1088 Fairfield Avenue — Bridgeport, CT 06605
(203) 333-4087
 

Ways to Get Involved - Volunteer



Volunteer Ministry

Dear Friend of the Mission,

Thank you for your interest in serving with Bridgeport Rescue Mission’s Volunteer Ministry.

At Bridgeport Rescue Mission we see our volunteers as part of our ministry team, equipped to meet the needs of men, women and children we serve in our community. There are a variety of service and volunteer opportunities for you and/or your group to become personally involved. Coming face-to-face with the homeless and needy can be a life-changing experience. No longer are they faces on television, or an "issue" to discuss. Instead, they're people—men and women, boys and girls—with hopes, dreams, disappointments and a compelling need for God's love. I personally invite you to consider joining our ministry team as a volunteer.

To start the process, please review the information below before submitting an online volunteer application. Blessings,
Marion Schrade, Community Relations Manager
MSchrade@BridgeportRescueMission.org


A few things to know:

1. Please note that you will be required to attend an orientation session and tour prior to beginning your volunteer service. The purpose is to educate our volunteers on the scope of the services and programs Bridgeport Rescue Mission offers to those we serve.

2. We ask that our volunteers commit to a regular rotation for at least three months. When looking at our volunteer opportunities, double-check the days and times volunteers are needed and confirm that you are available at those times.

3. Click here to download our Volunteer Policy and Guidelines.

4. Click here to download our Chapel Service Policy and Guidelines.

5. Click here to download our Mobile Kitchen Policy and Guidelines.

6. It may take up to two weeks for us to contact you once you have submitted your volunteer application. Thank you for your patience.

7. Volunteer positions are divided into subgroups as listed below and many of the opportunities link to a position description. To get started we invite you to read through the following lists and complete the informational application form online. Whether you are an individual or group, student or senior, church or corporation, we have a place for you. (For Groups see appropriate application form below.)


Core Volunteers

These volunteers are the lifeblood of the Bridgeport Rescue Mission. More than 1,000 people provide valuable services to our programs and facilities each and every year. We have individuals and groups from all over Fairfield County who come to serve the homeless and hungry through the Bridgeport Rescue Mission’s many volunteer opportunities.

CORE Volunteers Care about projects and the Mission. They feel Obligated to help the poor and homeless. They are Ready when called upon. They are Effective in whatever task they are assigned. We have a number of opportunities designed specifically for individuals and groups who desire to volunteer both on a one-time and ongoing basis. We have groups coming from churches, corporations, families, civic service clubs and other organizations. Many of our High Impact Volunteers started out as CORE Volunteers. Come be part of this dynamic ministry. You won’t believe the benefits!

CORE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Click each position listed below for a full description

Birthday Party Planners
Position Title:
Birthday Party Planners/Sponsors

Facility/Location: Bridgeport Rescue Mission

Relates closely with:
BRM Volunteer Coordinator
Program Directors Men’s Ministry & Women’s Ministry Director, BRM Residents
Other BRM staff

Purpose: As a Birthday Party Sponsor you can help provide a safe, fun celebration and bless the residents at BRM. A birthday party is a great opportunity to show our students that they are valued and loved.

Duties:
  • Prepare on-site games or activities
  • Decorations in party theme
  • Provide snacks for all involved
  • Provide for group participation from your church or organization
Time Commitment:
1.5 hours one time or once monthly as needed

Qualifications:
  • Volunteers must be at least 18 years or older or accompanied by an adult
  • Volunteers expected to dress modestly and comfortably as in volunteer guidelines
  • Responsible and accountable
  • A servant heart
Application/training/orientation and other requirements:
Complete on-line application.
  • BRM Community Awareness Orientation & Tour
  • Schedule an on-site facility orientation training with supervisor
  • 3-month commitment


Car Care Maintenance
Position Title:
Drivers & Car Care Maintenance

Facility/Location: Bridgeport Rescue Mission Main Campus & Women’s Center

Relates closely with:
  • Program Directors Men’s Ministry & Women’s Ministry Director
  • Food Service Manager
  • Other BRM Staff & Residents
  • Volunteer Coordinator
Purpose: We are developing a “pool” of men and women drivers who are willing to offer transportation to residents to and from work, when they need to attend meetings or have medical and program appointments and for food pickups. We are also in need of car maintenance assistance.

Duties:
  • Drive residents to medical appointments, work, or meetings.
  • Pick up food donations and deliver to Mission Kitchen.
  • Vehicle Maintenance as needed
  • Other duties as required.


Time Commitment:
1.5 hours one time or once monthly, as needed

Qualifications:
  • A valid CT Driver’s license is required.
  • Bridgeport Rescue Mission vehicle is available for you to use or use own vehicle
  • Volunteers must be at least 18 years or older or accompanied by an adult
  • Responsible and accountable
  • Volunteers expected to dress modestly and comfortably as in volunteer guidelines
  • A servant heart
Application/training/orientation and other requirements:
Complete on-line application.
  • BRM Community Awareness Orientation & Tour
  • Schedule an on-site facility orientation training with supervisor
  • 3-month commitment
Closet Keepers - Men’s and Women’s
Position Title:
Blessing Room Closet Keeper

Facility/Location: Bridgeport Rescue Mission Women’s Shelter & Men’s Center Blessing Rooms

Relates closely with:
  • Operations Department
  • Other BRM Staff
  • BRM Residents & Community Guests
  • Volunteer Coordinator


Purpose: Volunteers are needed with strong organizational skills to sort miscellaneous donated items and distribute to the community the Rescue Mission serves. Responsibilities include receiving and sorting donations, distribution of clothes to the community.

Time Commitment:
Three hours, once a week/month. 3 month commitment is preferred.
Days/Times: Tuesday-Thursday: 1:00pm-4pm for 3 hours

Duties:
  • Sort and organize all donated items for distribution
  • Greet and assist community at Distribution Center
  • Collect data as items are disbursed to community
  • Prepare Gift-In-Kind receipts for tax receipts for any items accepted if necessary
  • Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
  • Volunteers must be at least 18 years or older or accompanied by an adult
  • Volunteers expected to dress modestly and comfortably as in Volunteer Guidelines.
  • Responsible and accountable
  • A servant heart
Application/training/orientation and other requirements:
Complete on-line application.
  • BRM Community Awareness Orientation & Tour
  • Schedule an on-site facility orientation training with supervisor
  • 3-month commitment
Donation Center Coordinator
Position Title:
Donation Center Coordinator

Facility/Location: Bridgeport Rescue Mission Women’s Shelter

Relates closely with:
  • Operations Department
  • Other BRM staff
  • BRM Residents & BRM Donors
  • Volunteer Coordinator


Purpose: Volunteers are needed to work at the Donation Center where donations are received at Bridgeport Rescue Mission. Responsibilities include receiving and sorting donations and preparing tax receipts.

Time Commitment:
Three hours. Once a week/month.

Duties:
  • Greet donors at Donation Center
  • Receive and sort donations
  • Prepare Gift-In-Kind receipts for tax receipts


Qualifications:
  • Volunteers must be at least 18 years or older or accompanied by an adult
  • Volunteers expected to dress modestly and comfortably as in Volunteer Guidelines.
  • Responsible and accountable
  • A servant heart


Application/training/orientation and other requirements:
Complete on-line application.
  • BRM Community Awareness Orientation & Tour
  • Schedule an on-site facility orientation training with supervisor
  • 3-month commitment
Drivers - Appointments / Food Pickup
Position Title:
Drivers

Facility/Location: Bridgeport Rescue Mission Main Campus & Women’s Center

Relates closely with:
  • Program Directors Men’s Ministry & Women’s Ministry Director
  • Food Service Manager
  • Other BRM Staff & Residents
  • Volunteer Coordinator


Purpose: We are developing a “pool” of men and women drivers who are willing to offer transportation to residents to and from work, when they need to attend meetings or have medical and program appointments and for food pickups.

Duties:
  • Drive residents to medical appointments, work, or meetings.
  • Pick up food donations and deliver to Mission Kitchen.
  • Other duties as required.


Time Commitment:
1.5 hours one time or once monthly, as needed

Qualifications:
  • A valid CT Driver’s license is required.
  • Bridgeport Rescue Mission vehicle is available for you to use or use own vehicle
  • Volunteers must be at least 18 years or older or accompanied by an adult
  • Responsible and accountable
  • Volunteers expected to dress modestly and comfortably as in volunteer guidelines
  • A servant heart


Application/training/orientation and other requirements:
Complete CORE Volunteer n-line application.
  • BRM Community Awareness Orientation & Tour
  • Schedule an on-site facility orientation training with supervisor
  • 3-month commitment
Facility Maintenance / Cleanup Crews
Position Title:
Facility Maintenance / Clean-up Crew

Facility/Location: Bridgeport Rescue Mission

Relates closely with:
  • BRM Operation & Facility Staff
  • BRM residents & Guests
  • Other Volunteers
  • Volunteer Coordinator


Purpose: BRM holds high standards for their facilities to be efficient and clean. As a volunteer handyman, you will provide support to the maintenance team by assisting in various projects and tasks.To be good stewards of our property and desire to keep it safe and attractive .

Duties:
  • Basic land & building maintenance, as necessary
  • Clean up trash, debris, etc
  • Cut grass
  • Able to work with other volunteers and teams
  • Other duties as assigned


Time Commitment:
One morning a week, you will choose one day and time per week according to your schedule. A 6 month commitment is preferred

Qualifications:
  • Volunteers must be at least 18 years or older or accompanied by an adult
  • Volunteers expected to dress modestly and comfortably as in Volunteer Guidelines.
    Closed toe shoes, no heels - sneakers are best
  • Responsible and accountable
  • A servant heart
Application/training/orientation and other requirements:
Complete on-line application.
  • BRM Community Awareness Orientation & Tour
  • Schedule an on-site facility orientation training with supervisor
  • 3-month commitment
Food Service - Meal Server
Position Title:
Meal Server

Facility/Location: BRM Kitchen

Relates closely with:
  • Food Service Manager
  • BRM Staff, Residents & Guests
  • Other Kitchen Volunteers
  • Volunteer Coordinator


Purpose: To assist the staff in the kitchen, before, during, and after meal times.

Duties:
  • Helping to serve food to residents and the general public
  • Cleaning/washing tables and dishes
  • General cleaning
  • Sweeping and mopping the floor
  • Other duties as assigned


Time Commitment:
2 or 3 hours weekly / monthly.

Qualifications:
  • Volunteers must be at least 18 years or older or accompanied by an adult
  • Volunteers expected to dress modestly and comfortably as in Volunteer Guidelines.
    Closed toe shoes, no heels - sneakers are best
  • Responsible and accountable
  • A servant heart


Application/training/orientation and other requirements:
Complete on-line application.
  • BRM Community Awareness Orientation & Tour
  • Schedule an on-site facility orientation training with supervisor
  • 3-month commitment




High Impact Volunteers

These volunteers make an impact in so many ways, touching the lives of the men, women and children served by the Bridgeport Rescue Mission Men’s and Women’s Campuses. Our High Impact Volunteers are considered an integral part of our ministry team. A High Impact volunteer senses God’s calling to use their God-given gifts, skills and talents to serve the poor and homeless of Fairfield County. Once they have completed their orientation process—which includes an application, tour of our facilities, training with our volunteer coordinator and an interview with a staff leader—they receive a "letter of call" which serves as a formal invitation to join our volunteer ministry team. If you are interested in any of these volunteer opportunities, we invite you to fill out the application below. Space is available on the application for you to indicate your skills, talents or training.

HIGH IMPACT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Click each position listed below for a full description

Chapel Leader and Chapel Service Teams
Position Title:
Chapel Leader

Facility/Location: Bridgeport Rescue Mission - Main Campus & Women’s Center

Relates closely with:
  • BRM Program Directors
  • BRM Staff, Residents and Guests
  • Other Volunteers
  • Volunteer Coordinator/Church Relations Coordinator


Purpose: Students in the New Life Discipleship program come to live at the BRM during their long-term recovery. The people who come to Bridgeport Rescue Mission are broken and in need of the love our savior Jesus Christ offers. Worship services are held seven nights a week from 7pm to 8pm. The chapel leader will plan, lead, and conduct a worship service that will reflect the hope and love of our God for men who are on the road to recovery.

Duties:
  • Lead and direct the chapel worship with the Word of God, music, testimony, and/or drama
  • Be willing to listen and pray with any one before or after the service


Time Commitment:
One evening each week/monthly. A one year commitment is preferred

Qualifications:
  • Be in agreement with BRM Mission, Statement of Faith, Core Values and Purposes
  • Comfortable with praying alongside others
  • Must be 25 years or older
  • Volunteers expected to dress modestly and comfortably as in Volunteer Guidelines.
  • Responsible and accountable
  • Report attendance to the Director of Men's Ministry & Women’s Ministry
  • A servant heart


Application/training/orientation and other requirements:
Complete High Impact on-line application.
  • BRM Community Awareness Orientation & Tour
  • Schedule an on-site VIP orientation training and interview with Program Directors
  • Obtain References and Background Check
  • 6 month to one year commitment
Church Ambassadors
Position Title:
Church Ambassadors

Relates closely with:
  • Volunteer Coordinator
  • BRM Executive Director, Program Directors & Staff
  • BRM Residents & Guests
  • Other volunteers


Purpose: Bridgeport Rescue Mission’s Church Ambassadors increase church awareness of issues related to homelessness and how the Mission addresses those issues through our programs and services. We do this by working hand-in-hand with individuals in our community who feel called by the Lord to be voices of help, hope and healing as Church Ambassadors. In Christ, we are all called to be ambassadors for the Kingdom of God. And as followers of Christ, we are also asked to care for the needs of the poor. That's why we invite fellow servants to come alongside us and minister to the least and the lost in Fairfield County.

Duties:
Here's how Church Ambassadors work alongside the Mission!

Once a month, each volunteer messenger receives and then relays key current information about the Mission directly to his or her church congregation, Sunday school class or youth group. Some messengers choose to take their involvement with the Mission a step further and not just represent their church, but also their workplace, school or social organization. The information includes:
  • Key messages
  • Urgent needs
  • Prayer requests
  • How to get involved
  • Volunteer opportunities
  • Special events
  • And most of all, praise for God's blessings!


Time Commitment:
As a Church Ambassador, you will be an invaluable partner with us as we strive to extend your church's hands into the kingdom.

Qualifications:
  • Be in agreement with BRM Mission, Statement of Faith, Core Values and Purposes
  • Comfortable with praying alongside others
  • Must be 25 years or older
  • Volunteers expected to dress modestly and comfortably as in Volunteer Guidelines.
  • Responsible and accountable
  • Report attendance to the Director of Men's Ministry & Women’s Ministry
  • A servant heart


Application/training/orientation and other requirements:
Complete High Impact on-line application.
  • BRM Community Awareness Orientation & Tour
  • Schedule an on-site VIP orientation training and interview with Program Director
  • Obtain References and Background Check
  • 3 month commitment
Classroom Instructors
Position Title:
Class Instructor

Facility/Location: Bridgeport Rescue Mission Men’s Campus & Women’s Center

Relates closely with:
  • Program Director of Men’s & Women’s Ministry
  • BRM Staff & Residents
  • Volunteer Coordinator


Purpose: The volunteer class instructor will teach a specific subject to the residents which is an important part of our student’s recovery process.

Time Commitment:
One hour, once a week. A 6 month or 1 year commitment is preferred.

Duties:
  • Teach specific subject to BRM residents
  • Be willing to listen and pray with any one before or after the specific class


Qualifications:
  • Be in agreement with BRM Mission, Statement of Faith, Core Values and Purposes
  • Comfortable with praying alongside others
  • Must be 25 years or older
  • Volunteers expected to dress modestly and comfortably as in Volunteer Guidelines.
  • Proficient in area of expertise, Computer skills
  • Responsible and accountable
  • Report attendance to the Director of Men's Ministry & Women’s Ministry
  • A servant heart


Application/training/orientation and other requirements:
Complete High Impact on-line application.
  • BRM Community Awareness Orientation & Tour
  • Schedule an on-site VIP orientation training and interview with Program Director
  • Obtain References and Background Check
  • 6 month to one year commitment
Food Service - Kitchen Assistant
Position Title:
Kitchen Assistant

Facility/Location: Bridgeport Rescue Mission Main Campus

Relates closely with:
  • Manager of Food Services
  • Other BRM Staff, Residents & Guests
  • Other kitchen volunteers
  • Volunteer Coordinator


Purpose: Providing 40,000 meals each month is no small task. This is why we desire to have an assistant in the kitchen to humbly serve alongside the Food Manager and ensure the food is prepared, served and the kitchen is cleaned to the high standards Bridgeport Rescue Mission desires to achieve.

Duties:
  • Assist in food preparation
  • Help organize kitchen and pantry areas
  • General cleaning
  • Sorting and counting inventory
  • Other duties as assigned


Time Commitment: Once a week / month for 2 or 3 hours, can vary as your schedule allows

Qualifications:
  • Be in agreement with BRM Mission, Statement of Faith, Core Values and Purposes
  • Comfortable with praying alongside others
  • Must be 25 years or older
  • Volunteers expected to dress modestly and comfortably as in Volunteer Guidelines.
  • Closed toe shoes, no heels - sneakers are best
  • Responsible and accountable
  • Report attendance to the Director of Men's Ministry & Women’s Ministry
  • A servant heart


Application/training/orientation and other requirements:
Complete High Impact on-line application.
  • BRM Community Awareness Orientation & Tour
  • Schedule an on-site VIP orientation training and interview with Food Services Manager
  • Obtain References and Background Check
  • 3 month commitment
Intake Assistant
Position Title:
Intake Assistant

Facility/Location: Bridgeport Rescue Mission Main Campus & Women’s Center

Relates closely with:
  • BRM Program Directors
  • Intake Desk Clerk
  • BRM Staff, Residents & Guests
  • Volunteer Coordinator


Purpose: This is a perfect volunteer position for a man who wants a “hands-on” experience. Provide help, hope and encouragement to the residents of Bridgeport Rescue Mission staff.

Duties:
  • Provide phone help, filing, paperwork
  • Assist with distribution of hygiene items, bedding, towels & other supplies for residents
  • Conduct BRM tours for new residents and guests
  • Other duties as assigned


Time Commitment:
Once a week / month – 4 to 8 hours.

Qualifications:
  • Be in agreement with BRM Mission, Statement of Faith, Core Values and Purposes
  • Comfortable with praying alongside others
  • Must be 25 years or older
  • Volunteers expected to dress modestly and comfortably as in Volunteer Guidelines.
  • Responsible and accountable
  • Report attendance to the Director of Men's Ministry & Women’s Ministry
  • A servant heart


Application/training/orientation and other requirements:
Complete High Impact Volunteer on-line application.
  • BRM Community Awareness Orientation & Tour
  • Schedule an on-site VIP orientation training and interview with Program Director
  • Obtain References and Background Check
  • 3 month commitment
Mentors - Men’s and Women’s
Position Title:
Mentor

Facility/Location: BRM

Relates closely with:
  • Program Director of Men’s & Women’s Ministry
  • BRM Staff and Case Managers
  • BRM resident assigned
  • Volunteer Coordinator


Purpose: It is so important for healing hearts to have someone to trust and to share their joy and their pain. A Mentor will befriend, encourage, guide, and be a Christian role model for an assigned BRM resident. You both will surely be blessed by this relationship.

Time Commitment:
Once a week, you will choose one day and time as your schedule allows. A 6 month commitment is preferred.

Duties:
  • Befriend, encourage, and guide BRM Resident
  • Be Christian model for BRM Resident
  • Be willing to listen and pray with BRM Resident


Qualifications:
  • Be in agreement with BRM Mission, Statement of Faith, Core Values and Purposes
  • Comfortable with praying alongside others
  • Must be 25 years or older
  • Volunteers expected to dress modestly and comfortably as in Volunteer Guidelines.
  • Responsible and accountable
  • Report attendance to the Director of Men's Ministry & Women’s Ministry
  • A servant heart


Application/training/orientation and other requirements:
Complete High Impact on-line application.
  • BRM Community Awareness Orientation & Tour
  • Schedule an on-site VIP orientation training and interview with Program Director
  • Obtain References and Background Check
  • 6 month to one year commitment preferred.
Mobile Kitchen Feeding Teams
Position Title:
Mobile Kitchen Team Leader

Facility/Location: Bridgeport Rescue Mission Mobile Kitchen

Relates closely with:
  • BRM Food Service Manger
  • BRM Staff, Residents and Guests
  • Other Volunteers
  • Volunteer Coordinator


Purpose: Each night, our Mobile Kitchen visits the most impoverished areas of Bridgeport and South Norwalk, bringing hot, nutritious meals to homeless and low-income individuals and families. The people who come to the Bridgeport Rescue Mission are broken and in need of the love our savior Jesus Christ offers – served one meal at a time.

Duties:
  • Coordinate a volunteer team for consistent weekly/monthly service on the Mobile Kitchen
  • Assume responsibility to lead and direct the Mobile Kitchen team
  • Arrange to have a driver for Mobile Kitchen
  • Be willing to listen and pray with anyone before or after serving food
  • Work with kitchen staff to set up the Mobile Kitchen
  • Provide direction as volunteers serve food and distribute clothing to the community


Qualifications:
  • Comfortable with praying alongside others
  • Must be 25 years or older
  • Volunteers expected to dress modestly and comfortably as in Volunteer Guidelines
  • Responsible and accountable
  • Previous Ministry service
  • A servant’s heart


Application/training/orientation and other requirements:
Complete High Impact on-line application.
  • BRM Community Awareness Orientation & Tour
  • Schedule an on-site VIP orientation training and interview with Program Directors
  • Obtain References and Background Check
  • Requires 6-month to one-year commitment
Tutors - Basic Skills / Computer
Position Title:
Learning Center Tutor

Facility/Location: Main Campus & Women’s Center

Relates closely with:
  • Program Director of Men’s & Women’s Ministry
  • BRM Staff
  • BRM Resident
  • Volunteer Coordinator


Purpose: The role of a tutor is to provide opportunities for residents of the BRM to learn skills such as typing, resume assistance, GED preparation, email/internet training, homework assistance, reading, and writing. We invite you to become a tutor and bless these people who were broken and are now on track for restoring their lives and once again become productive members of society.

Time Commitment:
2 hours a week for 3 months, you will choose one day and time per week as schedule allows

Duties:
  • Assist BRM students in specific subject area
  • Provide assistance with homework, reading, writing, computer and basic learning & study skills.


Qualifications:
  • Be in agreement with BRM Mission, Statement of Faith, Core Values and Purposes
  • Comfortable with praying alongside others
  • Must be 25 years or older
  • Volunteers expected to dress modestly and comfortably as in Volunteer Guidelines.
  • Computer skills, proficient in area of expertise
  • Responsible and accountable
  • Report attendance to the Program Director of Men's Ministry & Women’s Ministry
  • A servant heart


Application/training/orientation and other requirements:
Complete High Impact on-line application.
  • BRM Community Awareness Orientation & Tour
  • Schedule an on-site VIP orientation training and interview with Program Director
  • Obtain References and Background Check
  • 6 month to 1 year commitment preferred
Receptionist/Office Assistant
Position Title:
Receptionist/Office Assistant

Facility/Location: Bridgeport Rescue Mission Main Campus

Relates closely with:
  • Program Director
  • BRM Staff, Residents & Guests
  • Volunteer Coordinator
  • Other volunteers


Purpose: The volunteer office assistant will work with the BRM staff and help with support work. It’s important to have the logistics behind the ministry done efficiently to benefit the guests and residents of Bridgeport Rescue Mission.

Duties:
  • Be the “Voice of hope” answering the phone
  • Typing, Filing, Organizing
  • Stuffing, stamping, sealing envelopes
  • Possible Data Entry
  • Other duties as assigned


Time Commitment:
Monday through Friday at 9:00a.m. to 12 noon and/or 12 noon to 3:00p.m.

Qualifications:
  • Be in agreement with BRM Mission, Statement of Faith, Core Values and Purposes
  • Comfortable with praying alongside others
  • Must be 25 years or older
  • Volunteers expected to dress modestly and comfortably as in Volunteer Guidelines.
  • Responsible and accountable
  • Report attendance to the Director of Men's Ministry & Women’s Ministry
  • A servant heart


Application/training/orientation and other requirements:
Complete High Impact on-line application.
  • BRM Community Awareness Orientation & Tour
  • Schedule an on-site VIP orientation training and interview with Program Director
  • Obtain References and Background Check
  • 3 month commitment



Specialized Volunteer Opportunities

From time to time, we are in need of volunteers with specialized skills such as photography, mechanical or electrical expertise, sewing, Spanish translation, or professional skills. If you have a particular skill you’d like to use to bless our ministry, we invite you to fill out the application below. Space is available on the application for you to indicate your skills, talents or training.

Administrative Volunteers

Do you like to organize? Serve "behind the scenes"? Seasonally there is a need for administrative help throughout the Mission. Responsibilities may include opening mail, scanning documents, filing and data entry. If you are interested in helping in this way, we invite you to fill out the application below. Space is available on the application for you to indicate your skills, talents or training.

Community Service

Bridgeport Rescue Mission often receives inquiries about volunteer opportunities for individuals needing to complete community service hours. We attempt to accommodate those needing to complete school-assigned community service as part of coursework; however, we require two-week advanced notice. We may or may not be able accommodate all or part of the required hours due to staff availability. If under 18 years old, volunteers must be accompanied by an adult. If you need to complete community service hours, we invite you to fill out the application below. Space is available on the application for you to indicate your skills, talents or training.

Volunteers on Call

This important group of volunteers is always on call to assist us with special projects such as landscaping, painting, repair work, baking and housekeeping! If you are interested in helping in any of the ways listed below, we invite you to fill out the application below. Space is available on the application for you to indicate your skills, talents or training.
  • Host a birthday party at the Mission for our students
  • Fill food pantry boxes
  • Gardening and landscaping
  • Fill special holiday pantry boxes and help distribute to the hungry
  • Bake homemade goodies for our residents
  • Serve cookies, coffee and hot chocolate to the homeless
  • Decorate the Mission for holidays or other special events
  • Coordinate special fundraising events
  • Provide a game night for our residents
  • Coordinate a field trip for the men and/or women in our care


Serve from Your Location Through a Drive

Bridgeport Rescue Mission depends on volunteers of all ages to help us fight poverty from the inside out here at the Mission but also from your home, your church or your workplace. You, your school, church, business, organization, youth group or Sunday school class can help the hungry, homeless and addicted of Fairfield County by participating in any of our offsite drives.

Special Opportunities for Businesses

Compassionate businesses like yours can make a world of difference when they team up with Bridgeport Rescue Mission to help the homeless. Click below for just a few ways your company can help.

Opportunities for Businesses
Join us for special events. Sponsor a table at our annual Restore Hope Banquet and our Hearts of Hope Women’s Benefit Reception, or engage your employees in our Volunteer Community Service Team Building opportunities as part of our Corporation Compassion in Action Program. For a complete list of our upcoming events, visit Attend Events (Ruth, this links to http://bridgeportrescuemission.org/attend.php

Sponsor a drive at work. We have lots of great ideas for drives, from Winter Warm-Up to food needs. Click here for a complete list of drives or develop your own!

Donate. There are so many inventive ways you can collect funds to help fuel our outreach to the homeless. Sponsor an event, take up a donation, match employees’ gifts—the list is endless.

Come Serve. Grab your coworkers and come serve lunch at the Mission, or schedule a workday where employees from your business do light housekeeping or repair work at our shelter. Check out our volunteer opportunities now. (Ruth, this links to the top of the volunteer page)

Teach a Class. Spend a few lunch hours teaching important job or life skills to our guests. To learn more, click here. (Ruth, this links to Classroom Instructors under High Impact Volunteers)

Donate Professional Services. If you’re a doctor, lawyer, accountant or other professional, our guests and the Mission itself can use your professional skills.

Schedule a speaker. Schedule a brown bag lunch and invite a speaker from the Mission to talk with staff members about homelessness and our services. Click here to find out how.

For more information on ways your company can benefit Bridgeport Rescue Mission, contact Community Relations Manager, Marion Schrade at 203-333-4087, ext. 114 or email Marion.


Let’s Get Started!