Spectrum Youth & Family Services
Spectrum's mission is to empower teenagers, young adults, and their families to make and sustain positive changes through prevention, intervention, and life skills services. Spectrum's programs support youth, including those who are at risk of homelessness and food insecurity, to establish connections, safety, and stability through Basic Needs, Life Skills, and Prevention programs. Each year, Spectrum helps 1,000 teenagers and young adults get food, emergency shelter or housing, clothing, mental health counseling, and coaching and mentoring on life skills such as employment and education.
Volunteer Opportunities
You can make a difference in the lives of homeless and at-risk youth in our community by volunteering in the following ways:
- Mentoring: For just 4 hours a month, you can make a difference in the life of a teenager or young adult. Enjoy time together on a bike ride, teach them how to cook, or explore career options.
- Mentors and Mentees are matched based on shared interests and meet at least twice a month. We have a particular need for male mentors of color and LGBTQ+ identified mentors.
- Mentors must be at least 21 years of age, have reliable transportation, attend a training, and pass a background check.
- Reach out to mentoring@spectrumvt.org to learn more!
- Donate a Meal: Spectrum's Drop-In Centers serve two meals a day – lunch and dinner, five days a week. Prepare a meal at home and bring it in for Spectrum to serve. Please plan on providing enough food for 25-30 servings. You can sign up for the Burlington Drop In MealTrain or St. Albans Drop In MealTrain.
- Multicultural Youth Program: Spectrum is looking for youth ages 18-26 with tutoring experience to help out in our Resource Space for multicultural and New American youth. They are looking for a commitment to helping out a few hours each week.
- Help with Donations: Thanks to the generosity of our community, Spectrum has lots of clothing donations for youth. They are looking for volunteers to help organize donations at their Drop-In so that youth can find what they need.
- Special Projects and Events: Spectrum occasionally needs help with events and special projects, like large mailings or fundraising dinners.
- Holiday Meal Donations: Sign up to contribute to meals for the teenagers and young adults living in their supportive housing programs and warming shelter. Please divide your donation into 2 or 3 containers/trays, as they'll be bringing food to multiple locations. Please include a list of ingredients! (Some of the youth have allergies.) Please label your food and include any reheating/serving instructions, if necessary. Please bring your food in a container that does not need to be returned to you. Sign up here, and reach out to mdelano@spectrumvt.org with any questions
Contact
Charlotte Steverson: csteverson@spectrumvt.org
