Volunteer Opportunities
Application Process:
Lakes Area Youth Service Bureau believes that volunteers are a very important part of our programs. Because of this, an application process has been developed for all potential volunteers.
The first step in the application process is for you to fill out the LAYSB Type & Save Volunteer Application (it may be necessary for you to save the document before your browser will allow you to type) and return it to Tovah Marek or:
Lakes Area Youth Service Bureau
244 North Lake Street
Forest Lake, MN 55025
Upon receipt of your application, we will contact your references and then we will contact you to set up an interview. This process will help to ensure that the volunteer placement is a good match for both you and Lakes Area Youth Service Bureau.
The work that LAYSB volunteers do with children and teenagers is vitally important to the success of our programs. It is also incredibly important for LAYSB to protect the children and teens that we serve. In order for us to continue having volunteers work closely with youth, our insurance company requires that all LAYSB volunteers have a current background check.
If you have any questions about the LAYSB or volunteer opportunities please contact us at 651-464-3685. Thanks again for your interest in helping our community’s kids!!
Volunteer Opportunities:
Making Connections Mentoring:
This goal-oriented program is designed to provide youth ages 10-17 with an opportunity to build a positive and encouraging relationship with a supportive adult in the community.
Good candidates to become mentors are adults who: can be a positive role model, want to connect with youth in the community, are patient and willing to listen & like to have fun!
Characteristics of youth served are those seeking: additional adult support, improved self esteem, positive reinforcement, someone to look up to, improved academic performance, improved relationships overall and much more!
Mentors meet with their mentee two times per month for a minimum of six months according to a schedule determined by the mentor/mentee.
Community Advocate Volunteer, Community Justice Program:
Serve on a Community Panel and talk with first time offenders about what the juvenile did and how it impacts the victim, the juvenile, and the community. Our main goal through this program is to help the juvenile recognize that their actions can hurt many people and have a high cost to the community. We hope that once adolescents understand this, they will not commit additional crimes. Positions available for adults. Orientation and training provided.
Parent Advocate Volunteer, Community Justice Program:
Facilitate one-hour sessions aimed at helping parents share ideas and support each other during a challenging time for both parents and adolescents. Volunteers will also talk to parents about asset building. By building assets in youth, they are much less likely to participate in high-risk behaviors such as chemical use, violence, and skipping school. Positions available for adults. Orientation and training provided.
Peer Group Facilitator Volunteer, Community Justice Program:
Meet with a small group (4-8) of youth who are participating in Peer Groups as part of the Community Justice Program. Lead them through activities and discussions on a variety of topics relevant to teens including: Communication, Girls’ Issues, Chemical Issues, Life Skills, and Peaceful Alternatives to Conflict. Flexible schedule in afternoons/evenings one or more days per month.
Follow Up Specialist Volunteer, Community Justice Program:
From the LAYSB office, make phone calls to youth and their parents to review their status in the Community Justice Program, get them signed up for classes, panels, or community work service. Volunteers will also contact past Community Justice participants to check in with them on how they are doing and offer any additional services as needed. Flexible schedule in afternoons/evenings one or more days per month.
Peace Garden Volunteer:
In recognition of our 25th anniversary in 2001, LAYSB staff and volunteers developed a Peace Garden in the front yard of the office. Youth and adult volunteers are needed to work with LAYSB staff and a University of Minnesota Certified Master Gardener to further develop and maintain the Peace Garden. No green thumb or gardening knowledge required! Positions available for youth and adults. Flexible schedule.
Office Assistant Volunteer:
Organize, copy, collate, prepare mailings, etc. LAYSB staff occasionally needs some extra sets of hands to work with various projects in the office. Positions available for youth and adults. Flexible schedule.
Enrichment and Leadership Adult Volunteer Opportunities:
Adult volunteers are needed to help with Hidden Heroes, Lock Ins, Youth Advisory Board and more!
Support LAYSB with a financial contribution!
