The Upper Valley Haven
Be Kind. Be Thoughtful. Be Helpful.
Volunteer Opportunities
The Haven thrives with the support of numerous volunteers from the community. Last year, over 11,000 volunteer hours were logged at The Haven. Volunteer opportunities range from serving on the Board of Directors to tutoring kids in The Haven’s Homework Club.
Here are some short-term volunteer opportunities:
- Stuff envelopes and help with mailings
- Help plan fundraising events
- Professional photographer for events and other publicity
- Member of a group? Spend four hours on a Saturday with your group at the Vermont Food Bank in Barre and earn on behalf of The Haven money to buy food from the Food Bank. Each hour you sort, The Haven receives 20 pounds of free, nutritious food.
We prefer that individuals make long-term commitments for the following volunteer positions, coming in at the same time each week for a few hours:
- Food Shelf volunteers do a variety of activities, including welcome visitors to The Haven, walk families through the Food Shelf, restock the food shelves, and answer the telephones. Food Shelf volunteer shifts are normally four hours, weekday mornings or afternoons.
- Mentor volunteers/tutors work during after school hours in our "Homework Club" with children who are current or former Haven shelter guests.
- Daycare volunteers provide supervision of children staying at the shelter when their parents are taking part in The Haven’s educational programming. There are two regular time slots for daycare: Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:30 to 11 am.
Organize a Food Drive
Food drives are always welcome. Contact for a list of food items we always need.
To discuss all volunteer opportunities, email , The Haven's Resource Coordinator, or call at (802) 295-6500.
“As donors, guests, volunteers and staff, each day we are challenged to step outside our comfort zone and take risks, some big and some small.”
—Mary Feeney,
Haven Shelter Manager