Volunteer Opportunities

Several volunteer opportunities exist at the CCAC. Due to the confidential nature of our work, volunteer opportunities that offer direct contact with our children and families are limited. If you are interested in any of our Volunteer Opportunities, please send an e-mail to volunteer@chicagocac.org, with your area of interest and a copy of your resume.

Child Life Program

Volunteers in our child life program help care for children while they are at the Center. Volunteers are asked to commit to a few hours each week and go through a thorough training on caring for children who have experienced abuse and other traumas.
All positions are currently filled. Please check back for future opportunities. 

Children’s Garden

Help Our Garden Grow! During the spring, summer and fall, we need volunteers to help care for our courtyard garden. “Garden Days” take place on a weekend day and include tasks such as weeding, planting, mulching and more. The garden is enjoyed by our children and families and can serve as a peaceful haven for them during a difficult time in their lives.

Events

Our fundraising events rely on volunteers to make them happen. Volunteers can join event planning committees and are needed the day of events to help with registration, silent and live auctions, and set up and clean up. We also need volunteers for our Back to School Back Pack Drive and Kid’s Holiday Party.

Executive Volunteer Opportunities

The Board of Directors is made up of a limited number of high level executives across various sectors and is responsible for providing oversight, direction, and governance for the agency as a whole and within each division. The Board is also responsible for supporting the fundraising goals of the agency through personal contribution and assistance in identification, cultivation, and solicitation of prospective donors. Board openings are contingent upon ensuring a diverse mix of industries and backgrounds are represented among the group.  Membership is a selective process requiring multiple interviews and a full board vote.

Time Involvement: Quarterly meetings – two hours in length. Participation in a sub-committee of the Board is also required.

The Marketing & Communications Committee  works to broaden the outreach and awareness of the CCAC through expanded marketing, and public relations.  Members are expected to make a personal financial contribution and help secure additional funding wherever possible through individuals and corporations within their sphere of influence.

Time Involvement: Monthly meetings- one hour in length.

The Government Relations Council   is responsible for broadening outreach and awareness of the CCAC among legislators and government officials; in attempt to secure legislation that supports the mission of the organization and government appropriations and funding in support of operating costs.  Members are expected to make a personal financial contribution and help secure additional funding wherever possible through individuals and corporations within their sphere of influence.

Time Involvement: Bi-monthly meetings – one hour in length.

The Advisory Board is a board of seasoned professionals whose schedule may currently be very heavily committed, or may be tapering back on their volunteer and other commitments but would like to be involved with the Center.  Members provide counsel and help Executive Management to develop plans and initiatives that will be of the greatest benefit to the CCAC.  They are expected to make a personal financial contribution and help secure additional funding wherever possible through individuals and corporations within their sphere of influence.

Time Involvement: Semi-annual meetings – two hours in length. Provide direct counsel to the Executive Director and/or serve on special task forces, as needed, within areas of professional expertise.

The Associates Board is a vibrant board of young professionals with a dedicated interest in fundraising and developing relationships for the CCAC.  They host an annual event to benefit the Center, and volunteer their time, interests and abilities to various existing committees and events that further enhance the mission and vision of the Center.  Members are expected to make a personal financial contribution and help secure additional funding wherever possible through individuals and corporations within their sphere of influence.

Time Involvement: Bi-monthly meetings – one hour in length. Participation in additional committees within the agency structure is strongly encouraged.

Community Advisory Council is a group dedicated to broadening awareness and educating individuals and organizations around Chicagoland about child abuse, its signs and symptoms, and the CCAC as a resource.  Council members broaden the messaging of the CCAC in a more grassroots manner by helping to develop the CCAC’s annual event in April recognizing Child Abuse Prevention Month and by cultivating relationships with organizations and community leaders that benefit the CCAC and its clients. 

Time Involvement: Bi-Monthly Meetings – 2 hours in length – as well as other outreach and awareness-building opportunities outside of meetings as scheduled depending on each member’s comfort level and interest.