Volunteering FAQ

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Frequently Asked Questions

What volunteer opportunities are available, and who can volunteer ?

Farm Work – everyone can benefit from getting their hands in the dirt!  We need the help of community volunteers to prepare beds, plant, weed, water, harvest, and do post-production.

The farm can take groups large or small, or individuals.  We ask for volunteers age 14 and older.

Landscaping/Gardening – during all seasons of the year we can use volunteers to keep the property and gardens looking great.  This may involve planting, weeding, mulching, tree-trimming, mowing, and even occasional log-splitting and stacking!

This type of work can be done by anyone, but again, we prefer volunteers age 14 and older.

Renovation/Construction – we have projects going on all the time that can use people with specific renovation/construction skills.  Check with us via email on what we have going on at any point in time.  In some cases, we have projects that your team can adopt and see through from start to finish!

Volunteers must be adult or high school age with close adult supervision.  All volunteering is at your own risk and liability.

Events/Special Activities  – we welcome dedicated volunteers who want to work with us in event planning and execution.  We host fund-raisers and street outreaches, open houses, and community celebrations.  Let us know what your talents and passions are and we'll plug you in.

We can use young adults/adults who can commit to a block of time or project duration.

Social Justice Work – Everyone's efforts are needed to see an end to modern day slavery.  We have a wide variety of ways you can engage:  through public awareness activities, event planning, fund-raising, legislative advocacy, industry training, street outreach, and more.  Contact Jeanne for more information.

Young adult/high school volunteers can help with awareness and fund-raising efforts.  All other activities require that you be over 18, and some of our activities will require that you complete specific orientation/training and have agreed to our liability waiver.

What is the Volunteer shift?

The ideal duration for volunteering is 4 hours in a single day, but some volunteers will work a full 8-hour day. Saturdays are either 8:00am – 12:00 pm or 1:00pm – 5:00pm.  Please arrive on time.  YOU MUST SIGN IN at the Administration Building (white buiding). We'll take 10-15 minutes to give you an overview of TSW and the day's tasks and then set you to work. You can take breaks whenever you need.  Plan 30 minutes at the end of your shift to help put away tools and clean up.

What size group can you take?

We welcome individuals, families, and groups as small as three or as large as over 100.  Larger groups require a bit more planning, but we are able to make this a wonderful experience for your large group.

How do I get there and where do I park?

The best driving directions are located at www.thesamaritanwomen.org/directions.html. We have use of the RICA parking lot that is to the left of our property as you approach the Administrative Building (the white house).  Please park in the RICA parking lot and walk over.  When you arrive on the property YOU MUST SIGN IN at the Administration building (white building) before volunteering.

What should volunteers wear?

Volunteers are REQUIRED to wear closed-toe work shoes regardless of the season.  That means, ABSOLUTELY NO FLIP-FLOPS, SANDALS, CLOGS, CROCS, or HEELS.  Volunteers are also strongly encouraged to wear long pants and bring gloves.  It is most practical to dress in layers so that you can adjust to the temperature and the work you are going to be doing.

All persons are expected to dress with modesty, out of respect for onesself and others.  We are here to SERVE, not be a spectacle!

What else do I need to bring?

If you have a medical condition such as asthma or anaphylaxis, please bring your inhaler or epipen and tell your group leader of your condition before working in the field. We have several basic First Aid kits.

We ask you to please consider also bringing an in-kind donation along with your labor.  There is a current list of much-needed supplies, tools, or specialty items at our donation page

Volunteers MAY NOT bring any electronic devices (MP3, iPod, Walkman, etc).  For safety reasons, headphones/earbuds are not allowed in the farm or around any mechanical tool.

What about snacks, lunch and water?

To be environmentally-responsible and reduce trash, we discourage plastic disposable water bottles and instead encourage each member of your team to bring his/her own water thermos. We have hydrants with potable water for refills.   Groups and individuals are asked to bring their own lunches/snacks and be responsible for taking all of your food garbage with you.  There is very limited space for refrigeration. If you require refrigeration, please bring your own cooler.

We do have a picnic area and BBQ pit where our groups often make burgers, brats, and dogs. You are welcome to use these areas.  Please bring your own charcoal and lighter fluid, as needed.

Anything else to know?

Please be advised that your consent to volunteering at The Samaritan Women or its associated ministries is at your own risk.  The farm, renovation projects, and urban outreaches each come with varying potential for exposure to the elements, insects, irritants, chemicals, tools, and social threats.  Volunteers are required to have their own insurance coverage and implicitly consent to hold The Samaritan Women blameless for any incident that may arise during your volunteer experience.

We adhere to a Code of Conduct that emphasizes an atmosphere of respect and harmony with all persons.  Profanity or any form of violence against self or others is not tolerated.

Are these the only Volunteer Opportunities?

Definitely not!  We have need for skilled, talented and committed volunteers to fill more involved roles.  Please contact our Community Coordinator, Amanda, to apply.