Parent Support: 415-441-KIDS (5437) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week Learn More
Classes & Services: 415-668-0494 during business hours Learn More
  • Individual

    All of our individual volunteer opportunities require a volunteer application, interviews, training, and ongoing commitments ranging from six weeks to a year.

  • Group

    Whether you’re volunteering with your workplace, church, school, or another community group, there are several group volunteer opportunities that are suitable for teams of 5 – 25 volunteers.

Individual Volunteer Opportunities
We’re currently recruiting for the following volunteer positions
Children’s Playroom Volunteer Caregiver

Complete an application here!

Time Commitment: Six consecutive months, Monday through Thursday daytime hours preferred
Training Required: Two evening nights, Eight hours total
Location: Safe & Sound, main office located at 1757 Waller Street in San Francisco

The Children’s Playroom provides therapeutic childcare for children while their parents meet with counselors, attend workshops, or utilize other services offered by Safe & Sound Family Support Center. As a Playroom Caregiver, you’ll help parents with young children receive the supportive services they need and help children build valuable social and emotional skills.

Volunteer Responsibilities

Supervise playtime, read stories, lead crafts, and serve snacks for children up to age 12 – primarily babies, toddlers, and preschoolers – while their parents are utilizing services at the Safe & Sound offices.

Playroom volunteer shifts are available:

  • Monday & Thursday: 9:45 am to noon (2.25 hrs), noon to 2:15 pm (2.25 hours),

  • Tuesday & Wednesday: 1:45pm-5:15pm (3.5 hours)

Volunteers must attend an initial eight-hour training on two weekday evenings, pass a criminal background check and submit a negative TB test.

Once trained, volunteers will be scheduled on a recurring basis for at least six months.

Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age to participate.

To learn more: Contact our Volunteer & Community Engagement Manager chris.miller@safeandsound.org and include "Playroom Volunteering" in your email subject line.

TALK Line Telephone Volunteer

Volunteer Application and Full Job Description Available Here

Time Commitment: 1 full year (52 weeks), 5 hours per week
Training Required: 38 hours, 6-part series over 3 weeks
Location: Remote

The TALK (Telephone Aid in Living with Kids) Line is a 24-hour, volunteer-run, parent & caregiver support warmline responding to over 10,000 calls per year. We provide early interventions, support, and community-based referrals to parents and caregivers experiencing stress. Volunteers respond to incoming calls and also provide regular follow-up calls to parents and caregivers with heightened needs. Parenting is a difficult job, and as a TALK Line Phone Operator, you will be part of a supportive network that parents and caregivers can rely on in times of need. Personal, lived experience of parenting or caregiving and a willingness to discuss these experiences with callers is preferred, and this remote position can be done from home as long as you have a quiet, confidential space and secure internet access. Our TALK Line volunteers find personal fulfillment and deep connection and gain valuable skills through their experience. Apply Today!

Volunteer Responsibilities & Requirements

  • Volunteers must complete an initial 38-hour virtual training

  • Work (at least) one 4-hour shift on the line per week for a minimum of 1 full year (52 weeks / 208 hours). Open shifts are Monday-Friday between 8am-5pm

  • Make weekly, outgoing calls to assigned parent-clients desiring ongoing support

  • Attend a weekly one-on-one meeting with a supervisor

  • Must be at least 18 years of age to participate and pass a criminal background check.

  • For those wishing to stay on as active volunteers after the initial year, we ask that you hold at least one shift per month.

Training Topics Include

  • Trauma-Informed & Healing Centered Care

  • Harm Reduction

  • Crisis Intervention & De-Escalation

  • Five Protective Factors Framework for Strengthening Families

  • Intentional & Anti-Oppressive Peer Support

  • And more

To Learn More & Apply: Contact our Volunteer & Community Engagement Manager chris.miller@safeandsound.org and put “TALK Line Volunteer” in the subject line of your email.

Community Dinners & Workshop Meals

Community Dinners

Schedule: Every Monday, 3:30 – 6:30pm
Group Size: 1-5
Location: Safe & Sound (1757 Waller Street / Haight)

Purchase, prepare, and serve dinner to 40+ parents and children. This is a hybrid dinner of dine-in and take-out. Due to COVID, we are restricting having a full capacity of dine-in. Half will be dining in while half will take the food home to eat.

For available dates, contact our Volunteer & Community Engagement Manager at volunteer@safeandsound.org or (415) 213-7416.

Workshop Meals

Schedule: Varied Weeknights
Location: Safe & Sound (1757 Waller Street / Haight)

  • Purchase and prepare meals for family workshop participants

  • Prepare food and set up before workshop starts

  • Volunteers do not serve the meals or dine with families

Those interested in our individual volunteer opportunities can use our sign up form and submit an interest form or contact our Volunteer & Community Engagement Manager at volunteer@safeandsound.org or (415) 213-7416.

Group Volunteer Opportunities
We have the following group opportunities currently available
Community Dinners

Schedule: Every Monday, 3:30 – 6:30pm
Group Size: 1-5
Location: Safe & Sound (1757 Waller Street / Haight)

Purchase, prepare and serve dinner to 40+ parents and children. This is a hybrid dinner of dine in and take out. Due to COVID, we are restricting having a full capacity of dining in. Half will be dining in while half will take the food home to eat.

For available dates, contact our Volunteer & Community Engagement Manager at volunteer@safeandsound.org or (415) 213-7416

Holiday Toy Drive

Schedule: Varied Weeknights
Group Size: 3-6
Location: Safe & Sound (1757 Waller Street / Haight)

Purchase and prepare meals for family workshop participants. Volunteers do not serve the meals or dine with families – purchase, preparation and setup only.

Holiday Toy Drive

Schedule: November & December
Group Size: 50+
Location: Flexible

Collect brand new toys, books, and clothing for parents to select for their children at our Holiday Toy Store.

Holiday Toy Store

Schedule: Full Friday & Saturday in December
Group Size: 50+
Location: Safe & Sound (1757 Waller Street / Upper Haight)

Help 200+ parents select brand new toys, books, and clothing to give to their children as gifts for the holidays. Volunteers serve as personal shoppers, keep the storeroom stocked and styled, pass out gift wrap materials, and care for children while their parents shop.

Is your company interested in learning more about how to get involved with Safe & Sound? Take a look at our corporate engagement opportunities, and contact us at volunteer@safeandsound.org or (415) 213-7416 to learn more.

TALK Line