The Winooski Teen Center is a drop-in program for Winooski High School teenagers, and is open from 6-9pm on Wednesdays and from 6-11pm on Fridays.
The Teen Center is a safe, supportive, and substance-free environment in which adolescents and young adults can play games, use computers, work on homework, or simply socialize with their peers. Richly diverse with a large number of refugee youth, this teen center is one of a kind.
Volunteers will provide general supervision of teens and the facility while they engage our teens in basketball, soccer, and board games.These volunteers assist the Teen Center Directors in supervision of the Teen Center space. They are responsible for enforcing Teen Center Rules and assisting the Directors on an as-needed basis. Because the Underground is a drop-in center, volunteers will often be expected to be a "jack-of-all-trades" – monitor spaces, help with homework, play pool, etc.
Teen Center Assistants are confident and assertive. They are comfortable engaging teens in informal conversation. They are active and are ready to play intense sports and other games with the teens.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Provide support to the Teen Center staff during drop-in hours.
- Provide consistent and respectful guidance to help enable teens to follow the Teen Center rules.
- Use appropriate and respectful language.
- Provide a fun, safe space for youth.
- Hang out with the teens.
Benefits to Volunteer
- Experience working with youth.
- Having fun! You might find yourself playing basketball, pool, board games, and foosball or watching a teen's favorite YouTube video.
- Provide a positive role model for youth.
- Help create a positive environment for youth.
Qualifications and Requirements
- Positive attitude.
- Enthusiasm for working with youth.
- Meet with Teen Center staff and complete Volunteer Application/Interview and review Volunteer Handbook prior to beginning service.
- Volunteer must undergo background check prior to beginning service.
Supervisors
Teen Center Co-Directors
Orientation and Training
- Arrive early on your first day of service to be introduced to the Co-Directors and the space, fill out forms, and become acquainted with general operations.
Times Needed and Location
- Drop-In Hours
- Wednesday 6PM – 9PM
- Friday 6PM – 11PM
- Commit to one 2-hour shift on a regular basis – weekly is preferred, but bi-weekly and monthly schedules will be considered.
- O'Brien Community Center
- 32 Malletts Bay Ave Winooski, VT 05404
Commitment Required
- 2-hour weekly shifts.
- At least several months in order to provide consistency for our youth.
Contact Information
Volunteer Coordinator
vista@winooskivt.org
