Volunteer

Volunteers Make a Difference
Volunteers play a vital role in the HOW community. You can make a difference by providing social support to clients, working with staff in our office, or providing rides to healthcare appointment on the Cape. Some volunteers work on a weekly basis; others work on specific events or serve on our “on-call” list for periodic projects. A few positions require special background or training. Most require only time, compassion and a willingness to learn a few basics. Bring your passion and share your skills!

Volunteer Intake Form

Volunteer Portal Login

In 2020, our volunteer recognition and appreciation event was virtual and set a new tradition for HOW. We hosted our first annual HOWIES Awards Ceremony to recognize HOW’s Inspirational & Exceptional Supporters.

Volunteer Positions Available:

Peer Wellness Coaching

What is Peer Wellness Coaching? As a Peer Wellness Coach (PWC), you will address a specific situation with each woman you empower, helping her to set and achieve her personal wellness goals.

Learn More about Peer Wellness Coaching, here

Transportation

Ever had to live without a car on Cape Cod? It’s tough! Drivers are needed to transport clients from their homes in Eastham, Wellfleet, Truro or Provincetown to medical appointments in Orleans, Hyannis or other Cape locations. Volunteers use their own cars, are covered by our insurance and are eligible for mileage reimbursement. Volunteers should have a valid driver’s license, a clean driving record and feel comfortable working with people from a wide variety of backgrounds.

Social Support

Help individual clients by providing social support with a home visit, a cup of coffee or to run an errand together. We can provide one-on-one matching for regular weekly or bi-weekly meetings. In other instances, we have client requests for specific projects such as organizing paperwork or help with the computer. These positions are usually 1-3 hour shifts, once a week/month, on a regular or periodic basis. This position is a good fit for those who have strong interpersonal skills and enjoy learning about other people.

Office Assistants

Help with general clerical/administrative tasks, such as copying, filing, data entry and/or routine phone calls. These positions are usually 3-4 hour shifts, once a week, on a regular basis. By helping with routine tasks, you free up our staff to work on more complex matters. This position is a good fit for those who have strong organizational and communication skills and excellent attention to detail.

Technology Assistants

We all know technology can be a bit frustrating! Sometimes, all we need is for another person to empathize and troubleshoot along with us. Work one-on-one with clients to help with basic technology skills, including sending emails, adjusting tablet settings, using Zoom, and more. All Tech Assistants will receive training to help with these skills. It is not expected that our Tech Assistants can fix every tech problem that may come their way- we provide help only with basic tasks. But seeing friendly face and getting help with these tasks makes a huge difference to our clients.

Americorps Vista (Volunteers in Service to America)

Americorps Vista is a national service program that places individuals in full-time, one-year service positions with non-profit organizations and public agencies to build and expand programs that address poverty with focus areas like “Healthy Futures.” Unlike other AmeriCorps programs focused on direct service, VISTA members build capacity through activities like volunteer management, and resource development to create sustainable, long-term solutions.

HOW’s Americorps VISTA program began in 2018 with approval for one full-time volunteer to help HOW build capacity in our Volunteer program. Americorps VISTA volunteers receive a daily living allowance and an education award at the end of their year of service. In 2020, we were approved for a second VISTA position focused on Food Access, just in time for the COVID-19 pandemic and related food insecurity concerns. HOW now serves as an Intermediary and receives direct funding to support our Volunteer Coordinator’s work with Americorps VISTA volunteers serving at HOW, as well as at other community agencies with whom we partner.

2024 Volunteer of the Year: Julie Britt

“Julie came to us as a potential board member with an impressive resume. But her resume doesn’t begin to describe her. Volunteers come in many forms. Julie is unique.

From the get-go, she hit the ground running. Not just running, but leaping into projects that resulted in the design, project management and culmination of our bookend offices.

And running is a theme with Julie. She volunteered (perhaps voluntold) her nephew to run the Boston Marathon last year to raise money for HOW. Julie and I shared that day with our nephews and families. I’m so happy we could join forces that day.

Julie doesn’t take no for an answer, but she knows how to say no when it comes to dollars, budget limits and what is feasible.

She has an intrinsic sense of wonder. With her imagination, she envisions possibilities yet to come. She makes us better.

We are honored to celebrate Julie as our volunteer of the year.” – Marianne Thomas, Vice Chair of the HOW Board & Volunteer Chair of the Volunteer Committee “The Kindness Crew”