Needs From: Volunteer East Tennessee

At KARM, we serve 3 meals a day, 365 days a year. Come serve with us! 

You MUST fill out this application to serve. Once approved, you will be able to self-schedule.

Please note, thirteen (13) is the minimum age for short-term opportunities like serving a meal or participating in a group project. Volunteers under age 18 must serve with a chaperone and must have a signed parental permission and waiver form. Anyone under 18 is welcome to volunteer at the KARM Stores and can sign up here: https://karm.org/ksvolunteer/. 

Purpose/Overview:  KARM is focused on providing multiple opportunities for our guests to obtain their goals related to movement out of homelessness and away from the events that brought them to KARM.  Many of our programs are designed with courses of study to assist in this process.  Elective classes are designed to allow the New Life men time to unwind and learn about healthy and fun activities outside of KARM’s doors.

Responsibilities:

Using a KARM vehicle, transport New Life men to designated place with planned activity Spend time with the New Life men, mentor, and teach about the activity Communicate with appropriate staff weekly by email, phone, or in-person to debrief and discuss any important issues or concerns raised during class

Time Commitment:   One shift per week (3:30PM-5:30PM) on Wednesdays

Qualifications:

Commitment to Christian faith; ability to share the Gospel and show overwhelming Biblical hospitality Experience working with the homeless preferred Flexibility and understanding that we work with an ever-changing population of people Good oral communication skills Excellent boundaries

Training/Preparation: 

Completed background screen KARM specific boundaries training

Purpose/Overview:  KARM is focused on providing multiple opportunities for our residents to obtain their goals related to movement out of homelessness and away from the events that brought them to KARM.  It is vital for our New Life Program residents to attend necessary off-site appointments to continue on their path of transformation.  Our volunteer transporters are there to transport residents to and from appointments, providing a safe, nurturing, and reliable environment for them while they’re out in the community. 

Responsibilities:                                                              

Provide a secure, caring environment for residents while they are out in the community at appointments Reinforce a message of hope, encouragement, and motivation Transport residents to appointments, to pick up medications, and to other pre-approved destinations Pick up and/or drop off prescriptions as needed Mobile Mentors will only transport students of same sex

Time Commitment:   One or more shifts per week. One hour or more per shift (depending on location). M-F

Qualifications:

Clean driving record Mature follower of Christ Understand how to appropriately react to conflict situations and maintain healthy boundaries Good interpersonal skills: friendly, helpful, firm, confident Individuals who drive their personal vehicle while conducting business on behalf of KARM must comply with all federal and Tennessee laws for drivers, including observing laws regarding distracted driving Must present a valid state driver’s license, and proof of current insurance to Volunteer Relations, which will be copied for our files; when renewed, must present to Volunteer Relations

Training/Preparation: 

Completed background screening done before onboarding stage Submit completed authorization form to obtain motor vehicle record Proof of vehicle insurance; submit copy of driver’s license and insurance card Annual training offered for an array of topics

Description/Purpose:  With over 350 men, women, and children daily seeking meals, resources, and shelter at KARM, it is important that our facility and surrounding area represent an atmosphere of care and cleanliness.  The Operation Make KARM Shine project assists in conveying hope, second chances, and love to our guests who call KARM home.   Your group would assist in cleaning inside and outside KARM with tasks such as: window washing, laundry, vacuuming, deep cleaning our program areas, and other tasks as needed.

Group Requirements:

Ages 13 and up. Children 13-17 must be accompanied by at least one adult.  (Depending upon the size and ages of the group, more adults may be requested to attend) Optimal group size is 15 or less; larger groups will be broken into multiple small groups  

Responsibilities:

Assist in completing the necessary monthly tasks to keep our home safe, clean, and beautiful for our guests.

Tasks may include, but are not limited to:

Dusting Floor cleaning Trash pick up Pressure washing Window washing Deep cleaning in dorms Painting Flower Beds

Time:  3-hour shift, minimum. Monday – Fridays.

Qualifications:

A servant’s heart, with an attitude that no task is below them Hard workers, willing to get their hands dirty Organized Team oriented Strong group leadership with the willingness to understand the need and delegate to accomplish tasks

Provided training/preparation:

Group coordinator and group host will discuss specific preparation necessary prior to first date of service On-the-job training to be done by supervisor and related team members

Purpose/Overview: The Care Center Volunteer will provide overwhelming Biblical hospitality to guests who are seeking ministry services at KARM. This volunteer has a passion for working through relationships and conversations that will connect our guests with needed services and support. The skilled Volunteer will have the freedom and flexibility to foster relationships with guests at KARM through encounters in a numerous areas of the KARM Care Center with a focus on mental and physical health services through collaboration with other agencies and medical professionals.  This is a specific assignment to assist the physicians in the Care Center. 

The KARM ministry equation of Rescue+Relationships=Restoration is a guiding mission for this role.

Responsibilities:

Attend a SPERO training class Training provided in Care Clicks and the medical documentation needed in the Care Center Training provided in lab needs for diagnosis of needs Convey hope, extend Biblical hospitality, and patiently build relationships with new guests while acquainting them with procedures, facilities, and guidelines Conduct interviews and input guest information into SPERO system while seeking to maintain the dignity of our guests and offer overwhelming Biblical hospitality Be willing to communicate steps and directions as well as follow up with individuals to monitor and encourage progress Collaborate with the physicians who are face to face encounters or via telehealth appointments.

Time Commitment:  One 4 hour shift per week, M-F, hours are 8-11am and/or 1-3:30pm.

Qualifications:

Mature follower of Jesus Great boundaries Comfortable with basic computer functions/data entry with efficient keyboarding skills Good listener Self-starter and motivator of others Friendly demeanor; good interpersonal skills

Training/Preparation:

KARM specific boundaries training Infection Control/Universal Precautions  Attend orientation to KARM offered to new guests Conflict Awareness training Job shadowing with experienced staff for at least three shifts Infection Control/Universal Precautions training provided by KARM LaunchPoint and New Life orientation Attend orientation to KARM offered to new guests Observe Frontline process

Purpose/Overview: Plan and host an evening activity for men experiencing a season of homelessness. Christ-centered activities include but are not limited to: game night, small group Bible study, movie night, etc. Neal's Place is the name of the activity room in the men's dorm. 

Responsibilities:

Share the love of Christ with homeless men by example and positive interaction Plan and prepare a Christ centered activity for men in order to promote community, reassurance, and hope Notify staff promptly of any concerns

Time Commitment: Approximately one 3-hour shift per month.  Neal’s Place is open from 6p-9p.

Qualifications:

Commitment to Christian faith; ability to share the Gospel and show overwhelming Biblical hospitality Flexibility and understanding that we work with an ever-changing population of people Understand how to appropriately react to conflict situations and maintain healthy boundaries Effective interpersonal skills and ability to engage people

Training/Preparation: 

KARM specific boundaries training Conflict awareness training On-the-job training to be done by supervisor and related team members

Purpose/Overview: Manage and organize the inventory of clothing and personal care items on hand at the shelter in order to make distribution to guests easy for staff. This is also a unique opportunity to pray for our guests who will be wearing the clothes and using the other items.

Responsibilities:

Separate men’s and women’s clothing items and put away in respective dorm closets Put away and organize hygiene items and linens in the inventory closet Note items that are in low supply and notify staff

Time Commitment:  2 hours each, Tuesday or Friday afternoons

Qualifications:

Highly organized Ability to work alone Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.

Training/Preparation: Volunteer will have on-the-job training with staff the first one – two days of work and should feel free to ask questions of staff as they arise.

We welcome women who seek to minister to the needs of the women we serve.  Intentional focus will be on entering into relationship building opportunities by choosing to volunteer in the following opportunities:

Life Management Classes

Career Readiness

Spiritual Development Classes

Women’s Health

Mentoring and Supportive Listening

Art Activities

Guided Journaling

Movie Nights

Seasonal Celebrations such as Mother’s Day, etc

Prayer Warrior/Prayer Ministry

 

Time Commitment:  2-4pm in designated areas of KARM.  Frequency during the month depends on volunteer or group. 

Qualifications:

Heart for Ministry which would reflect Rescue + Relationships = Restoration in Christ. Commitment to Christian faith; ability to share the Gospel and show overwhelming Biblical hospitality Flexibility and understanding that we work with an ever-changing population of people Understand how to appropriately react to conflict situations and maintain healthy boundaries Effective interpersonal skills and ability to engage people

Training/Preparation:

Completed background screen                KARM specific boundaries training        

Purpose/Overview: Plan and host an evening activity for homeless women.  Activities include but are not limited to: game night, arts and crafts, small group Bible study, movie night, pampering party, etc.  Each activity should be a Christ-centered activity.

Responsibilities:

Share the love of Christ with homeless women by example and positive interaction Plan and prepare a Christ centered activity for women in order to promote community, reassurance, and hope Notify staff promptly of any concerns

Time Commitment: Approximately 1-3 hour shift per month.  Betty’s Place is open from 6:30p-9p.

Qualifications:

Commitment to Christian faith; ability to share the Gospel and show overwhelming Biblical hospitality Flexibility and understanding that we work with an ever-changing population of people Understand how to appropriately react to conflict situations and maintain healthy boundaries Effective interpersonal skills and ability to engage people

Training/Preparation:

Completed background screen KARM specific boundaries training Conflict awareness training On-the-job training to be done by supervisor and related team members

Purpose/Overview: Engage guests with the intent to establish trust, build relationships, and convey compassion. Allow personal testimony to influence and motivate guests toward solutions for their life, while pointing towards a relationship with Christ as the answer.

Responsibilities:

Approach each guest as a valuable individual created in the image of God Share the Gospel, extend grace, be hospitable, and be willing to listen as much (or more) than you speak Share your faith in ways that lead to Christ, (not personal or denominational doctrines) Remain open to all of our guests remembering that it is not our job to judge Show compassion, set appropriate limits, and exercise mature judgment in dealing with KARM guests Understand and utilize KARM’s internal and community-based resources when advising guests (Relapse Prevention classes, New Life Program, etc.)

Time Commitment:  One two to four-hour shift per week.  One-year commitment. 

Shifts are 9am-12pm or 1-4:00pm

Qualifications:

Commitment to Christian faith; ability to share the Gospel appropriate to the specific conversation and listener Evidence of spiritual maturity Well-developed interpersonal skills and ability to engage people in conversation Understanding of appropriate reactions to conflict and how to maintain healthy boundaries Consistent, reliable, and on time Genuine passion to serve Humble, resilient, self-motivated, and easy-going Must be able to not get easily offended by foul language and able to handle a smoking environment Prior experience in relational ministry preferred (particularly ministry that included in evangelism)

Purpose/Overview:  LaunchPoint is a four-week program which helps homeless men and women begin a new life journey. During the four-week period, a class of approximately 30 participants begin discovering God’s plan and purpose for their lives, develop their own life plan with realistic goals, and learn to implement their life plan in manageable steps.  The focus of LaunchPoint is on moving forward and making good choices. 

Table facilitators will facilitate session icebreakers and devotionals as well as give instructions for activities and exercises. The table leader will also facilitate table discussions, Q&A, and participant feedback. Table facilitators are asked to be focused on the relationship and spiritual connection with our guests rather than being required to have extensive knowledge of the resources available.  Tasks are structured, and training will be provided. 

Responsibilities:

Serve as a positive role model, healthy support system, and great listener for assigned group Facilitate session icebreakers and devotionals Give instructions for activities and exercises Lead table discussions and promote involvement Post-class prayer with staff and volunteers Keep group on task and focused Reinforce a sense of responsibility with positive encouragement as individuals’ complete goals Support client’s development of greater confidence, motivation, and self-esteem Define appropriate boundaries for a supportive relationship in which each individual can become more responsible and independent Be available for approximately 15 minutes after class for debrief

Time Commitment:  Minimum 1 shift per week (9am-12pm)  One-year commitment

Qualifications:

Mature follower of Christ, and willing to share the Gospel Good small group facilitator skills, and ability to engage others in discussion Capability to keep others focused and on task Ability to listen to and facilitate discussion amongst guests Keen understanding of effective boundaries Understands importance of supporting individual’s goal-directed activities

Training/Preparation:

KARM specific boundaries training Conflict awareness training Observe/shadow 2 shifts before facilitating a table Learn what resources KARM offers so you can inform guests

Purpose/Overview:  KARM is focused on providing multiple opportunities for our residents to obtain their goals related to movement out of homelessness and away from the events that brought them to KARM. It is vital for our guests to attend necessary off-site appointments to continue on their path of transformation. Our volunteer transporters are there to transport residents to and from appointments, providing a safe, nurturing, and reliable environment for them while they’re out in the community. 

Responsibilities:                                        

Provide a secure, caring environment for residents while they are out in the community at appointments Reinforce a message of hope, encouragement, and motivation Transport residents to appointments, to pick up medications, and to other pre-approved destinations Pick up and/or drop off prescriptions as needed Mobile Mentors will only transport students of same sex Stay with the guest while they are in their appointment

Time Commitment:   One or more shifts per week, 2-hour blocks.

Qualifications:

Clean driving record Mature follower of Christ Understand how to appropriately react to conflict situations and maintain healthy boundaries Good interpersonal skills: friendly, helpful, firm, confident Individuals who drive their personal vehicle while conducting business on behalf of KARM must Comply with all federal and Tennessee laws for drivers, including observing laws regarding distracted driving

Training/Preparation: 

Completed background screening done before onboarding stage Submit completed authorization form to obtain motor vehicle record Proof of vehicle insurance; submit copy of driver’s license  Annual training offered for an array of topics

Responsibilities:

Understand and utilize KARM’s internal and community-based resources Overnight Shelters:  Assist our guests with a variety of services and tasks including checking in guests, making  beds, offering prayer, handing out towels, etc.) Collaborates with the Team Leader and Frontline Team to keep current with the needs of guests and staff Perform other duties as requested

Time Commitment:  6-9pm, one or more shifts a week.  One-year commitment. 

Qualifications:

Commitment to Christian faith; ability to share the Gospel and show overwhelming Biblical hospitality Ability to demonstrate effective written, verbal, and non-verbal communication Ability to remain aware of surroundings, convey personal confidence, and focus in ever changing situations Effective interpersonal skills and ability to engage people Understand how to appropriately react to conflict situations and maintain healthy boundaries

Training/Preparation:

Completed background screen KARM-specific boundaries training (available throughout the year) Conflict awareness training (available throughout the year) On-the-job training to be done by supervisor and related team members

Purpose/Overview: The First Encounter Specialist will be an initial connection to guests who are seeking ministry services at KARM. The specific resources and direction needed to navigate housing, work, disability, probation, or other challenges can be overwhelming.  The First Encounter Specialist will have the opportunity to welcome guests into the ministry and programs at KARM, gather information and begin to build relationships, as well as assist guests in working toward overcoming the many challenges presented by homelessness.

   

Responsibilities:

Attend a SPERO training class Convey hope, extend Biblical hospitality, and patiently build relationships with new guests while acquainting them with procedures, facilities, and guidelines Conduct interviews and input guest information into SPERO system while seeking to maintain the dignity of our guests and offer overwhelming biblical hospitality Become familiar with the resources for homeless men and women within KARM and in the Knoxville community Be willing to communicate steps and directions as well as follow up with individuals to monitor and encourage progress Contact and communicate with other agencies as a representative of individuals and of KARM, becoming a liaison that strengthens individual guests Meet with Crossroads Manager at least once per month or as needed for ongoing problem solving, training and or updates

Time Commitment: One shift per week, M-F, 8-11am or 1-3:30pm, one year commitment.

Qualifications:

Mature follower of Jesus Great boundaries Comfortable with basic computer functions/data entry Efficient keyboarding skills Good listener Good interviewing skills Self-starter and motivator of others Friendly demeanor; good interpersonal skills

Training/Preparation:

KARM specific boundaries training Conflict awareness training On-the-job training to be done by supervisor and related team members