Getting Started
Ready to become a mentor? Read more about the program and apply to become a volunteer/ mentor. Persons interested in volunteering, including formerly incarcerated persons, are encouraged to contact us so we can discuss your interests and your options. Please be as detailed as possible about the unique skills you possess and include a contact phone number and list the correctional facilities where you’d like to volunteer. In every circumstance, approval of a request to volunteer rests with the Warden at the facility.
Qualifications
Due to the unique environment that a correctional facility presents, volunteers are carefully screened and provided training and guidance to make it the most productive and enjoyable experience as possible.
- At least 18 years old
- Not under Department supervision or the supervision of any other correctional system or program or on probation
- Not immediate family member of an offender where personal contact cannot be avoided
- Provision of references on request
- Maturity and ability to handle volunteer responsibilities
- Willingness to accept supervision and direction
- Willingness to submit to a Tuberculosis screening
- Willingness to provide an identified and approved service
- Ability to meet attendance and performance requirements
- Willingness to meet and complete all training requirements
- Ability to complement the work of staff
- Agreement to work without compensation
- Ability to accept differences in people, namely culture, race, religion, and values
- Willingness to undergo a criminal history check
Services
- Education - Volunteers serve as tutors teaching offenders basic reading and writing skills.
- Mentoring - Volunteers serve as role models by mentoring offenders
- Pre–Release Preparation - Volunteers facilitate programs and connect them to community resources
- Religious Programs - Volunteers serve as leaders of worship services, study groups and instructional classes. They also participate in religious celebrations.
- Seminars - Volunteers serve as instructors who teach a variety of classes on how to cope with incarceration and how to effectively re–enter into one’s community. For example, topics include anger management, job interviewing skills, parenting skills, etc.
- Substance Abuse - Volunteers serve as sponsors of Alcoholic Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous groups that help offenders cope with addiction.
How to Apply
- Determine the facility you’d like to volunteer at
- Complete the Volunteer Interest Inquiry Form
Next Steps
- Contact the Religious and/or Volunteer Division to schedule a time to discuss how you'd like to volunteer
- Attend New Volunteer Orientation and successfully complete all required training and paperwork.
- Coordinator your schedule with the Community Involvement Coordinator.
Volunteer FAQs
- Is volunteering safe?
Is volunteering safe?
The safety of the community, our staff, the volunteers, and those that are incarcerated, is our number one concern. The feedback we receive from our volunteers is overwhelmingly positive, praising how respectful, appreciative, and welcoming everyone treats them. While there will always be an inherit risk when you enter a correctional facility, the Department installs policies and procedures to mitigate that risk. It is everyone's responsibility to follow those rules to ensure the safest and most rewarding experience possible for our volunteers.
- How can I help?
- How do I decided which facility to volunteer at?
- Can I volunteer if I have a criminal record?
- How long does the background check take?
- What would my schedule look like?
- Is there a dress code? Can I bring snacks?
- Do I need to volunteer with a group?
- Are there internships available?