Volunteer

"To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world."

-Anonymous

Volunteers are an essential part of our children's life. We know you will find an amazing and rewarding volunteer experience at CHS. We pride ourselves in finding the best way you can dedicate your time, whether it is a one-time service or throughout the year.

The children you can make a difference to have significant developmental disabilities with limited verbal communication. Occasionally, there are also infants awaiting adoption. Our children enjoy visitors and love "extra" attention that a friend or family member would provide.

Our children enjoy being read to, going to the park, sitting outside, hand-on-hand assistance with arts and crafts activities, games and listening to music. Volunteers can enrich the life and wellbeing of each child by filling the role of friend, tutor, or mentor.

We welcome applications from volunteers age 16 and above. Children under the age of 16 are welcome but required to be accompanied by an adult.

"Help Out"

Help our staff take children out in the community for ice skating, trips to the zoo, park, concerts and more.

One-on-One Interaction

Come visit a child to read, help with "hand-on-hand" coloring, arts and crafts, sit outside-any time to make a difference in the daily lives of our children Since our children attend school during the day, volunteers serving in this way would need to be available during the afternoon, evenings and/or weekends.

Guardian Angel Program

Guardian Angels dedicate their time and energy to one child. We expect our volunteers who participate in this program to make a commitment to their child. Examples are:

• attend important events in their child's life such as birthday parties and holiday activities
• familiarize themselves with their child's academic, therapeutic and behavioral goals and assist them in achieving them
• embrace and encourage their child's interests and abilities
• visit their child at least four times a month

Special Events

Think you may be more suited for a committee? We have a number of areas you could donate your time to help us plan special fundraising events, coordinate our Holiday Wishes program, or special occasions to celebrate our children.

Professional Services

Do you like hands-on work? Perhaps you have an area of expertise you could lend-hairdresser, photographer, landscaper, craftsman, designer decorator…we have a place for your talent!

Office Assistants/Interns

Our administrative staff is small and always in need of additional hands to send out mailings, file records, and generally lighten the load for our hard-working team. Volunteers are greatly appreciated in assisting with various clerical needs.

We also offer an internship program and are happy to work with your school to accommodate your academic and scheduling needs.

For more information, please see the How to Volunteer page, or contact us at volunteer@chsmo.org or 314.968.2350 x226