Access to childcare is a common barrier that can prevent clients—especially newcomer women—from participating in programs that support their self-sufficiency. To help address this, ReEstablish Richmond provides childcare during in-person programming, with services available for children ages 6 months–5 years on school days and up to age 10 when school is out. Childcare volunteers play a vital role in creating a welcoming, safe space for children while their parents attend classes like English, sewing, or wellness sessions.

General Expectation-

• Volunteers will sign-up for a childcare shift via Sign-up Genius. Volunteers will receive a reminder from the Newcomer Education Team ahead of time with expectations of where and when to show up.

• For all programs, ReEstablish Richmond staff, interns, or contract childcare workers will act as the lead childcare person at each program, volunteers are there in a support role. Volunteers should never be left alone with children and should contact a staff member if there are not the appropriate amount of adults per number of children.

• Volunteers are not expected to teach or lead any programming for children. Activities may include- playing with toys, reading books, singing songs, playing on a playground, snack time, and other kids activities.

• Volunteers are expected to care for children with patience, attentiveness, and inclusivity, and without judgement or preference.

• Children can often be in distress the first few weeks of a class as many have not spent much time away from their parents. Volunteers are expected to react calmly, creatively, and patiently as they create a welcome environment for children. Children should stay in the childcare area as much as possible unless there is an emergency or a significant upset to child wellbeing.

• Volunteers should never take photos of children and never post photos of children online.

• Volunteers should report their volunteer hours.

Time Commitment-

• 2-3 hours depending on the length of the class. Partial shifts are possible but not preferred. Classes generally take place on weekday mornings or afternoons.

Communication-

• Volunteers are expected to communicate any scheduling changes as soon as possible to the Newcomer Education Team.

• If volunteers experience any abuse, neglect, or other concerning behaviors or incidents, they should report it to a full-time staff member in a prompt manner.

Boundaries-

• Volunteers should never take photos of children and never post photos of children online.

• Volunteers should take care touching or holding children unnecessarily or without the child’s consent.

Please read the following resources before volunteering:

Guidelines for Childcare Volunteers

Basic Principles

Trauma Informed Care for Refugee Youth

As a driver volunteer, you’ll use your own vehicle to pick up and drop off clients attending classes and events, helping them access vital educational opportunities.

Please review our Driving Guidelines before volunteering.

General Expectations-

• Please keep all client information confidential. Drivers will receive an email before a class/event that provides assignment dates, times, location, and a list of clients by name, address, phone number, primary language, and number/age of children. Please do not share this information with anyone. 

• Car seats are not commonly used in our clients’ countries of origin, but they are important safety measures that are legally required here. As a reminder, the driver is legally responsible for the safety of all children riding in the car. Drivers must be familiar with the age/size ranges associated with each type of car seat, as well as how to properly secure the car seat in the van and the child in the car seat. However, Parents are responsible to provide age- or developmentally appropriate car seats for their children. 

• Clients and/or children who are ill may not be transported to ReEstablish Richmond programming. If there is any question or ambiguity at the time of pickup, the volunteer driver should contact the ReEstablish Richmond staff member overseeing the class immediately by phone.  

• Please report all volunteer hours.

Time Commitment-

• 1-3 hours a week, depending on what times you have signed up for on Sign-Up Genius. Transporting clients to and from classes is greatly appreciated if schedule allows.

• Plan your time generously, allowing your schedule to accommodate longer-than-expected pick-up times.

Communication-

• If you are not able to drive when you had signed-up, please communicate with the Newcomer Education and Volunteer Engagement Teams as soon as possible.

• If things do not go as planned, your primary point of contact is the staff member/supervisor who gave you the driving assignment.  

• Last-minute changes are common. Confirm your route the morning of each assignment. Stay in touch with the ReEstablish Richmond staff person responsible for coordinating transportation logistics. 

• Interact with clients as appropriate. Driving with clients can be a great time to strengthen their English skills and practice what they have learned in classes. See Communications Guidelines for more information.

Boundaries-

• Only the assigned persons and their assigned children should be transported to ReEstablish Richmond programming. We do not have liability releases signed by people who are not registered clients in this specific service. If the client insists that people not on the list get in your vehicle, please know that as the driver you can say, “I am sorry, I am not allowed to drive people who are not on the list. This is ReEstablish Richmond’s policy. If you want to participate in a class with ReEstablish Richmond in the future (or attend this program), you can fill out the referral form on our website.” (Note: This does NOT mean that the client will be immediately added to the current class.)

• If the client does not have the appropriate car seat for their child’s age/size, you must also say, “Parents are responsible to provide the appropriate car seat for their children. I am not allowed to transport children in the van unless they have the appropriate car seat. This is ReEstablish Richmond’s policy. If you have a neighbor or someone that you can borrow from, you can try that. I can wait 3-4 minutes.” 

• If a client asks you to make an additional stop that is not on your route, please tell them that you are not allowed to make additional stops.

Sewing Program Volunteer – Heela Level 1 
Support newcomer women as they build skills toward employment and self-sufficiency through sewing. Volunteers commit to at least 1–2 hours per week for 6–11 weeks, delivering sewing kits and materials to clients' homes (primarily in the West End) and checking on their progress. The initial drop-off includes a sewing machine (approx. 12 lbs). Volunteers with sewing experience may also offer guidance on projects; those without can relay questions to the program director. Volunteers must be comfortable navigating language barriers, lifting light equipment, and climbing stairs. Your involvement helps clients gain confidence, practical skills, and connections that extend beyond the classroom. 

Sewing Instructor/Volunteer – Heela Level 2 

Join our Heela Level 2 course and help newcomer women take the next step toward employment and self-sufficiency through sewing. Volunteers commit to 3.5 hours per week over 10 weeks, supporting weekly in-person classes in Henrico. You’ll assist with classroom setup, provide one-on-one guidance, and help students troubleshoot their sewing projects without doing the work for them. Strong sewing skills are required, and teaching experience is preferred. Volunteers must be comfortable navigating language barriers. Your support plays a vital role in helping students earn a certificate and build confidence through skill-building and connection. 

For some programs, we utilize volunteers to support teachers in the classroom. Training will be provided on-site for each specific class.

Conversation Cafe is currently done in partnership with Third Church alongside their immigrant youth tutoring program. The atmosphere is a relaxed environment for upper beginner and intermediate speakers can practice and improve their English. Staff will organize and provide guidance and prompts to volunteers at each session. Please see the Building Cultural Awareness page and Communication with non-primary English Speakers for more information.

Volunteers are crucial to helping make our events successful. Make sure to check emails leading up to events and read details carefully!

Guidelines for Events:

• Always defer to ReEstablish Richmond staff with any questions or concerns.

• Please stay for the duration of your volunteer shift. If you need to leave early, please make sure to notify staff.

• Be present for the event, you are our eyes and ears during larger events helping us address issues and keeping participants safe.

For Outdoor Events:

• Dress comfortably for the weather, wear good shoes.

• Bring extra water, sunscreen, snacks, anything else you think you might need.

Please review these event safety guidelines before an event.