Volunteer FAQs

How can I get involved with Catholic Charities?

You’re in the right place! To start your journey with Catholic Charities you can create a volunteer profile by completing the Volunteer Registration Form. Upon completing registration, you can explore our various service pathways or check the opportunity calendar for all available volunteering opportunities. You will be able to see descriptions, locations, and availability.

Do I need to be Catholic to volunteer with Catholic Charities?

No. At Catholic Charities, we accompany anyone in need regardless of their faith, race, gender, or ethnicity. Similarly, we welcome partners in mission from all backgrounds, including faith traditions.

My organization/group wants to volunteer, how do I register more than 10 people for a shift?

For group/organization volunteers with large groups, please contact Kelsey Rodriguez, Director, Volunteer Engagement, volunteer@catholiccharities.net with the details of your group, as well as which opportunities you would be interested to serve in.

How do I know which shifts have open spots for volunteering?

When viewing the Opportunity Calendar, you will be able to see the type of opportunity available through the color-coded events. Events in red are still open for sign up, while events in gray are already filled. Special events and trainings/other activities are also listed separately. This website is updated in real-time to show availability, please note that all volunteer spots are on a first-come-first-served basis.

I do not live in Chicago. Are there opportunities for me to serve with Catholic Charities?

Yes, you do not need to live in Chicago to serve with Catholic Charities. We have a variety of opportunities around Greater Chicago in both Cook and Lake counties. Specific locations can be found and filtered through the Search By Location section. For specific Lake County opportunities, please contact Patti Fuller, Associate Director of Volunteer Engagement, volunteer@catholiccharities.net.

What is the difference between Expressing Interest and Signing Up?

Once you find an opportunity that interests you, you will have the option to

Express Interest--We will contact you with further information about the opportunity and how to sign up. Many opportunities require further orientations or background checks to ensure the safety of our clients. Please do not show up at the opportunity without hearing from us first.

Sign Up--You will be automatically signed up for the opportunity and will receive a confirmation email containing all the information you need. It is important for you to show up to opportunities that you sign up for.

How can I remove myself from an opportunity I signed up for?

If you can no longer attend, you are able to remove yourself from the opportunity by logging into your personal volunteer account. If you need to cancel within 24 hours of your shift or the change is unable to be made through the website, please contact Kelsey Rodriguez, Director, Volunteer Engagement, volunteer@catholiccharities.net with the changes you wish to make for you or your group, as it is important that we have the accurate number of volunteers accounted for.

I cannot access my account and am getting a website error, what do I do?

If you’re experiencing any technical issues with the volunteer website or with your account, please email volunteer@catholiccharities.net with a detailed explanation of the issues you’re experiencing, and we will work to help you find a solution.

I cannot give my time right now; how do I make a donation?

We appreciate all our partners, including our partners who donate to support our mission. If you are able to give, please consider supporting our critical work as the region’s largest safety net by making a donation today. Thank you for your support!

Volunteer FAQs

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago

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