Volunteer
General Volunteer Help
You can volunteer for COTS in many ways, and we appreciate all types of skills and areas of expertise. COTS volunteer needs are constantly changing, so if you’d like to stay up-to-date on our volunteer opportunities, we encourage you to fill out our brief volunteer application to keep you on our volunteer list.
Mental health and well-being support at COTS Family Shelters
Volunteers can be community members or organizations. You can create in-the-moment connections through activities or support families in connecting to resources in the community. If you would like to help, please include which of these opportunities you are interested in, and why.
Afterschool Mentor
Where: COTS Family Shelter, 278 Main Street Burlington, VT
When: Monday-Friday 4 pm to 6 pm (flexible)
Who: Adults 18+, background check needed, experience working with children and youth
What: As an Afterschool Mentor you will work and play with school-age youth in shelter. Youth may want to complete homework or have fun, your job is to follow their lead while being a positive role model. Preparing activities ahead of time is not required and may not be suitable for all youth.
Respite Provider
Where: COTS Family Shelter, 278 Main Street Burlington, VT
When: anytime Monday-Friday 9 am to 9 pm (flexible, based on need)
Who: Adults 18+, background check needed, experience working with infants and young children
What: As a Respite Provider, you will provide short-term respite (up to 2 hours) for 1-2 children living in shelter. Caregivers will remain in shelter and be available to assist when needed during respite. A COTS staff member will be present for support. The family will provide supplies and food as needed for the duration of the respite.
Activity Facilitator
Where: COTS Family Shelter, 278 Main Street Burlington, VT
When: Monday-Friday 4 pm to 8 pm (flexible) or anytime on the weekends
Who: Adults 18+, background check needed, experience working in education or mental health
What: As an Activity Facilitator, you will prepare and facilitate a short activity (up to 2 hours) for our families in shelter. Possible activities include arts and crafts for all ages, social and emotional learning for youth, and much more! Ideal activities will promote mental health and well-being, child development, and social connection.
