The Bridge Teen Center

 
 
 

Interested In Volunteering?

From day one, volunteers have formed the very foundation of The Bridge Teen Center.  From a volunteer Board of Directors, to those who help with mailings, every single volunteer hour is very meaningful and significant.  There are many opportunities to serve for all interests and skill levels.

Levels of Volunteer Involvement:
1. Facility Volunteer
2. Program Volunteer
3. Bridge Volunteer
4. Mentor
 
Qualities of volunteers serving in Levels 1-4 are:
•Agree with and support the mission of The BTC.
•Faithful, responsible, teachable and available. 
 
Qualities of volunteers serving in Levels 3 & 4 are:
•Faith/moral/values and life are consistent with those of The BTC.
•Honest about their struggles/weaknesses in an appropriate manner.
•Sense of humor and like to have fun.
•Understand the unique dynamics of this age group or are willing to learn.
•Genuinely love and enjoy students.
 
Facility Volunteer:
During office hours (10 – 6pm Monday through Friday), volunteers can answer phones, give tours, file, enter data, prepare mailings, make phone calls, and perform other tasks to support our mission. Within our current facility, volunteers can also help clean and organize to create a healthy and inviting space for students. While out in the community, volunteers can also connect with local businesses to promote The Bridge through their community bulletin boards.
 
Program Volunteer:
Our mission is to provide free programs during afterschool hours where students can develop mentally, emotionally, spiritually and physically in a safe environment. People can volunteer individually or as a group to lead a program designed around the needs and interests of the teens we serve.  Examples: teach an art class, lead a parent seminar, conduct a music lesson, lead a culinary demonstration, help plan one of our signature events, run a fitness program, etc.
 
Bridge Volunteer:
Using their strengths and skills, this kind of volunteer focuses on building relationships with students.  They act as a “bridge” to students, serving as an example, encourager, listener and role model.  Whether serving weekly or monthly, Bridge volunteers work within the space to help provide a positive and safe environment for all students. We recognize students are drawn here because of the programs and events we offer, but come back and stay because of relationships.  Examples: weekly afterschool and monthly Friday night support (includes café server).
 
Mentor:
These volunteers are entirely relational.  Their responsibility is to use their own life experiences in conjunction with mentorship training (we provide) to serve as wise, trustworthy, and influential examples for our students.  This area of service requires a 2-year commitment along with a comprehensive selection, training, and evaluation process.
 
How To Volunteer:
The Bridge Teen Center desires each volunteer to serve out of their strengths, skills and giftedness. To best determine where each person should serve to the best of his/her ability in a role he/she enjoys, we have a process for becoming a volunteer which includes filling out an application, interviewing and training.
To volunteer, or get more information about volunteering, contact Chuck Dobeck, Volunteer Coordinator, at 708.532.0500 or via email.  
 

Looking for an Internship?  

The Bridge Teen Center offers internship opportunities for college students seeking professional experience in their field of study.  Internships are designed to provide applicants with professional and field-specific knowledge and experience to equip them for a successful future in their chosen field.  The Bridge offers internship opportunities in a variety fo fields, including:
 
  • Education
  • Psychology
  • Social Work
  • Business
  • Marketing
  • Graphic Design
  • Nonprofit Administration

For more information about internship opportunities at The Bridge Teen Center, contact Chuck Dobeck, Volunteer Coordinator, at 708.532.0500 or via email.