GET INVOLVED
Volunteers are essential to the success of PATH.
For many recipients, the encounters they have with volunteers at PATH are just as important as the assistance they come to receive. By volunteering at PATH, you will make a difference in the life of a person in need.
Volunteering at PATH is a one-of-a-kind experience based on compassion, respect and dignity. During your volunteer shift, you will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to those listed below. Only through your efforts can PATH achieve our mission to offer hope and help to our neighbors in need and we are so grateful for all of our volunteers and look forward to the time we get to spend and serve together. All volunteers must schedule in advance – no “walk-in” volunteers are accepted.
In order to meet the needs of all of our volunteers and create a more engaged community, PATH provides numerous volunteer opportunities for groups of all sizes. Whether you are in individual, a family or a corporation, PATH is ready to work together with you to create a better community!
Food Pantry
Volunteer activities include assisting with pantry selections, stocking inventory, sorting items, cart running, unloading trucks and other necessary tasks integral to the operation of PATH’s pantry. Compassion, patience, a heart to serve and comfort with interacting with a diverse group of clients, staff, donors and volunteers are qualities PATH seeks in our Food Pantry volunteers.
PATH has 2 shifts for Food Pantry Volunteers on a daily basis: 8 am-1 pm and 1 pm-6 pm, Monday – Thursday. Flexible schedules and hours can also be arranged with the Volunteer Coordinator.
High School and College community volunteer service hours can also be served in our Food Pantry.
Casework
Caseworkers work one-on-one with clients to build wellbeing in their lives and help people achieve their life goals.
These meetings start with private conversations with families or individuals about their current situation and needs. Under the supervision of PATH’s experienced staff, caseworkers listen, provide encouragement, gather information and help to connect the client with PATH resources or referrals elsewhere in the community. The caseworker is responsible for accurately updating the records for each family in our web-based software Charity Tracker after each visit. Basic computer skills, excellent listening skills and attention to details are requirements for this volunteer position.
Typically these positions are scheduled for a 5-hour shift (8 am – 1 pm, or 1 pm – 6 pm) on a weekly basis, but scheduling can be flexible.
Caseworkers must be 18 years of age or older.
Reception
Volunteer receptionists are the first faces our neighbors and visitors encounter at PATH. They offer a smile and a friendly greeting to everyone entering our doors, including donors, collaborating partners, and most importantly, our neighbors in need seeking assistance. Working with PATH staff, receptionists’ direct visitors to the appropriate staff members, take basic information from the client, provide information about PATH services, and offer encouragement and support.
There are times when the receptionist may deal with heavy traffic, especially at the beginning of the month or when certain assistance programs open. The receptionist serves as a calming presence and upholds PATH’s values and mission. Basic computer skills, excellent organizational skills, dependability and comfort with people under stress are all important attributes of a PATH receptionist.
Typically, these positions are scheduled for a 5-hour shift (8 am – 1 pm, or 1 pm – 6 pm) on a weekly basis, but scheduling can be flexible and hours can be arranged with the Volunteer Coordinator.
Receptionists must be 18 years or older.
PATH Community Homes
PATH owns 52 rental homes in Tyler that need year-round maintenance.
Skilled and unskilled volunteers, under the supervision of experienced staff, tackle maintenance, repair and renovation tasks.
This position is a great opportunity for an individual or groups of volunteers from schools, civic organizations, businesses or churches. We welcome volunteers on a recurring or one-time basis.
Volunteers must be 15 or older to volunteer. Volunteers under the age of 18 are accepted with adult supervision.
Special Projects
Special drives offer community service opportunities outside traditional work hours. These can be great chances for groups from offices, schools, teams and churches to serve and grow together.
For information on how to host a seasonal or food drive, contact development@pathhelps.org.
