Empowering Families Through Volunteer Action

FamilyWise volunteers are essential to the work we do. We are honored that our interns, parent mentors, board members, support group facilitators, and so many other volunteers generously contribute their time and talent to help us strengthen families across Minnesota.  

One of our incredible volunteers is Olivia, who moved to the Twin Cities right before the pandemic. COVID-19 closures and social distancing made it difficult to create connections in her new home. She decided to take it upon herself to build those connections to the community and made a resolution to volunteer once a month. 

Finding FamilyWise on the HandsOn Twin Cities website, our mission resonated with her. “I value how FamilyWise supports families here and now, and how FamilyWise works with families to grow their agency and self-advocacy for the future,” says Olivia.  

Olivia has volunteered with us through the seasons, from being a Helper Elf during our Gifts of Community drop-offs to managing a raffle table at our annual Fundraiser for Family Wellbeing.  

While Olivia is just one example of how someone can volunteer at FamilyWise, she highlights something all our volunteers share: – a desire to come together with others to create lasting change for children and families in our community. Last year 43 volunteers contributed 2,657 hours of their time to support our mission. Want to join them? There are many ways you can make an impact as a FamilyWise volunteer: 

    • Find our current event and in-kind volunteer openings on HandsOn Twin Cities. 
    • Support a young parent in your community by becoming a parent mentor. 
    • Join our team of interns who support our programs while learning about the social services sector. 
    • Lend your professional expertise to support us in making strategic decisions for our organization by joining our board. 
    • Build community and equip other parents to lead by becoming a Circle of Parents support group facilitator. 
    • Connect with us about volunteer opportunities by filling out our volunteer interest form. 
A mom and two children stand with a cart piled with black trash bags filled with gifts.

Gifts of Community helper elves

Two FamilyWise staff talk to a potential volunteer

FamilyWise staff connecting with future volunteers.