Volunteer

Under the leadership of Judi’s House Grief Counselors, Companion Volunteers (CV) work directly with our clients providing support to staff counselors or master’s level trainees as they facilitate a children’s grief support groups.

Due to the nature of the work, this is an application and interview-based position that requires a one-year commitment. Judi’s House recruits and onboards one cohort of Companion Volunteers per year with limited availability. The application process begins in the fall of each year.  

This is an ideal opportunity for caring, consistent, skilled adults to offer support to grieving children and grief counselors in a group setting.

• Requirements prior to placement as a CV:
  • Submit Companion Volunteer application (opens each fall)
  • Attend in-person interview with Judi’s House staff
  • Complete and cover cost of background check (if selected)
  • Attend a two-day, 12-hour volunteer training
  • Complete three group observations

Once confirmed and selected, Companion Volunteers commit to participate in four group sessions (preferably consecutive). Sessions require a one night per week commitment for ten weeks. Our grief support groups are held quarterly Monday through Thursday evenings from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Please note, you may choose to serve on a different night of the week during each quarter.  

Corporate and organizational volunteer opportunities can improve performance, strengthen employee retention, encourage teamwork, and boost morale. We will help your company create a specialized volunteer opportunity that supports our mission and meets the needs of your organization.  

Availability for group volunteer opportunities may be limited depending on the group size, availability, and project interest.  

Judi’s House needs volunteers to help us maintain our facility, grounds, and community presence. Projects and time commitments vary depending on the needs, these projects include: 

• Facility maintenance
• Administrative tasks
• Program supplies
• Event support
• Outreach programs
• Fundraising

We are thankful for Meal Providers and Kitchen Volunteers who support Judi’s House families with a pre-group meal. This program allows families to focus on their grief journey without the worry of preparing a meal for the evening. There are three options for participating in our Nourishment Program: 

Meal Provider Option 1: Purchase and serve a catered meal.

• Time Commitment: 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. Set-up begins at 5:00 p.m., dinner service starts at 5:30 p.m., and clean-up is finished by 6:30 p.m.
• Assist with greeting families and serving them their meal, as well as clean up.
• The meal can be delivered directly to Judi’s House; JH staff can accept the delivery.
• A head count will be communicated 2 weeks before the date of your scheduled meal.
• Up to 6 people who are at least 11 years old* may come to volunteer.
• Judi’s house will provide plates, utensils, napkins, cups, and water.

Meal Provider Option 2: Prepare and serve a meal cooked in Judi’s House’s commercial kitchen with our Kitchen Manager.

• Time Commitment: approximately 3:30 – 6:30 p.m. Meal prep begins at 3:30 p.m., dinner service starts at 5:30 p.m., and clean-up is finished by 6:30 p.m. 
• Work with JH Kitchen Manager to cook and prepare a meal for JH families, following all food safety and sanitation practices.  
• JH Kitchen Manager will communicate with you 2 weeks before the date of your scheduled meal to confirm a head count, meal ideas, and needed ingredients.  
• Assist with greeting families and serving them their meal, as well as clean up.  
• Judi’s House can purchase ingredients on your behalf. 
• Up to 6 people who are at least 11 years old* may come to volunteer. 

Kitchen Volunteer: Serve a meal coordinated by Judi’s House. 

• Time Commitment: 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. Set-up begins at 5:00 p.m., dinner service starts at 5:30 p.m., and clean-up is finished by 6:30 p.m. 
• Assist with greeting families, serving them their meal, and cleaning up after. 
• Donations are appreciated to help Judi’s House cover the cost of the coordinated meal but are not required. 
• Up to 4 people may come to volunteer. All volunteers must be at least 11 years old*. 

*Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by at least one adult.

Judi’s House memory quilts allow Pathfinders participants to commemorate their special person. Decorated quilt squares are assembled by volunteer quilters and the resulting quilts are displayed on the walls throughout Judi’s House as a beautiful and touching memorial to those who have died. 

Quilter volunteers can be individuals or groups, who donate their time and materials for each project. Judi’s House will reach out quarterly with projects and work with you to coordinate and arrange materials.