Pope Francis Center Volunteer Handbook
Download the Volunteer Handbook Here
Rev. March 2025
Welcome
Welcome to the Pope Francis Center! You have just joined a dedicated nonprofit organization committed to serving Detroit community members in need. I hope that your time with us will be rewarding and fulfilling. I know there are many organizations that can use your help, so I'm all the more grateful that you’ve chosen to join us at the Pope Francis Center.
Please take the time now to read this handbook carefully. This resource sets out the basic policies and guidelines surrounding your volunteer service with the Pope Francis Center. If you have questions about your volunteerism or any provisions in this handbook, please contact a member of the Community Engagement team.
Thank you again for joining us at the Pope Francis Center! You - along with countless other volunteers - are the lifeblood of our mission and you inspire me daily with your generosity of time and your love and compassion for those we serve. We’re thrilled to have you be a part of the team!
Best,
Fr. Tim McCabe SJ
President & CEO
Pope Francis Center
About the Organization
Pope Francis Center provides vital services to individuals experiencing homelessness. Located in the heart of downtown Detroit, the Day Center welcomes nearly 250 guests daily and provides them with nutritious meals, showers, laundry, and access to doctors, dentists, lawyers, and housing providers through free clinics. We have been serving Detroit’s most vulnerable citizens since 1990, and are committed to eradicating homelessness in our city.
Bridge Housing Campus (BHC), located in Detroit’s Core City Neighborhood, provides a holistic response to the complex and interconnected barriers to housing. The Campus includes 40 studio apartments where residents will stay for 90-120 days with access to medical, psychological, addiction, social, and job-readiness services, as well as housing advocacy and support. Our goal is to support and empower our residents to become and stay housed upon leaving BHC, while creating a long-term relationship to support them as they live independently.
Mission, Vision, and Values
Mission Statement: Pope Francis Center provides holistic, transformational solutions to people experiencing homelessness.
Vision Statement: We envision a Detroit without homelessness, where every person has the resources for sustained stability.
Core Values
Respect
Compassion
Transformation
Trust
Community
Key Staff
President & CEO
Fr. Tim McCabe, SJ
313-964-2823
Respect
Compassion
Transformation
Trust
Community
Director of Development
Carmen Szurpicki
313-964-2823, ext. 210
carmen@pfc.org
Associate Director of Day Center
Benjamin Assaff
313-964-2823, ext. 212
Kitchen Manager & Executive Chef
Shawn Claybrone
313-964-2823, ext. 208
Director of Operations
Joe Philip
313-964-2823, ext. 203
joephilip@pfc.org
Director of Communications
Adrienne Polumbo, CVA
313-964-2823, ext. 224
Volunteer Coordinator of Day Center
Paul Garceau
313-964-2823, ext. 228
pgarceau@pfc.org
Paul Garceau
Community Engagement & Volunteer Specialist (Bridge Housing Campus)
Tyrie Goodner
313-964-2823, ext. 234
tyrie@pfc.org
Volunteer Programs
Pope Francis Center volunteers are the unsung heroes of Pope Francis Center. They make everything we do possible and truly serve as the heartbeat of the Organization. At both of our locations, volunteers are integral to our operation and a key factor to our success.
Bridge Housing Campus
Meal Teams
Mealtime creates a sense of community for our guests and an opportunity for fellowship. Our communal dining and nutritional menu provide very real health benefits.
Volunteer Meal Teams assist Chef in the preparation of meals for both Bridge Housing residents and guests of the Day Center. Meal Teams will also serve meals to residents, and assist with kitchen and dining room clean-up at the end of service.
Donation Center
At PFC, we are committed to ensuring that our residents and guests have access to essential items that support their daily needs. Thanks to the generosity of our community and supporters, our Donation Center serves as a vital hub for collecting, organizing, and distributing these much-needed supplies.
Donation Center Volunteers play a key role in ensuring donations reach those who need them most. Volunteers will assist with receiving, sorting, inventorying, and distributing items provided to the organization.
Laundry Services
Personal hygiene and cleanliness is a key component of life at Bridge Housing. BHC residents are responsible for laundering their personal effects as needed and cleaning their personal space on a weekly basis. On cleaning day, freshly laundered linens (including bed sheets and towels) will be provided by PFC.
Volunteers assisting with Laundry Services will utilize our commercial washer and dryers to wash, dry, and fold sheets and towels for use by our residents. Training to operate these machines will be provided.
On-site Supervisor
A PFC employee will serve as an On-site Supervisor and will be available to assist volunteers with check-in, on-the-job training, and on-site volunteer needs.
Day Center
Serve and Support Detroit’s Homeless
The PFC Day Center aims to provide vital services to individuals experiencing homelessness. In this space, we serve Detroit’s most vulnerable citizens in a safe and welcoming environment, providing resources with dignity and respect.
Volunteers serving at the Day Center will support our mission by serving hot meals, managing laundry service, maintaining clean and accessible showers, and distributing items of basic need to the over 200 guests that join us on a daily basis. Volunteers will be placed according to need and will be provided all training necessary to successfully complete their role at the beginning of their shift.
Kitchen Assistant
The Day Center Kitchen Assistant will support our Sous Chef with preparing breakfast and early lunch for our guests. Responsibilities include assisting with food preparation, washing dishes, and cleaning the kitchen after meal service.
Bagel Pick Up
Bagels are available for our guests on a daily basis as a part of breakfast service. Through partnerships with Einstein Bagel and Panera Bread, Bagel Pick Up Volunteers will collect donations from assigned cafes and drop them off to the PFC Day Center. Pick up and drop off are completed with the use of the volunteer’s personal vehicle.
On-site Supervisor
A PFC employee will serve as an On-site Supervisor and will be available to assist volunteers with check-in, on-the-job training, and on-site volunteer needs.
Volunteer Policies & Procedures
Application & Registration
To engage as a volunteer at both PFC locations, individuals must create an account in our volunteer database (Galaxy Digital). After creating an account, shift registration is available immediately. It is recommended for an individual to complete their first shift prior to registering for additional shifts in order to ensure a good fit for both the volunteer and the Organization.
Volunteer Data & Privacy
Volunteer data (name, contact information, volunteer history) is stored in PFC’s volunteer database (Galaxy Digital). This information is used only within the organization and is accessible to a limited number of PFC employees. Volunteers can access their online profiles to update and download their user data. A request for a copy of that information may also be submitted to a Community Engagement Team member. Galaxy Digital’s privacy policy can be found here.
Background Check
For the safety and protection of employees, volunteers, residents, and guests, all volunteers are required to submit to a criminal background check. Volunteers who do not agree to the background check may be refused assignment. Volunteers will be contacted directly if any concerns arise surrounding the results of the background check.
Confidentiality
Volunteers may be privy to confidential information including but not limited to guest, donor, or volunteer information, financial records, and future organizational planning. Such information must be kept confidential and not disclosed to the public unless authorized by the Organization.
Unauthorized disclosure of confidential information is a violation of this policy and will subject the volunteers to appropriate disciplinary action.
Absenteeism
The services of the Pope Francis Center are reliant upon the presence and service of volunteers. As such, volunteers are expected to arrive on time for their shifts and perform their duties as assigned. Should a volunteer expect to be absent from their scheduled shift, they should cancel as far in advance as possible so alternative arrangements can be made.
Three or more absences without appropriate notice will result in a review of the individual’s ability to participate in the Pope Francis Center Volunteer Program.
Volunteers are expected to arrive on time and ready to perform the assigned duties of their role. If a volunteer is running late, they should contact their On-Site Supervisor or Volunteer Coordinator to inform them.
Cancellations
To cancel registration more than 24 hours prior to their scheduled shift, volunteers should “unregister” through the volunteer site. (Log in to your volunteer account and visit the opportunity responses page. To cancel, find the ‘select an action’ dropdown and choose “Unregister” to remove the shift.)
Should a volunteer need to cancel within 24 hours of the scheduled shift, they should directly inform their On-site Supervisor (as listed on the opportunity page) or a member of the Community Engagement team.
Inclement Weather
Pope Francis Center recognizes that inclement weather and other emergencies may affect your ability to arrive for your scheduled shift. In such situations, your safety is paramount.
In an emergency closing, PFC staff will make every effort to notify volunteers by phone and email with as much notice as possible. These notification efforts assume access to electricity, internet and/or phone service. Should the inclement weather not cause closure but the volunteer feels unsafe commuting, they should contact their On-Site Supervisor or a Community Engagement team member to inform them of the cancellation as soon as possible. This missed shift will not be counted as an unexcused absence as stated in the aforementioned absenteeism policy.
Wellness and Attendance Policy
In the interest of health and safety, volunteers experiencing symptoms of illness (e.g. fever, cough, sore throat, nausea, or fatigue), should not attend their scheduled shift. We value your health and safety. Should a volunteer need to cancel a shift due to illness, they should contact their On-Site Supervisor or a Community Engagement Team member to inform them of the cancellation as soon as possible.
Shift Cancellation by the Organization
There may be instances where PFC will cancel a shift, whether related to weather conditions or otherwise. Should cancellation occur within 24 hours of the scheduled shift, hours will be awarded to registered volunteers. The shift will be removed from the volunteer site and hours will be recorded under a separate entry. Should cancellations occur outside of the 24-hour window, no volunteer hours will be awarded to registered volunteers. The shift and all registrations will be removed from the volunteer site (Galaxy Digital).
Recording Volunteer Hours
Proper record of volunteer hours is a key metric to illustrate the engagement of our community. Hours will be recorded upon completion of the volunteer shift. Volunteers may access their service log through the volunteer site in the profile drop down menu under “Track Hours”.
If a verification of service hours is necessary, a written request to the Associate Director of Community Engagement must be submitted. If there is a discrepancy in hours, the volunteer should contact a member of the Community Engagement Team.
Letters of recommendation may also be requested through written submission to the Associate Director of Community Engagement, along with any supporting documentation necessary for completion.
Requests should be submitted within a reasonable timeframe of deadlines. Quick turnaround times for verification of service and letters of recommendation may not be possible to accommodate.
Holiday Shifts
Pope Francis Center operates 365 days a year and relies on volunteer support daily. Volunteers supporting on the following holidays will be awarded double credit (two times the hours served) for their dedication: New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Memorial Day Weekend (Saturday - Monday), Independence Day, Labor Day Weekend (Sunday - Monday), Thanksgiving, Black Friday (Friday following Thanksgiving), Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
Reimbursement for Travel
Pope Francis Center does not reimburse mileage expenses to volunteers for the use of their personal vehicle to perform volunteer service.
Minor Volunteers
Due to the unpredictable nature of the population we serve at PFC, not all volunteer opportunities are conducive and appropriate for minors to be a part of. Minimum age requirements are included in Opportunity postings on the volunteer site.
For roles deemed suitable for minors, written consent from a parent or guardian must be provided. Minors under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.
Dress Code & Personal Appearance
Your personal appearance reflects the reputation, integrity, and public image of PFC. Volunteers are expected to maintain personal hygiene habits that are generally accepted in the community, including clean clothing, good grooming, and appropriate personal hygiene. Acceptable attire is dictated by the role being performed; please refer to the guidelines provided in the Opportunity Description on the volunteer site for dress code specifics for your role.
Fragrant products, including but not limited to perfumes, colognes, and scented body lotions or hair products should be used in moderation out of concern for others with sensitivities or allergies.
Smoking & Vaping
Pope Francis Center is concerned about the effects of smoking, vaping, and secondhand smoke inhalation on its employees, volunteers, residents, and guests. Smoking and vaping in any buildings and within a 50-foot radius of the building is prohibited.
Technology & Equipment Use
Some volunteer opportunities may require the use of PFC technology and equipment. Organization IT resources and communications systems are to be used for PFC business purposes only.
The Organization reserves the right to monitor, intercept, and/or review all data transmitted, received, or downloaded over Organization IT resources and communications systems in accordance with applicable law. Any individual who is given access to the system is hereby given notice that the Organization will exercise this right periodically, without prior notice and without prior consent.
Violation of this policy may result in corrective action up to and including termination of volunteer service. If necessary, the Organization will also advise law enforcement officials of any illegal conduct.
Personal Cell Phone/Mobile Device Use
PFC permits volunteers to bring personal cell phones and mobile devices to their volunteer shifts. Volunteers may not use such devices to interfere with job duties or impact workplace health and safety.
Volunteer Communication
Pertinent information necessary to your performance of work assignments and organizational updates will be provided. To facilitate receipt of this information on a timely basis, volunteers will be included on communications regarding policy updates, training & continuing education opportunities, and organizational updates. Volunteers should regularly monitor their email address on file with Pope Francis Center for news and updates.
Social Media
For the purposes of this policy, “social media” includes all means of communicating or posting information or content of any sort on the internet, including to your own or some else’s web log or blog, journal or diary, personal website, social networking or affinity website, web bulletin board or a chat room, whether associated or affiliated with Pope Francis Center.
When posting information:
Maintain the confidentiality of organizational information. If information has not been shared publicly by PFC, it should not be shared by you.
Do not create a link from your personal site to an Organization website that identifies you as speaking on behalf of the Organization.
Never represent yourself as a spokesperson for Pope Francis Center.
Respect copyright, trademark, third-party rights, and similar laws and use such protected information in compliance with applicable legal standards.
If posting photographs with guests, volunteers should obtain permission prior to posting.
Volunteers are encouraged to share posts from PFC social media sites to spread awareness and invite others to participate in supporting the Organization.
Official Pope Francis Center social media accounts are:
Facebook: popefranciscenter
Instagram: @popefranciscenter
LinkedIn: pope-francis-center
Do not use social media during your volunteer shift unless authorized by your On-Site Supervisor.
Speaking on Behalf of the Organization/Third Party Disclosures
Volunteers may not speak on behalf of the Organization to any third party representatives including but not limited to lawyers, law enforcement, and media. Requests for comment should be directed to the PFC Chief of Staff.
Security
Pope Francis Center strives to maintain a safe and secure environment for guests, employees, volunteers, and community members. Third party security is in place in all PFC locations for the safety of all stakeholders. Please limit personal items brought with you to campus to that which is absolutely necessary.
Volunteers are asked to immediately report any known or potential security risks and/or suspicious conduct of individuals on-site.
Emergency Procedures & Protocols
Extensive emergency plans have been developed by PFC staff. In the case of an emergency, volunteers are asked to follow the direction of staff and provide support as instructed.
While an attempt has been made to have an established action plan in the case of all potential emergency situations, it is impossible to cover all scenarios. In the event of an emergency situation for which a plan has not been established, PFC staff will act in the best interest of the safety of our employees, volunteers, residents, and guests.
Workplace Harassment, Sexual Harassment, and Reporting Discrimination & Harassment
Pope Francis Center has a strict policy against all types of workplace harassment, including sexual harassment and other forms of workplace harassment based on an individuals age, height, weight, familial status, marital status, race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation (including transgender status, gender identity or expression), pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, and related medical conditions), physical or mental disability, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), veteran status, uniformed servicemember status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws. All forms of harassment of, or by, employees, vendors, visitors, volunteers, residents, and guests are strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated.
Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Other workplace harassment is verbal or physical conduct that insults or shows hostility or aversion towards an individual based on the characteristics outlined previously.
Reporting Discrimination & Harassment
If you feel that you have witnessed or have been subjected to any form of discrimination or harassment, immediately notify the Associate Director of Community Engagement or a member of the PFC Leadership Team.
The Organization prohibits retaliation against those who, based on a reasonable belief, provide information about, complain, or assist in the investigation of any complaint of harassment or discrimination.
Volunteer Dismissal
Pope Francis Center reserves the right to terminate a volunteer’s involvement with the Organization. Dismissal of a volunteer will occur only as a last resort, and will typically occur after progressive disciplinary actions have been taken.
Actions leading to volunteer dismissal include, but are not limited to:
Treating residents, guests, other volunteers, or employees disrespectfully.
Spreading misinformation about PFC employees, practices, and work.
Repeated absenteeism as outlined in the “Absenteeism” section of the Volunteer Handbook.
Refusal to comply with PFC expectations, policies, and procedures.
Grounds for immediate volunteer dismissal include:
Illegal, violent, and/or unsafe acts including theft or misuse of property. (Law enforcement may become involved as well.)
Behavior that causes harm to guests, residents, volunteers, or employees.
Attending a volunteer shift or event while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Disciplinary Procedure
The following progressive steps provide volunteers notice of deficiencies along with an opportunity to improve. While attempts will be made to follow the outlined steps, PFC reserves the right to take action as necessary. Disciplinary matters will be handled with confidentiality and will be documented in the volunteer database (Galaxy Digital).
Verbal Discussion: During this discussion, a PFC staff member will recall the incident, hear the perspective of the volunteer, and both parties will work together toward an improvement plan to ensure a positive outcome. Multiple verbal discussions may take place to resolve the issue.
Corrective Action: If applicable, corrective action may be taken. This may include the requirement of additional training, reassignment to a new volunteer position, and/or suspension.
Written Warning: Should deficiencies occur repetitively, an additional verbal discussion will take place and the volunteer will be given a warning both in person and in writing. The written warning will outline expectations for continued volunteerism with Pope Francis Center and will state that failure to improve behaviors will result in volunteer dismissal.
Dismissal: Continued failure to improve behavior may result in volunteer dismissal from service with Pope Francis Center. This dismissal will be conducted in an in-person meeting with the Associate Director of Community Engagement and the On-Site Supervisor. The volunteer will be provided with a Dismissal Letter. Should the volunteer not agree to a meeting, fail to attend the scheduled meeting, or dismissal requires immediate action, dismissal may be made via phone or email communication. A written Dismissal Letter will be mailed to the volunteer at the address on file.
Revisions to Handbook
This Handbook may be revised to reflect organizational updates. When changes are made to the policies and guidelines contained within the handbook, we will make every effort to communicate them in a timely fashion. It is the responsibility of the volunteer to stay up-to-date on changes made to the Handbook.
Acknowledgement of Receipt and Review
A digital signature acknowledging receipt of the Volunteer Handbook may be required to register for a volunteer shift through the volunteer site.
Information and policies outlined in the Volunteer Handbook are subject to change. Revisions to the Handbook may occur and that revised information may supersede, modify, or eliminate existing policies.
The Volunteer Handbook is neither a contract of volunteerism with Pope Francis Center nor a legal document. It is the responsibility of the volunteer to read and comply with the policies contained in the Handbook and any revisions made to it.
Thank You!
Thank you for choosing to volunteer with Pope Francis Center! Your dedication and commitment truly make a difference in the lives of those we serve. We hope you enjoy the time you spend with us and feel fulfilled in your role as a Pope Francis Center Volunteer.
Tyrie Goodner
313-964-2823, ext. 234
Maintain the confidentiality of organizational information. If information has not been shared publicly by PFC, it should not be shared by you.
Do not create a link from your personal site to an Organization website that identifies you as speaking on behalf of the Organization.
Never represent yourself as a spokesperson for Pope Francis Center.
Respect copyright, trademark, third-party rights, and similar laws and use such protected information in compliance with applicable legal standards.
If posting photographs with guests, volunteers should obtain permission prior to posting.
Facebook: popefranciscenter
Instagram: @popefranciscenter
LinkedIn: pope-francis-center
Treating residents, guests, other volunteers, or employees disrespectfully.
Spreading misinformation about PFC employees, practices, and work.
Repeated absenteeism as outlined in the “Absenteeism” section of the Volunteer Handbook.
Refusal to comply with PFC expectations, policies, and procedures.
Illegal, violent, and/or unsafe acts including theft or misuse of property. (Law enforcement may become involved as well.)
Behavior that causes harm to guests, residents, volunteers, or employees.
Attending a volunteer shift or event while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Verbal Discussion: During this discussion, a PFC staff member will recall the incident, hear the perspective of the volunteer, and both parties will work together toward an improvement plan to ensure a positive outcome. Multiple verbal discussions may take place to resolve the issue.
Corrective Action: If applicable, corrective action may be taken. This may include the requirement of additional training, reassignment to a new volunteer position, and/or suspension.
Written Warning: Should deficiencies occur repetitively, an additional verbal discussion will take place and the volunteer will be given a warning both in person and in writing. The written warning will outline expectations for continued volunteerism with Pope Francis Center and will state that failure to improve behaviors will result in volunteer dismissal.
Dismissal: Continued failure to improve behavior may result in volunteer dismissal from service with Pope Francis Center. This dismissal will be conducted in an in-person meeting with the Associate Director of Community Engagement and the On-Site Supervisor. The volunteer will be provided with a Dismissal Letter. Should the volunteer not agree to a meeting, fail to attend the scheduled meeting, or dismissal requires immediate action, dismissal may be made via phone or email communication. A written Dismissal Letter will be mailed to the volunteer at the address on file.
Associate Director of Community Engagement
Adrienne Polumbo, CVA
313-964-2823, ext. 224
Associate Director of Community Engagement
Adrienne Polumbo, CVA
313-964-2823, ext. 224
