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Shaping Brighter Futures Through Volunteering

Where Every Child Can Thrive

Creating Pathways to Brighter Futures

Volunteer Guidelines

Welcome

Thank you for your support of Children’s Place Association! We are excited to welcome you to our community of volunteers, dedicated to supporting children and families in Chicago who face health and financial challenges.

With this Child Champion resource, we aim to provide you with valuable guidance and inspiration, equipping you to provide meaningful support to children in need. Should you require any assistance along your journey, please know that we are readily available to offer our support.

Once  again, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for joining us as champions for children and families. Together, we’re helping children and families overcome current challenges so they can pursue strong, healthy futures.

In deep gratitude,
Team Children’s Place Association

ABOUT CPA

Our Mission:
 Building a secure and hopeful today so children facing health issues and poverty succeed tomorrow.

Our Vision:
A world where every child thrives into adulthood, empowered to build strong communities.

Our History:
Children’s Place Association has partnered with local communities to support Chicago’s most vulnerable children since 1991. We provide stability, improve health access, and support families through essential services. There is still an urgent need to ensure children feel safe and have access to care. We’re grateful you’re part of this mission.

Our Programs

Child Thrive Our Resource Center supports children’s growth and well-being through mentoring, trauma-informed mental health care, primary care access, after-school enrichment, and summer mini-camps. (Volunteers needed in the afternoon and early evening.)

Early Education Our Early Learning Center and Home-Based programs serve children six weeks to five years old whose families face health conditions or disabilities. We offer on-site health services, personalized curriculum, and nurturing care. (Volunteers needed on weekdays.)

Adoption & Foster Care We match children with trained foster parents and facilitate adoptions for children who cannot reunite with birth families. Many children have medical or behavioral needs. (Volunteers rarely needed.)

Child & Family Support Services We support families facing trauma, health challenges, and financial hardship with housing, case management, mental health care, summer camps, and financial counseling. (Volunteers as needed.)

International Programs Children’s Place International partners with organizations in developing countries to expand access to health care, nutrition, and education. We collaborate with local partners abroad to expand access to health care, nutrition, and education for children.

Ways to Volunteer

Volunteer Experience
Join a welcoming, mission-driven community. As a volunteer, you:

  • Support vulnerable children across Chicago
  • Help address poverty and its impact
  • Make a direct difference in children’s lives
  • Provide vital support that shapes brighter futures

What is a CPA Child Champion?
 Child Champions are dedicated volunteers who share our mission. They raise awareness, share their talents, and support events and activities that strengthen families. Your time and effort are appreciated by the children and families we serve.

Note: Some roles may require background checks and fingerprinting.

How to Volunteer

Complete our survey to get started: www.childrens-place.org/volunteering
Questions? Email us: getinvolved@childrens-place.org

Help with filing, organizing, or classroom support. Volunteers who work with children are required to complete training.

Volunteer for youth- and family-focused program events throughout the year. Whether you have a few hours or a full day, your service matters.

Support fundraising events like our Annual Celebration, Place the Hope Gala, and more. Events raise essential funding and build awareness.

Help beautify our spaces or assemble kits and meals for families. Projects include painting, light repairs, and supply drives.

Join the Annual Celebration Committee, Junior Board, or Outreach & Engagement Committee. Your involvement helps shape our work.

Adopt-A-Family: Each holiday season, volunteers adopt families or help sort gifts. Recruitment begins in October, with delivery scheduled for December.

Back to School. In July and August, we gather supplies to prepare our kids for a successful school year.

Clothing Drive: Help collect clothing for children and adults in January or February.

Hygiene Drive: Support families with essential hygiene supplies as the warmer months approach. Drive runs in late spring.

Volunteer Requirements

Regular Volunteers (more than once a quarter):

  • A 90-minute trial shift is required before onboarding
  • Must complete DCFS background check, fingerprinting, and medical documentation (this could take up to six weeks)
  • Volunteers must always be with scheduled staff members

 

As-Needed Volunteers:

  • No formal volunteer orientation or screening is needed
  • Receive a general orientation and event-specific training onsite
  • The agency will not maintain individual files for these volunteers

 

Special Project Volunteers:

  • Receive orientation and training tailored to the duration and type of visit
  • Often includes short-term groups like college volunteers

 

CPA Staff and Clients Who Volunteer:

  • Must meet the same training and screening requirements as all other volunteers

  • Many of our children have complex medical needs or are in foster care, which requires specific guidelines.
  • Regular volunteers must complete Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) requirements:
    • Background check
    • Fingerprinting
    • Tuberculosis (TB) test
  • Volunteers will follow:
    • Children’s Place Association policies
    • Council on Accreditation (COA) standards
    • HR 6 guidelines
  • Additional requirements may include:
    • Proof of COVID-19 vaccination
    • Wearing masks onsite
    • Temperature checks upon arrival
  • All compliance expectations will be communicated before any volunteer activity.

Volunteers supplement but do not replace staff. They enhance programs under staff guidance and help extend our impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much time is required? Time commitment depends on your role. We appreciate any support you offer.

Who can volunteer? Most roles require volunteers to be at least 18 years old. Ask about age requirements for specific roles.

Can I volunteer to fulfill my community service hours? We are unable to provide court-appointed community service hours.

Last upated: July 2025