Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Volunteering at the Pope Francis Center
Q: Do you have opportunities for groups to volunteer?
A: Yes! We welcome groups to join us at both our Bridge Housing Campus and Day Center. Team registration is available through the volunteer site for our standard volunteer opportunities. To discuss opportunities for a larger group, please contact a member of the Community Engagement team.
Q: What are the age requirements for volunteering?
A: The minimum ages for volunteering vary at our locations.
Day Center: Due to the unpredictable nature and potentially challenging situations that may arise at the Day Center, volunteers must be 18 or older to serve at that location, with no exceptions.
Bridge Housing: Youth aged 14-17 may volunteer at Bridge Housing. Those aged 14 and 15 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Age restrictions for each volunteer opportunity are provided in the position description on Galaxy Digital.
Q: Is the Pope Francis Center open on holidays?
A: The Pope Francis Center’s Day Center is open Monday through Friday from 7-11am. Carryout meals are provided on Saturdays from 8-10am. The Day Center is closed on the following days: Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, December 26-31.
The Pope Francis Center’s Bridge Housing Campus operates year-round and depends on daily volunteer support. Volunteers serving on select holidays will receive double credit for their hours: New Year’s Eve & Day, Memorial Day Weekend (Sat-Mon), Independence Day, Labor Day Weekend (Sun-Mon), Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
Q: Is parking available for volunteers?
A: Complimentary on-site parking is available at both PFC locations. Please refer to the specific instructions for the Day Center and Bridge Housing Campus.
Q: Is there on-site security?
A: The safety of our guests, visitors, residents, volunteers, and staff is of utmost importance. Private security is in place during all hours of operation at both the Day Center and Bridge Housing Campus.
Q: What should I wear to volunteer? Is there a volunteer uniform?
A: Volunteers should maintain good personal hygiene and follow the dress code outlined in the Opportunity Description on the volunteer site, based on their role. Agency branded clothing is available for purchase.
Q: Is there a place to store my personal belongings while I volunteer?
A: While we do have “behind the scenes” spaces for volunteers to keep their personal belongings while volunteering, they are not kept under lock and key. Please only bring that which is absolutely necessary to your volunteer shift. The Pope Francis Center is not for any lost or stolen items.
Q: Do I need to complete a background check prior to volunteering?
A: All volunteers are required to submit to a criminal background check. Volunteers who do not agree to the background check may be refused assignment. Background checks are completed by PFC staff; volunteers will only be notified of any potential issues pertaining to clearances. No news is good news! Q: What time should I arrive for my shift? A: Volunteers should plan to arrive at the start of shift. All training will be provided on-site at the beginning of your shift. Q: What should I do if I’m running late? A: Contact the On-Site Supervisor or Volunteer Coordinator to inform them of your late arrival as soon as possible. On-Site Supervisor and Volunteer Coordinator contact information is available on Galaxy Digital. Q:What happens if I miss a volunteer shift? A: If you find that you are unable to keep your commitment, please notify a Community Engagement team member as soon as possible to allow for alternative arrangements. Three or more unnotified absences may result in a review of their participation in the Pope Francis Center’s Volunteer Program. Q: Can I switch to a different volunteer role? A: We encourage volunteers to take advantage of our variety of opportunities to find those that are of interest and the best fit for their skillset. Q: How do I sign up for a team? A: Detailed instructions are provided in this link: How to sign up as a team Tyrie Goodner, Community Engagement & Volunteer Coordinator - Bridge Housing Campus - tyrie@pfc.org Paul Garceau, Volunteer Coordinator - Day Center - pgarceau@pfc.org Adrienne Polumbo, Director of Communiations - adrienne@pfc.org
Additional questions? Contact us!
