Public Health
Students are able to work at various public health agencies and organizations in differing capacities. No previous background or experience in public health is required, but volunteers should be interested in and dedicated to the mission of their chosen site.
All of the Public Health sites count toward the Health & Medicine (SHM) Submajor/Minor and the Sociology & Social Work (SSW) Submajor in the Sociology Department.
Jewish Family Services (Section 011)
Note: This section is by override only. Please email pcinfo@umich.edu once backpacking begins with which food pantry shift(s) you will be able to attend to receive an override. Spaces are filled on a first come, first-served basis.
What: Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County believes that there’s not a person alive who doesn’t need help at one point or another. No matter what your age, no matter what your circumstances, Jewish Family Services is here for you. People all along the social spectrum will find something of value at Jewish Family Services – whether it’s support during a crisis, a chance to connect, compassionate guidance for an ongoing problem, or the chance to help another human being.
Serving people of all religions, races and ethnicities, Jewish Family Services is founded on the Jewish principles of caring for and “giving back” to our diverse community. JFS is dedicated to strengthening family life, fostering individual self-sufficiency and promoting improved social and economic conditions. The roots of Jewish Family Services date back to the late 1970s when a group of dedicated volunteers came together to address the needs of the growing number of refugees arriving in Ann Arbor from the Soviet Union. The resettlement program currently includes refugees from Afghanistan, Ukraine, and other countries who are moving to the US.
Students must attend one Food Pantry shift each week during the following days/times:
Mondays
10am-12pm: Grocery Prep
12-2pm: Pantry Assistant
12:30-3:30pm: Meal/Grocery Delivery Driver
1-3pm: Pantry Assistant/Back-Up Driver
1-3pm: Food Gatherers Delivery Assistant
Tuesdays
1:30-4:30pm; 2-5pm: Grocery Delivery Driver
Wednesdays
9am-11am: Food Gatherers Delivery Assistant
10am-12pm: Grocery Prep
12-2pm: Pantry Assistant
12:30-3:30pm: Meal/Grocery Delivery Driver
1-2:30pm: Pantry Assistant/Back-Up Driver
Thursdays
12-2pm; 1:30-4pm: Curbside Assistance
12-2pm; 1-3pm: Grocery Delivery Driver
Fridays
10am-12pm: Pantry Assistant
11am-2pm: Meal/Grocery Delivery Driver
In addition to the required weekly food pantry shift, students may also participate in additional JFS volunteer opportunities to supplement their hours.
When: Volunteer times will be based on shifts options and student availability. Students should expect to volunteer for an average of 2-4 hours a week outside of class, in order to gain approximately 20-30 hours by the end of the semester.
Where: Jewish Family Services office, 2245 S State St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Transportation: 5 min drive; 10 min bus (#62) to JFS. Students are welcome to take their own cars or CEAL Ride is provided free of charge for students without a vehicle for transportation to JFS. Students will need to use their own vehicles for meal delivery shifts because CEAL-Ride can only be used for transportation to/from site. Students can also take Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti buses for free with their Mcard to get to their site.
Orientation/Training: All students will be required to complete a volunteer application before starting at JFS.
Shelter Association of Washtenaw County-Delonis Center (Section 015)
What: The Shelter Association of Washtenaw County (SAWC), located in Ann Arbor and housed in the Robert J. Delonis Center, is dedicated to serving adult individuals experiencing homelessness by addressing basic human needs — such as emergency shelter, food, healthcare and clothing while assisting them in their effort to establish or increase income, save money, and find sustainable housing. Over 1300 individuals are served at the SAWC each year.
Volunteers in this section will work with the Shelter Association in nearly every aspect of the Shelter’s services, including serving breakfast to residents, offering resources and information to clients, assisting staff with laundry, answering the phone in the service center (our 24 hour floor), etc. More importantly, as student volunteers, you will help to create a safe and caring environment where listening empathetically and talking to the clients are at the core of the clients’ and volunteer experience alike. Volunteers will learn about homelessness and the resources available to people in that position. Volunteers will work with individuals with diverse social identities, personal backgrounds, and lived experiences, and could potentially learn de-escalation, bystander intervention, boundary-setting, and trauma-informed techniques. Click here to learn more about the tasks that Delonis Center volunteers will be involved in.
Who: This site is the best fit for students are able to take initiative and talk to new people, work independently, navigate a less structured community site experience, and willing to engage in difficult conversations/unpredictable situations.
When: Students will participate in meal facilitator shifts and other opportunities based on the needs of the Delonis Center. Shifts are available 7 days a week (including in the evenings and on the weekends). Students will be expected to volunteer for an average of 2-4 hours each week outside of class, for a total of 20-30 hours by the end of the semester.
Where: Robert J. Delonis Center, 312 W Huron St, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Transportation: 24 min walk; 20 min bus (#6 to #9). Students are welcome to take their own cars or CEAL Ride is provided free of charge for students without a vehicle for in-person shifts. Students can also take Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti buses for free with their Mcard to get to their site.
Orientation/Training: All students will be required complete paperwork and attend a on-site orientation before starting their shifts at the Delonis Center.
The Hope Clinic (Section 017)
Note: This section is by override only, and will require an application and virtual interview. Please email pcinfo@umich.edu once backpacking begins to request an override. Spaces will be filled on a first come, first-served basis.
What: Volunteers at the Hope Clinic will participate in helping to build capacity in one of our programs to help make lives better. Depending on their own skills, experience, and availability they might work at the Front Desk, support our Food Programs, serve as interpreters, and/or assist staff with other programmatic or administrative tasks. Please note that it is rare for students to work with our Medical Clinic because these volunteer opportunities generally require a more advanced level of expertise and experience, along with a one year commitment.
Who: We are looking for students who are comfortable working in a Christian organization; although no particular faith background is required. Volunteers should be self-motivated and driven. The work will often require problem solving and critical thinking. Volunteers should bring an attitude of joy to the work and a desire to help make the programs better. We have a particular need for volunteers who can interpret for our Spanish-speaking clients.
When: Volunteer time will vary based on what program they will be working in; but in general, students will engage in on-site work with Hope Clinic between 9am- 6pm on Mondays-Fridays and/or 9am-12pm on Saturdays. Students will be expected to volunteer for an average of 2-4 hours each week outside of class, for a total of 20-30 hours by the end of the semester.
Where: We will be hosting volunteers at the Hope Clinic-Ypsilanti location primarily located at 518 Harriet St. Ypsilanti MI. It, however, a student would like to volunteer at our Wayne/Westland location we are open to evaluating that possibility on a case-by-case basis.
Transportation: 20-25 min drive; ~40-minute bus ride. Students are welcome to take their own cars or CEAL Ride is provided free of charge for students without a vehicle for in-person shifts. Students can also take Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti buses for free with their Mcard to get to their site.
Orientation/Training: Volunteers are required to complete an application and go through an interview process before being granting an override. They may be subject to background checks before starting at Hope Clinic.