What hours can I volunteer?
Jessie's programming hours are Mondays and Tuesdays, 9:00am - 7:30pm, Tuesdays 9:00am - 7:00pm, Wednesdays and Thursdays 9:00am - 4:00pm. Jessie's is not open on Fridays, weekends or any other evenings.

Is there a minimum hour requirement?
Yes. We ask volunteers to commit to working 8 hours per month. If you are volunteering in the Nursery you will be able to sign-up for a shift according to the available shifts on the schedule.

How long will I volunteer at Jessie's?
We ask volunteers to commit to Jessie's for one year. During this time you will receive training, experience and have an opportunity to gain specialized skills.

What are the volunteer positions available at Jessie's?
Volunteers work in the Nursery (child care), The Swap Shop (organizing clothing and baby toys), The Labour Support program (experience is usually required although there are occasionally "no-experience" spots), Arts and Crafts, Reception, Respite Care program, help to take participants to appointments out in the community.

Volunteers are most often needed in the nursery. Experience is not required. We only ask that you enjoy working with children and complete the Nursery Orientation and other requirements.

We also welcome your ideas and skills. Please let us know if you have a skill that you would like to contribute to Jessie's.

Do volunteers need specific educational backgrounds or training?
No. We provide the necessary training for your volunteer position. In addition, we offer Volunteer In-Service Training courses throughout the year.

What support can you expect from Jessie's?
As a volunteer at Jessie's you can expect to receive an orientation to the centre as well as adequate training to help you carry out the responsibilities of the position. You will be provided with supervision and appropriate needed information relative to your position. Volunteers have a right to be heard when they have questions, suggestions and or comments and to receive a response. You are also entitled to receive respect, recognition and appreciation for volunteer efforts and contribution.

What does Jessie's expect from its volunteers?
A volunteer is, in turn, expected to be supportive of Jessie's statement of philosophy and goals, to participate in orientations and training required for their position, to be dependable, co-operative and accountable, to share ideas, questions and concerns appropriately, and to accord all others with respect and fair treatment.

Are volunteers involved in counselling or discussion groups?
Not usually. Jessie's has four counsellors who work with the young families and are involved in direct counselling. However Jessie's does occasionally utilize volunteers in running our group programs for teen mothers.

What is Jessie's philosophy and approach to teen pregnancy?
Jessie's is pro-choice. We accept without judgement the existence of teenage sexuality and support-informed choice concerning birth control, abortion, adoption and parenting. We are also committed to actively integrating our anti-discrimination philosophy into all aspects of our services and organization.