VOLUNTEER INVOLVEMENT

 

Volunteering

The success of Suncoast Kids Place is highly dependent on volunteers.  The fact is, it cannot happen without them. You don’t have to be an expert in the field or have all the right things to say, you just need to be someone who is open and cares about others.

“To be kind is more important than to be right. Many times, what people need is not a brilliant mind that speaks but a special heart that listens.” - F. Scott Fitzgerald

A Volunteer’s commitment to each group is usually 2.5 hours twice a month.  Volunteers will be part of a team that interacts directly with the children, teens, or caregivers and will work to establish a relationship with them while they are working through the death of a significant person.

Volunteer Roles

  • Children’s/Teen’s Group Volunteer - Support the Group Leader with the kids and group activity. These volunteers will have the opportunity to let their inner child shine while playing and interacting with the kids.  They are encouraged to briefly share and participate in the group to show the children and teens that other people have been through tough times and that there are adults that care about them.

  • Adult Group Volunteer - Lead/co-lead the group for adult caregivers that meets at the same time as the children’s/teen’s group. This volunteer’s role is to help guide the discussion. This group provides the caregivers a safe space to discuss how grief has impacted their children and also helps them find comfort from other caregivers going through similar experiences.  We will also share information about the activities their children are involved in during their time in the group. SKP will provide a curriculum and structure that helps guide the caregiver meetings. 

  • Therapy Dog Owner Volunteer* - Support the children’s/teen’s group by bringing your Therapy Dog.  Just like the Group Volunteer role, you are encouraged to briefly share and participate in the group sharing time. You will also focus on your Therapy Dog’s interactions with the group participants. SKP partners with Canines for Christ. *Approved therapy dogs only.

Volunteers must be 18 years or older.  All potential volunteers are required to have a scheduled interview with a staff member, complete the volunteer training and the Mandated Reporter training, fill out a volunteer application, and pass a national criminal background check.

Schedule your Volunteer Interview to get started:

(If none of the scheduled dates work for you, please email ginny@suncoastkidsplace.org to set up another time.)

Internships

Suncoast Kids Place prides itself on educating future professionals. Interns should expect a hands-on experience working with grieving children, teens, and adults.  During the internship, there will be opportunities to experience peer support groups and office time.  Interns are also expected to take on a leadership role towards the end of the semester.  Intern hours and requirements vary by college program and school. Internships are provided through partnerships with colleges.  We currently have partnerships with the following schools:

  • University of South Florida

  • Hillsborough Community College

  • Saint Leo University

  • Trinity College

  • Southeastern University

  • Concordia University

  • University of Denver

If you are interested in interning with Suncoast Kids Place please contact us at 813.990.0216 or info@suncoastkidsplace.org.