In Crisis
CAP is always excited to welcome volunteers, and we have many areas where your skills and talents would make an impact in our community! Please note that most in-person CAP volunteer activities require three background clearances (Child Abuse, Criminal, and FBI). If you do not have these clearances, CAP will provide forms and related information about the application process.
From one hour to a full day, and from one-time opportunities to recurring visits, we can help you find an opportunity that works for you and supports your neighbors. Below is a summary of the volunteer opportunities available through CAP, and if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at volunteers@caplanc.org.
Volunteer Opportunities
One-time CAP Opportunities
We offer one-time volunteer opportunities, like paint refreshes at our facilities, Nature’s Classroom clean-ups, food donations, etc., which can be great for individuals or groups!
Crispus Attucks Community Center and Choice Pantry
Crispus Attucks Community Center is a cultural hub that creates equitable community by honoring African American history, elevating the Black experience, and caring for our neighbors. Through programs and events that promote community prosperity, we are carrying on a nearly century-old legacy of advocacy and resource offerings in southeast Lancaster City.
The Center welcomes volunteers for the Choice Food Pantry every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month. Volunteers will help to unload the truck, organize the food, and distribute food.
Domestic Violence Services of Lancaster County
Domestic Violence Services of Lancaster County (DVS) has been the sole dedicated provider of services to survivors of domestic violence and their families in Lancaster County for nearly 50 years, supporting them in accessing community resources on their journey to healing and a life free from violence.
Direct service volunteers are required to complete a 45-Hour DVS Advocate Training. Twenty (20) hours are completed online at your own pace, followed by 20 hours of live group training (in person or online). When these hours are completed, each participant completes five (5) hours of hands-on observation with the DVS team. The training is offered two times each year, in the spring and the fall. We currently have opportunities for Counselor Advocate Volunteers, Family Program Volunteers, Legal Advocacy Volunteers, Community Outreach Volunteers, Community Education Volunteers, and Resident Assistant Volunteers, the descriptions for which can be found on the DVS volunteer application.
Volunteering with DVS requires interested folks to complete a DVS volunteer application, provide two references, and acquire three background clearances.
Poverty Simulations
Poverty simulations are a series of role-playing scenarios that give participants the opportunity to learn about the realities of poverty and its impact on society as a whole. Participants adopt a new persona and family profile for the purpose of the exercise.
We’re always looking for volunteers who would be interested in helping! The volunteer will hold a unique role within the simulation as a “vendor” in the community to support the families in accomplishing their goals on their journey. Simulations are usually about 2.5 hours long and are scheduled throughout the year all over Lancaster County and sometimes further. Transportation can be arranged.
Thrive to Five
Thrive to Five coordinates high-quality early education opportunities for children ages birth to five years from income-eligible families through child care and pre-kindergarten classrooms in early learning centers and school districts throughout Lancaster County.
You would be working with children and teachers in classrooms throughout Lancaster County, and activities may include reading out loud, helping around the classroom, and more depending on need.