A willing heart is all you need.
Companion Volunteers
9:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Sit with a participant, listen, and simply be present.
Manna Crew
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Set the table, serve lunch, and share fellowship over the meal.
"So thankful God led me to the Hope Arbor ministry. It is such a blessing being with everyone. So rewarding."
— Volunteer
Volunteer Opportunities
Hope Arbor volunteers are the heart of our program. Whether you enjoy visiting with participants, assisting with activities, serving lunch, or helping behind the scenes, there are many ways to get involved.
There is no required weekly commitment. Volunteers choose a schedule that works for them and sign up for individual shifts. Some volunteers serve once a week, some once a month, and others just a few times each year.
While we offer flexibility, we do depend on volunteers to honor the dates they select so we can provide a consistent and welcoming experience for our participants and caregivers.
Current volunteers may use the calendar link to view available shifts and sign up for the dates that work best.
Volunteer Tips
Spending time with our Friends is a gift. A few simple practices — approaching with care, offering choices, asking opinion-based questions, and living in their reality — help every moment feel safe, dignified, and joyful.
Download our volunteer tips to learn more about how we engage with respect, encourage independence, and make Hope Arbor a warm place to be.
Volunteer Requirements
To keep our friends safe and our ministry strong, all Hope Arbor volunteers complete a few important steps before serving.
- Annual Hope Arbor training — a refresher on our program, expectations, and the heart behind our ministry.
- Background check — required for the safety and security of our participants and caregivers.
- Safe Sanctuary training — offered through Isle of Hope UMC to help every volunteer create a safe, welcoming environment.
Don't worry — we'll walk you through each step and make sure you feel prepared and confident before your first visit.
Share Your Story
One of our favorite ways to learn and connect is through the experiences of others. We welcome community members, caregivers, and volunteers to give a short 10–15 minute presentation on a topic they are passionate about.
Have you traveled somewhere interesting? Do you have a unique hobby or collection? Have you had an exciting career or learned a special skill? We'd love to hear about it!
Our friends enjoy learning new things and seeing the world through your eyes. Whether it's photos from a trip, stories from your profession, or a hobby you love, your presentation can spark conversation, memories, and joy.
Help us explore the world without leaving Hope Arbor — we'd love to live vicariously through you!
Sign up to volunteer
Ready to join the Hope Arbor family? We'd love to meet you. Send us a note at hopearbor@iohumc.com with a little about yourself, when you're available, and what draws your heart to this precious ministry.
Email hopearbor@iohumc.com