneaux at (864) 298-0025 (ext. 16), or download our Volunteer Enrollment Form.

» Click on any of the headings below to expand the box for an explanation.

Child Caregiver

Provide childcare for children of varied ages while parents attend coaching sessions

Schedule	Tuesday evenings, 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Objectives	Provide support and create a safe, structured and nurturing environment for the children while their parents attend coaching sessions.
Responsibilities	Feed the children, give them one-on-one attention and guide them in fun activities.
Qualifications	Good interaction skills with children, including patience and flexibility Serve as a good role model Act reliably & responsibly Orientation and training are provided

Extended Day Program Assistant

Assist with childcare, crafts and recreational activities

Schedule	Weekdays 2:30 – 4:00pm
Objective	Provide support and help create a safe, structured and nurturing environment for the children during the afternoons
Responsibilities	Assist with scheduled activities such as crafts and story time and provide recreational and fun activities to the children.
Qualifications	Good interaction skills with children, including patience and flexibility Serve as a good role model Act reliably & responsibly Orientation and training are provided

Children’s Arts & Crafts Teacher

Teach arts & crafts activities to young children

Schedule	Weekday afternoons, 2:30pm Tuesday evenings, 6:30pm
Objective	Provide a creative environment that encourages children to develop their imaginations, fine motor skills and sensory skills through art.
Responsibilities	Plan and teach age appropriate art activities.
Qualifications	Enjoy art and teaching young children Good interaction skills with children, including patience and flexibility Work independently Orientation & training are provided

Children’s Activity Volunteer

Provide general support to the staff and quality time to the children

Schedule	Occasional weekday mornings & afternoons
Objective	Provide general support to the staff and quality time to the children
Responsibilities	Act as chaperone for various field trips, play with children during specified play periods, provide a puppet show or share a special talent
Qualifications	Good interaction skills with children, including patience and flexibility Serve as a good role model Act reliably & responsibly Work independently Orientation and guidelines provided

Parent Meeting Facilitator

Help inexperienced parents learn the basics of home and family management

Schedule	Tuesdays 10:00am or 6:00pm
Objective	To build and strengthen our parents’ basic life skills and parenting competencies
Responsibilities	Teach skills such as cooking, healthy grocery shopping, basic budgeting, crafts and creative, inexpensive decorating
Qualifications	Ability to teach people from varied educational levels Act in a friendly, non-judgmental manner Work independently Orientation and guidelines are provided

Special Project Volunteer

Help out with all kinds of ongoing projects

Schedule	Flexible, with short-term projects
Objective	To expand our program’s capabilities with needed skills and expertise
Responsibilities	Build power point presentations and slide shows Design invitations, thank you notes and newsletters Assist with fundraising events and community awareness events Cook meals for the children and families on Tuesday night Help with mailings and thank you notes
Qualifications	Act reliably & responsibly Work independently Orientation and guidelines provided

Group Service Project

Gather your friends & colleagues to help our children

Schedule	Flexible, with short-term projects
Objective	To expand the program’s resources for the children and foster community involvement
Responsibilities	Coordinate a diaper, clothing or food drive for our children Sponsor a field trip, party or family picnic Sponsor a fundraising event
Qualifications	Act reliably & responsibly Work independently Orientation and guidelines provided