How to Get Started
Becoming a volunteer at Open Arms is easy! Your first step is to create an account on VolunteerHub. (If you’re under the age of 16, please see our age requirements to learn how to begin.) Once you create your account, you can either register for an IN PERSON orientation or complete the virtual training listed below as Option B. Once you’ve finished orientation you can volunteer as frequently as you’d like.
Shifts are available six days a week, morning through evening, and are typically two hours long. You’ll be able to easily schedule your shifts with our online VolunteerHub, and you can try out several volunteer roles to find a good fit.
Option A
In-Person Orientation
Two
Join the 1hr orientation
Option B
Virtual (Kitchen) Orientation
Three
FOUR
Volunteers Are The Heart & Soul Of Open Arms
Volunteers are the heart and soul of Open Arms. From preparing medically tailored meals in our state-of-the-art kitchen to delivering our nourishing food to our critically ill clients, every aspect of our operations is made possible because of the incredible dedication of our volunteers.
Join us in making a profound difference for our neighbors living with life-threatening illnesses. We have a wide variety of opportunities and will work with you to find the perfect fit for your skills, interests, and availability.
Find more information below or get in touch with us about volunteering by email or by calling 612-872-1152.
Ways to Help
In the Kitchen
Prepare, portion, and package food — no culinary skills necessary! This is a great setting to hang out with other volunteers, pick up tips and tricks from our kitchen staff, and be enveloped in amazing kitchen smells. Shifts are available six days a week, morning through evening, and are typically two hours long.
On Delivery
Interact with clients and see the impact of our work by delivering meals! Pick up your route at your scheduled time (between 10:45-11:30), then deliver food to clients (typically 4-8 stops on your route) in the Twin Cities geographic area of your choice. Friends and kids of all ages welcome! Deliveries happen Monday through Friday and are usually 1–2 hours long. (Mon-Wed pick in Minneapolis and Th-F pick up in St. Paul).
At Our Open Farms
Grow tasty veggies for our kitchen and meet new people. From April to November, help us plant, prune, weed, and harvest at our multiple urban gardens throughout Minneapolis and St. Paul. Youth as young as 6 are welcome when accompanied by an adult!
In the Office
Be the smiling face of Open Arms as you welcome visitors at our greeter desk! We are especially looking for committed volunteers who are available once per week.
Additional information
Age Requirements
We welcome kids ages 6 to 16 with some conditions and special circumstances. Learn more and sign up for a youth or parent/guardian orientation.
Dress Code
- Wear closed-toe shoes
- Avoid Sandals of ANY kind.
- Wear shirts WITH sleeves (short-sleeves OK!)
- Avoid tank tops or sleeveless shirts.
- Wear long pants, long skirts or capris
- Avoid shorts or short skirts.
- Avoid jewelry
- Anything that could fall in the food.
- Wedding bands are okay.
Community Service Volunteering
To register as a community service participant at Open Arms, the first step is to email us.
Note: Open Arms is limited in the court-mandated community service charges we can accept. Individuals with felony-, violence-, theft-, or fraud-related offenses may not be eligible to complete mandated community service hours with Open Arms. All court-mandated community service participants must receive official approval prior to attending training or beginning service.
Questions?
Get in touch with us about volunteering at Open Arms. Email [email protected] or call 612-872-1152.
