Volunteer: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the least or most amount of time I can volunteer?
If you sign up for a volunteer shift, we ask that you commit to the entire 4-hour shift we have available. However, if you are not able to stay the 4 hours, we ask that volunteers be able to stay for a minimum of 2 hours (approved and trained).
Q: Is there a training I have to do?
Yes. To be able to equip you as best as possible in the areas in which you would like to volunteer, we do provide a short training/orientation either before or on the date of your chosen volunteer date here: SA Hope Center (galaxydigital.com)
This usually takes about 15 - 30 minutes.
Q: Is there parking available?
Yes. There is plenty of parking available, but we also encourage large volunteer groups to carpool when possible. We request that you please park along the building by the murals.
Q: Is SA Hope Center able to accommodate the special needs of disabled volunteers?
Yes. We work on a situation-by-situation basis. Please call our volunteer coordinator at 210 640 2879 or email at volunteer@sahopecenter.org for more information.
Q: I am a program participant and would like to volunteer, how do I get started?
Although we are grateful for your willingness to volunteer at our center, we are not able to accommodate program participants at this time. However, we do have ideas on how you can help further our mission to help our community by clicking here: How can Program Participants Give Back? ENG & SPA by SA Hope Center
Q: Do you provide documented proof of volunteer hours?
By filling out a volunteer application each volunteer will create a volunteer profile. As each volunteer checks in and checks out for each scheduled volunteer service day, hours are calculated and tracked both by the system and the volunteer coordinator.
Proof of hours completed can be reviewed by each volunteer and can then be printed out for documentation.
All requests for a written verification letter from the SAHC must be made directly to the volunteer coordinator at volunteer@sahopecenter.org. For confidentiality reasons, verifications will only be released to the individual making the request and not to schools, community groups, or other service organizations.
To ensure your hours are accurately counted, please make sure you always check in and check out before and after your volunteer service.
Q. I need to do court-mandated community service. Am I able to volunteer at your organization?
At this time we are not able to accommodate cour-ordered community services but we can provide you with
Below is a list of agencies that offer Court Appointed Community Service Opportunities. Please review the below and connect with these agencies directly.
Alpha Home, Inc
Agency Volunteer Staff Contact: Megan Ramirez/Nangie Lowrie
Process for court-appointed volunteers to serve:
- Call 210-735-3822 and state they are needing to complete community service
- Inform staff of crime, number of hours needing completed, availability
- We do not accept community service for sex crimes, crimes against women/children, or any violent crimes
- Set up time/date to come into start-will sign 2 documents when arriving
- Must provide ID/drivers license and paperwork from a probation officer
- Must be 18+ years old
Texas Diaper Bank
Click the link below to sign up:
https://www.cervistech.com/acts/console.php?console_id=0324&console_type=event&ht=1
Please bring 1 form of ID and the court-ordered community service form to track hours and verify the information.
Email: volunteer@texasdiaperbank.org
Phone Number: 210-731-8118 ext. 307
SAMMinistries
Court Appointed volunteers can donate $5 per hour needed to SAMMinistries accounting department and you will receive a letter that is equivalent.
This is anytime Monday-Friday 8:00am-11:00am or 2:00pm-5:00pm
Contacts: Jose Alberto or Barbara Combs at 5254 Blanco Road behind the Furniture For A Cause store.
San Antonio Youth Literacy
- Laura Nygaard – laura.nygaard@sayl.org or (210) 299-1533 ext. 105
- Volunteers must complete an online application (http://www.sayl.org/reading-buddy-application/) and complete 90-minute training as well as a criminal background check.
- Other volunteer opportunities may also be available and they should contact me directly for the current opportunities we offer.
Habitat for Humanity
Court-appointed volunteer service opportunities are available at Habitat Home Center located at:
- 311 Probandt St., 78204
Hours of operation are: Mon-Fri 8 am-6 pm and Sat 9 am-5 pm.
Requirements:
- Must be 18 years or older
- Must provide a minimum of 4 hours of service
- Must wear closed-toed tennis shoes
Offenses NOT acceptable are:
- Theft
- Burglary
- Robbery
- Assault
Questions please contact Sarah Arredondo at homecenter@habitatsa.org or Regina at ReginaM@HabitatSA.org will be contacts for those needing to complete their hours
San Antonio Food Bank - Click Here
San Antonio Parks and Recreation - Call 210-207-8700 or email parkvolunteer@sanantonio.gov
Work Out Help Out
Agency Volunteer Staff Contact: Karl@workouthelpout.org
Process:
- go to www.workouthelpout.org
- Click on “Events”
- select your event and click the “Sign Up” button
- complete the registration process (insert name and email to register as a guest)
disABILITYsa
- Agency Volunteer Staff Contact: Janice Perez volunteer@disabilitysa.org
- Website or Process for court-appointed volunteers to serve their hours: complete the online form and disABILITYsa will schedule a mutually available time for service hours.
