Volunteer

Children sharing a meal together outside with a host family.

Be a Host Family

Host Families voluntarily take in children for short periods of time. They are screened and approved by our staff.

Host families welcome a child into their home for a short season, giving parents the breathing room they need to stabilize housing, employment, or health so their family can stay together. Hosting is voluntary on both sides and every stay is supported by a trained team and a written agreement. Training, background checks, and ongoing support are provided so you can host with confidence.

A volunteer family friend smiling with a child and a stuffed animal.

Be a Family Friend

A volunteer who provides support to families facing social isolation — mentoring, temporary transportation, a listening ear, and friendship — and support to Host Families.

Family Friends walk alongside a parent as a consistent, caring presence, offering practical help like meals, tutoring, transportation, or a listening ear. You choose the level of involvement that fits your life, from a few hours a month to a more regular commitment, all while being coached and supported by a Family Coach.

A family coach smiling while talking with a parent.

Be a Family Coach

Skilled volunteers who help families reach their goals. Family Coaches also provide support to Family Friends and Host Families.

Family Coaches lead a Circle of Support around a parent, helping set goals, connect resources, and coordinate the volunteers who are helping the family. Coaches receive specialized training and ongoing supervision, making this a great fit for volunteers who want a deeper, hands-on leadership role.

Be a Resource Friend

A volunteer who provides tangible support through goods and services for Host Families and other volunteers — cribs, clothing, strollers, healthcare, day care, or mechanical work, for instance.

Resource Friends step in for a specific, short-term need, such as a meal, a ride, a repair, tutoring, or professional expertise. This role is ideal for volunteers with limited or unpredictable schedules who still want to make a meaningful difference for a family in crisis.

A child looking thoughtfully toward the camera.

Be a Prayer Partner

Commit to praying regularly for families, volunteers, and staff across the Safe Families network.

Prayer Partners receive regular, confidential prayer requests and updates so they can intercede for families in crisis, host families, coaches, and staff. It is a powerful way to serve from anywhere, at any time, and is often the first step for those exploring how to get involved.

A ministry lead talking with a volunteer inside a church sanctuary.

Be a Ministry Lead

This congregation member ensures that the Safe Families ministry is part of the church’s outreach or compassion structure.

Ministry Leads host informational events, recruit and train volunteers from their congregation, and provide a home base of support for hosting families and Circles of Support. Safe Families staff work directly with your church leadership to launch and sustain the partnership.

Colored pencils in a classroom, representing school partnerships.

Be a Safe Families School

Partner your school to identify families in need early and connect them with a caring circle of support.

Partner schools train staff to recognize the signs of family crisis and refer parents to Safe Families before small struggles become emergencies. This early-intervention partnership helps keep students stable at school while their family gets connected to community support.