Getting Started as a Volunteer
The first step in volunteering with Catholic Social Services programs is to find a current opening listed below. Please check back often if you don’t find an opening you’re looking for as our needs continue to shift and evolve. Review the Volunteer Handbook to give you a sense of CSS and your volunteer work. When you’re ready, please complete our online volunteer application.
When you’re ready, please complete our online volunteer application.
Current Openings
3rd Avenue Resource Navigation Center (3RNC)
Resume and Cover Letter Assistance Volunteer
Description: Help guests take the next step toward employment by offering one-on-one support with writing or refining resumes and cover letters. Volunteers in this role should be comfortable providing basic editing assistance, helping guests identify transferable skills, and offering encouragement during the job search process.
Ideal for: Volunteers with experience in HR, education, or professional writing—or anyone with a strong grasp of resumes and a heart for helping others succeed.
Time commitment: Flexible shifts; weekday mornings or afternoons preferred.
Basic Digital Skills Mentor
Description: Support guests in developing essential digital skills through informal lessons or one-on-one help. Topics may include setting up an email account, navigating job search websites, using basic word processing tools, or understanding online forms.
Ideal for: Patient and tech-comfortable individuals who can explain basic computer and smartphone use clearly, even to beginners.
Time commitment: Weekly or biweekly shifts; consistency preferred to build trust and learning momentum.
Greeter & Hospitality Volunteer
Description: Be a warm, welcoming presence for everyone who walks through the door. This role includes greeting guests, offering coffee or refreshments, helping visitors navigate the space, and setting a tone of respect and community.
Ideal for: Outgoing, friendly individuals who enjoy conversation and creating a welcoming environment. No experience necessary—just a big heart and a listening ear.
Time commitment: Morning shifts especially appreciated; flexible scheduling available.
Behavioral Health Services
Internships, Practicums, Project-based Learning
We’re currently exploring opportunities to engage master’s-level and bachelor’s-level students in our behavioral health programming. This could include internships, practicum placements, or project-based learning experiences that support both clinical and administrative aspects of care. We’re especially interested in students who are passionate about community mental health, integrated care, and serving diverse populations in our community. Our team offers a supportive environment for skill development, mentorship, and exposure to innovative service models.
Brother Francis Shelter
Meal Team Monthly Slots
This is a great group volunteer effort; 120 sack breakfast and lunches must be prepared and dropped off at the Brother Francis Shelter. We are looking for teams to fill up monthly slots.
Foot Care Clinic
Two evenings a month volunteers gather to support clients by tending to their feet and providing social and emotional wellbeing.
Listening Post
Sit with a guest and listen to them share their story. Learn more and apply online with The Listening Post.
Clare House
Clare House Donation Sorting
From baby clothes to shampoo to winter gear – donation sorters help us organize the many donations we receive for women, children, and expectant mothers staying at Clare House. This is a 1 – 2 times a week regular volunteer position.
Clare House Front Desk Support
Greet Clare House participants and support staff by answering the phone and responding to other administrative tasks. This is a 1 – 2 times a week regular volunteer position.
Clare House Meals Team
Gather a church group or youth group and sign up to prepare one dinner a month for 55-80 mothers/children at Clare House. Must be delivered between 2 and 4 p.m. on the selected day. Meal Team slots available are:
First Sunday of each month
First Thursday of each month
Second Friday of each month
Third Tuesday of each month.
If interested email clarehousemeals@gmail.com or text 907-365-9482 with questions or to sign up.
Complex Care
Listening Post
Sit one-on-one with a guest and listen to him or her share their story. Learn more and apply online with The Listening Post.
Fresh International Gardens (FIG)
FIG Child Enrichment Activities at the Garden
Volunteers provide enrichment activities for children in the RAIS program Monday through Thursday from 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. while parents are in job readiness classes and working with FIG. Enrichment activites take place indoors October – April and outdoors at the FIG Garden May – September.
Refugee Assistance & Immigration Services
English Tutor
Make a meaningful impact by volunteering to teach English to refugees arriving in our community. Help individuals and families navigate their new environment, build confidence, and connect through language. This position requires a background check. Training and ESL supplies will be provided.
Youth Mentor
Are you passionate about making a difference in the life of a young person? We are looking for youth mentors to support refugee youth (ages 15–24) as they adjust to life in Alaska. Mentors help with English, academics, career exploration, and—most importantly—offer friendship and encouragement during a critical time. Just a few hours a month can help a young person feel seen, supported, and empowered to thrive. No experience needed—just a commitment to show up and be present. This position requires a background check. Training will be provided.
Family Mentor
Are you interested in mentoring a family that has recently arrived to the United States? As a family mentor, your role is to help the family begin integrating into American and Alaskan life by guiding them through the aspects of our every-day lives that may not be so normal to them. Family mentors will establish a supportive and trustworthy relationship with the refugee family so they can attain self-sufficiency in their new community. You can offer friendship and support as families adjust to their lives in Alaska. This position requires a background check. Training will be provided.
St. Francis House Food Pantry
Delivery Driver
Help deliver boxes of food to homebound seniors and individuals who cannot easily access St. Francis House Food Pantry. Deliveries occur on the third Friday of each month at 10:00 a.m. Personal vehicle required.
Food Packer
Help pack food boxes for clients visiting St. Francis House Food Pantry. Support pantry operations by restocking shelves and sorting produce. Food packers join a team of daily volunteers, 1 – 2 days a week, Thursday from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. or Friday 12 noon – 3:00 p.m.