volunteer
Through volunteering at Festa, I’ve learned that family isn’t blood; it’s who you love and who loves you back.”
3-Generation Family English as a Second Language (ESL) Program
There are SO many ways to get involved and volunteer with Festa’s 3-Generation Family English as a Second Language (ESL) Program!
September - April
Hilliard location: Tuesday and Thursday Nights 6–8:30pm
Dublin location: Monday and Wednesday Nights 6–8:30pm
*We have paid staff in each children’s room. As a volunteer, you assist them by playing with the children. Adults, Teens and Families with school-age children are welcome!
(K-8th grade) Help serve the children dinner, play and engage with the children by participating in planned large muscle and fine motor activities, and help the children run their own restaurant. Time commitment is 6:00-8:30pm.
(K-8th grade): Assist with homework and academic support. Time commitment is 6:45-8:15pm.
Assist teachers and adult students as they learn English.
Provide a dinner once or monthly for the children facing suburban poverty who attend our 3-Generation Family ESL Program. Time commitment is 5:40-7:30pm. Learn more and sign up HERE.
We need snacks for our adult English students to help keep them energized and ready to learn. Drop off donations at UALC the Church at Mill Run, Sunday-Thursday between 9am and 5pm, or bring them with you to ESL. Suggested donations:
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Cookies (homemade or store-bought)
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Individually bagged snacks
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Granola bars
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Help us create an environment where adult New Americans who attend our program can create community. 2-3 adult volunteers are needed from 6:00-7:30pm to set up and run “International Coffee time.” This would include set up and tear down, preparing hot and cold beverages, plating cookies and snacks, and conversing with adult students during their class break.
Get Started with ESL
Adult Volunteers: 18 and older
New and returning volunteers must create a profile.
Volunteer at the Hilliard Location
(Tues/Thurs 6pm-8:30pm)
Complete your adult volunteer application (background check required for volunteers 18 and older).
Volunteer at the Dublin Location
(Mon/Wed 6pm-8:30pm)
Complete your adult volunteer application (background check required for volunteers 18 and older)
If you are bringing your school-aged children with you to volunteer, you will receive a link to register them after you complete your volunteer form.
If you have a current background check you can upload your badge to your registration form.
If you need a background check, we will run it through our system. After completing your registration form, you will receive an email from Protect My Ministry to authorize the background check (you may need to check your spam folder).
Once you are approved to volunteer, you will be sent a link to select your orientation date.
Teen Volunteers: 9th-12th grade
Volunteer at the Hilliard Location
(Tues/Thurs 6pm-8:30pm)
Volunteer at the Dublin Location
(Mon/Wed 6pm-8:30pm)
Once your profile has been approved, you will be sent a link to select your orientation date.
Read the Teen Volunteer program information and requirements sheet.
“I have learned that no matter what country a refugee is from, they have common denominators. I have seen people who speak different languages, and can’t understand each other, communicate and help each other. It’s beautiful. A Spanish woman trying to help an Arabic man learn English. If only the “world” had such compassion.”
“I particularly enjoy working with both our Hispanic and our Muslim adults and seeing how they interact and learn about each other’s cultures. The passion our ESL learners have for learning and improving their English and their appreciation for the opportunities afforded them in the United States is heartwarming. After a long day’s work, I am energized by their efforts when I come to our evening program.”
“I learned something new each day while volunteering for Festa, but the biggest lesson that kept transcending through the week is ‘in the simple’. It is the simple things (trying something new, making a friend, being polite, being honest, etc.) that are important to our children and their future. Maybe “in the simple” we will bring about peace in the home, in the neighborhood, imagine… in the world.”
Festa Summer Lunch Camp
June - July
Schedule and Locations TBA
(K-8th grade) Help serve the children dinner, play and engage with the children by participating in planned large muscle and fine motor activities, and help the children run their own restaurant. Time commitment is 6:00-8:30pm.
Individuals 18 years or older can serve at a lunch site playing with children, having lunch with them, and participating in daily activities (Background check required).
Individuals 18 years or older can assist teachers with adults as they learn English while their children attend camp (Background check required).
Adults may bring their school aged (K-12) children to volunteer. If you volunteer as a family, your children must remain with you at all times. You will fill out a profile for you and your children. Note: If your child is under 18 they do not need to request a background check.
Would your organization like to volunteer as a group? Groups of adults or youth plus chaperones may come together to have a fun day of team building and community service! Please email us HERE or call our office at 614-586-7939 to sign up your group.
Do you have a hobby or talent that you would like to share with the children at Summer Lunch Camp? We would love to host you as a special guest! Call us at 614-586-7939 for more information, or email us HERE
Click HERE to see a list of items.
Click HERE for a list of items and instructions.
Get Started with Festa Summer Lunch Camp
Returning Volunteers:
Please fill out a new volunteer profile for the current program, even if you filled out a profile for another program in the past. Returning volunteers are NOT required to complete a new background check if their current badge is up-to-date.
Adult Volunteers: 18 and older
New and returning volunteers must create a profile.
Sign Up to Volunteer
Complete your adult volunteer application (background check required for volunteers 18 and older).
If you are bringing your school-aged children with you to volunteer, you will receive a link to register them after you complete your volunteer form.
If you have a current background check you can upload your badge to your registration form.
If you need a background check, we will run it through our system. After completing your registration form, you will receive an email from Protect My Ministry to authorize the background check (you may need to check your spam folder).
Once you are approved to volunteer, you will be sent a link to select your orientation date.
Teen Volunteers: 9th-12th grade
Sign Up to Volunteer
Once your profile has been approved, you will be sent a link to select your orientation date.
Read the Teen Volunteer program information and requirements sheet.
Good Tidings Christmas Store
November – December
2023 Good Tidings Christmas Store Dates: December 4-8, 2023
Donate toys and gifts for families to purchase at a fraction of the price.
Volunteer as a personal shopper or greeter at our store.
Get Started with Good Tidings Christmas Store
VOLUNTEERS
Please fill out a new volunteer profile for the current program, even if you filled out a profile for another program in the past. Returning volunteers are NOT required to complete a new background check if their current badge is up-to-date.
Volunteer Opportunities
Year Round
Help us with administrative duties during regular business hours.
Translate documents or trainings from English to Spanish or Arabic.
Click HERE to see a list of items.
