Volunteer

Do you enjoy working teenagers? Become a CH/LSS Youth Retreat volunteer! Make a difference in the lives of children aged 13-17.

We are seeking volunteers to chaperone a weekend-long retreat for youth aged 13-17 currently in foster care or who have been adopted through foster care. Volunteers will spend the afternoon of Friday, October 10^th through Sunday, October 12^th with CH/LSS staff and youth at Lutheran Social Service’s Camp Knutson. Volunteers will provide oversight of and support to youth throughout the weekend, participate in fun activities, and chaperone cabins. A mandatory pre-event training will occur live via Zoom and will be recorded to provide some additional context and education about what to expect.

Details:

• Who: Individuals, age 18+, who can pass a mandatory background check. LSS is especially seeking individuals who have experience working with or caring for foster/adoptive youth, and who enjoy spending time with teenagers.

• When: late afternoon on Friday, October 10^th through Sunday, October 12^th

• Where: Lutheran Social Service’s Camp Knutson

For more information or to sign up, contact Community Engagement Coordinator, Sam Brannon, at [email protected] or 651.255.2212

Are you looking for a meaningful way to connect with your team and give back to the community? Gather friends, co-workers, or family members for a group volunteer experience with CH/LSS!

We will provide an overview presentation about Foster Care and Adoption, an office tour, and space to complete a meaningful project that directly benefits those we serve. Options include making tie-blankets, donation sorting, or creating hygiene kits. These are simple, yet impactful ways to support children and families in our community.

Details:

• This volunteer opportunity is intended for groups of up to 20 individuals, ages 16 and older.
• Timing is flexible! Generally, two hours during the business day, Monday-Friday.
• Location: Children’s Home Main Office, 1605 Eustis Street, St. Paul, MN 55108.
• Contact Program Coordinator, Sam Brannon, at [email protected] or 651.255.2212 to inquire.

If your group falls outside these parameters, please contact us at [email protected]. We may be able to accommodate on a case-by-case basis.

Are you good at organizing? We are in need of volunteers to help with sorting, organizing, and managing our in-kind donations through our Community Closet.

Your efforts will directly impact our ability to efficiently distribute in-kind items to those we serve. Items may include holiday gifts for youth in foster care, licensing kits for relative caregivers, and more.

Details:

• This volunteer opportunity is for individuals or small groups of 2-3, ages 18 and over.
• Timing is flexible! Generally business hours, Monday-Friday.
• Location: Children’s Home Main Office, 1605 Eustis Street, Saint Paul, MN 55108.
• Contact Program Coordinator, Sam Brannon, at [email protected] or 651.255.2212 to inquire. 

Are you looking to gain experience in translation? We are need of volunteers to assist with Korean-to-English written translations. Your efforts will directly impact the needs of Korean adoptees!

• This opportunity is open to individuals who are 18 and older. Volunteers must be able to complete a test translation.
• Timing is flexible! You can work on your own time. One to two translations will be needed per month.
• Location: You may work remotely at your desired location. Communications will be conducted via email.
• Contact Program Coordinator, Sam Brannon at [email protected] or 651.255.2212 to inquire.

We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to support our annual Back to School Bash on August 21st from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. This event benefits youth in foster care, including those cared for by relatives and kinship caregivers. Each child will receive a backpack and school supplies. Families will also have the chance to connect with community resources and enjoy a light dinner. The event will feature fun activities including face painting, games, and even certified therapy llamas to help ease the stress of the upcoming school year.

Volunteer Roles Include:

• Assisting with registration and check-in
• Managing activity and game stations
• Overseeing the food
• Acting as personal shoppers for school supplies

Set-Up Support:

Volunteers are also needed for the event set-up on August 20th from 12:00pm to 4:00pm.

Can’t Volunteer but Still Want to Help?

Support our School Supply Drive! Items received from the school supply drive will be provided to youth at the Back to School Bash.

Eligibility:

• Adults aged 18+
• Adoptees aged 16–17 are also welcome to volunteer
• Individuals with experience working with children or with foster care and adoption are especially encouraged to participate

Location:

• Children’s Home & LSS office located at 1605 Eustis Street, Saint Paul, MN 55108

Interested in Volunteering? Please contact our Community Engagement Coordinator, Sam Brannon, at [email protected] or 651-255-2212.

Do you have the gift of photography? Can you help capture moments and share the stories of CH/LSS and the people we serve? Become a CH/LSS volunteer photographer!

Volunteer photographers will assist in capturing moments at a variety of events including Back to School Bash, family and community events. You will play a vital role in documenting our work and engaging our community.

Details:

• This opportunity is for photographers who are 18 years and older who are proficient in basic photography techniques, able to utilize their own equipment, and provide digital images.
• Dates vary. Please connect with us if interested and we will let you know about upcoming events.
• Location: Children’s Home Main Office, 1605 Eustis Street, Saint Paul, MN 55108 or event location.
• Contact Program Coordinator, Sam Brannon, at [email protected] or 651.255.2212 to inquire.

Are you detail-oriented? Do you want to make a meaningful impact by helping us organize and digitize important documents? Become a CH/LSS scanning volunteer!

Volunteers will assist with scanning and digitizing paper adoption records. Your efforts will provide a valuable service to the entire adoption team, adoptive families, adoptees, and birth families. Training will be provided in how to use the office scanners and any other technology that may be needed.

Details:

• This opportunity is for individuals who are 18 and older.
• Timing is flexible! We can work around your schedule and availability within standard business hours, Monday-Friday, from 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
• Location: Children’s Home Main Office, 1605 Eustis St., St. Paul, MN 55108.
• Contact Program Coordinator, Sam Brannon at [email protected] or 651.255.2212 to inquire.

We’re seeking enthusiastic volunteers to support our Adoption Information Fair on August 2nd from 9:00am to 12:00pm. This family-friendly event is designed for individuals and families at all stages of the adoption and foster care journey, from those just beginning to explore their options to those further along the path.

Event Highlights:

• Therapy Llamas – attendees can meet and mingle with these gentle companions!
• Games & Giveaways.
• Talk with Families – attendees can hear real stories from those who have fostered or adopted.
• Staff Consultations – attendees will have the opportunity to speak one-on-one with adoption and foster care professionals.
• Adoptee Resource Table – opportunity to explore helpful tools and materials.
• Learn the Process – attendees will learn about timelines, fees, and what to expect.
• Kidsave Colombia special guest speaker.

Volunteer Roles:

• Assisting with registration and check-in
• Greeting and guiding guests at the front entrance
• Managing activity and game stations
• Overseeing food and refreshments

Eligibility:

• Adults aged 18+
• Adoptees aged 16–17 are also welcome to volunteer
• Individuals with experience working with foster care and adoption are especially encouraged to participate

Location:

Children’s Home & LSS office located at 1605 Eustis Street, Saint Paul, MN 55108

Interested in Volunteering? Please contact our Community Engagement Coordinator, Sam Brannon, at [email protected] or 651-255-2212.