We know that:
96% of our Volunteers are here because they believe in our cause.
One-out-of-four Volunteers are here because their friends volunteer here.
Our 2011 volunteers enabled us to help over 22,000 families who needed work, financial assistance, and clothing. Volunteers served more than 2,000 homeless individuals, and fed over 16,000 of Houston’s hungry.
Volunteers provide the services and workforce required to make the organization a success. Volunteers are the front line workers. They are the interviewers who consult one on one with needy clients. They are the ones who stock the food pantry. They are the job search helpers. They are the retail store worker: cashiers, receptionists, greeters, sorters, and pricers. They are administrative helpers: administrative support to supervisors, computer support, data entry, etc.
Volunteers not only provide the manpower resources necessary to keep WHAM a successful operation but the organization also offers the volunteer an opportunity to serve the community. Volunteering provides a chance for retirees, students, and willing workers to meet others and to continue making use of their time, talents and experience. The volunteers utilize their personal skills to make a difference in the lives of so many. Volunteering is not “work” as we generally think of it, rather it is being part of a family.
We appreciate adults as well as student volunteers, especially those seeking credit for Service Projects.
PLEASE see the following Registration Forms (in PDF), to acquaint you with the process.
All forms must be submitted in person at your Orientation or may be faxed to 713-783-0761, ATTN: Volunteer Coordinator.
2011 Volunteer Application – Adult
2011 Volunteer Application – Student (Under 18)
GENERAL VOLUNTEERING GUIDELINES:
1. A parent must accompany an individual who is under 16 years of age.
2. Chaperones must be present for Group Class Projects at a ratio of one adult to eight students (1:8).
3. All parents must sign the WHAM Consent Form for students.
4. All prospective volunteers must attend an orientation. To schedule your oreintation, please contact Ella Clark, Volunteer Coordinator, at 713-343-0428 or via email.
5. Adult volunteers will be interviewed.
GROUP VOLUNTEERING GENERAL GUIDELINES:
Please have the following information ready to submit for registration:
1. Your name / Group Name / Contact Leader Name
2. School Name (if applicable), address, phone number, and website
3. Teacher Contact name, contact phone number, and email (if applicable)
4. Number in Group (if applicable)
5. Number of hours for project (whole hours only). Groups may receive special permission for a “Day” designated for Community Service.
6. Days requested for service – call for scheduling.
STUDENT VOLUNTEER GUIDELINES:
Please have these items upon arrival.
1. Student Application – Please fill out the form so that your name will be input properly and we can keep track of your hours at the designated department.
2. Code of Conduct – This form, usually on the back of the Application, lists the standards of conduct that all volunteers must agree to uphold. Please sign and date.
3. Parental Consent – All students must have this form signed by a Parent of Legal Guardian – Even if the parent is present and working with the student. Only a signature from a bona fide legal guardian or parent of a student will be accepted.
4. Media Release – All volunteers have the option to have their pictures published in our non-profit newsletter. Please choose the appropriate box when signing this form.
Thank you for donating your time, talent, and treasure to West Houston Assistance Ministries, Inc.
West Houston Assistance Ministries directs that the corporation shall keep correct and accurate books and records of account. In this regard WHAM needs your participation in tracking volunteer hours donated. Please make sure that you, your group, and your school administrators comply with WHAM recordkeeping procedures so that the safety of each volunteer is maintained, and an accurate account of each volunteer is achieved.