Volunteer

Volunteer Philosophy

Community involvement is at the heart of our mission to bring stability and purpose to people experiencing homelessness. We work to create meaningful ways for everyone to support and strengthen our mission through volunteering. Whether helping directly or behind the scenes, volunteers play a vital role in supporting our programs and the people we serve.

Background Screenings

The Kitchen is committed to providing a safe environment for participants and staff. Recurring volunteers must register with the Family Care Safety Registry (FCSR) and pass the FCSR background screening. Complete your registration at www.health.mo.gov/safety/fcsr or call toll-free at (866) 422-6872 to check your registration status. There is a one-time $15 fee for first-time registrants.

Age Restrictions

Individuals must be at least 11 years old to volunteer with The Kitchen. An adult guardian/advisor/group leader must accompany volunteers under 18.

Volunteers must be at least 25 years old to serve at Rare Breed during youth hours (11am-5pm Monday-Friday). Volunteers under 25 may volunteer at Rare Breed before youth hours (9am-11am, Monday-Friday).

Volunteer Interest Form

Individual Opportunities

Front desk volunteers are hospitality experts at the O’Reilly Family Campus and Rare Breed Youth Services. Volunteers are needed during business hours, Monday- Friday. 

  • greet and assist visitors
  • accept donations
  • answer phones and direct calls
  • sort mail and perform other clerical duties
  • clean and sanitize the front desk
  • other tasks assigned by staff

Donation Center volunteers are organizing experts at the O’Reilly Family Campus and Rare Breed Youth Services. Volunteers are needed during business hours, Monday- Friday. 

  • receive and document donations
  • sort and organize donations
  • restock supplies and assemble kits
  • clean and sanitize surfaces
  • other tasks assigned by staff

Life Skills teachers share their expertise at Rare Breed Youth Services, the O’Reilly Family Campus, or our affordable housing properties. Volunteers are needed during business hours, Monday- Friday. 

  • develop curriculum and materials for the age served (youth, adults, seniors)
  • teach classes on a weekly, monthly, or quarterly basis
  • work with staff to refine offerings to meet participant needs
  • class ideas include computer literacy, budgeting, home maintenance, music, and art 

Specialists and Interns share their unique skills with business and program services. Opportunities are developed based on the volunteer’s interests and experience. 

Group Opportunities

Meal Groups prepare meals for youth at Rare Breed Youth Services. Meals can be dropped off at Rare Breed, or volunteers can serve the meal from our kitchen. Please provide plates, utensils, and drinks if possible. Meals should be nutritious, ready-to-eat, and in adult portions to serve 40 youth participants.

Food Serving Guidelines

  • Volunteers wanting to serve the meals must be at least 25 years old.
  • Up to four volunteers per group (our kitchen is small).
  • Volunteers must have their hair tied back and wear gloves. 
  • Volunteers should not come in if they feel sick. 

Meal Times

  • Lunch is 11am, Monday-Friday. Arrive by 10:30am to drop off or serve meals
  • Dinner is 4pm, Monday-Friday. Arrive by 3:30pm to drop off or serve meals. 

Call Rare Breed Youth Services at (417) 865-6400 to schedule.

Volunteer groups can help with a variety of projects at our O’Reilly Family Campus, Rare Breed Youth Services, or our affordable housing properties. Projects may include:

  • sorting and organizing donations
  • cleaning and beautification
  • yardwork and landscaping
  • painting

Host a donation drive through our Donations with Dignity program. Donated items restore dignity for people experiencing homelessness and help us meet our participants’ basic needs. 

  1. Share our needs list with your supporters!
  2. Set up a collection point in your office, church, school, or other meeting place. 
  3. Schedule a time to bring donations to our center or arrange for a pick-up. 
Volunteer Interest Form