Companion Volunteer Program
Under the leadership of Judi’s House Grief Counselors, Companion Volunteers (CVs) work directly with our clients providing support to staff counselors or master’s level trainees as they facilitate children’s grief support groups.
Due to the nature of the work, this position requires volunteers to follow an application and background check process, as well as commit to at least one year in the position. 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.
The is an ideal opportunity for caring, consistent, skilled adults to offer support to grieving children and grief counselors in a group setting.
Requirement for Volunteering
Judi’s House onboards one new cohort of Companion Volunteers each year. Companion Volunteers are selected through an application process (outlined below). 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.
Application Process
- Submit a Companion Volunteer application.
- Attend virtual interview with Judi’s House staff.
- Complete a reference check.
- Complete a background check through Sterling Volunteers.
- Attend a two-day, 12-hour volunteer training.
- Complete three group observations.
Companion Volunteer Dates and Deadlines
- August, 2024 | Application Released
- October – November, 2024 | Interviews Conducted
- December, 2024 | Background Checks and Reference Checks Conducted
- February, 2025 | 2-Day Training
- Spring Quarter, 2025 | Observations Scheduled and Completed
- Summer, 2025 – Spring, 2026 | Companion Volunteer Term
Quarterly Schedule Dates
- Spring Quarter, 2024 | March 4 – May 9
- Summer Quarter, 2024 | May 20 – August 8
- Fall Quarter, 2024 | August 26 – November 7
- Winter Quarter, 2024 | November 18 – February 20
Ready to become a Companion Volunteer? Fill out the interest form below!