Apply to Volunteer
Invest your time to change lives
When you invest in others, the benefits find their way back to you.
Volunteering with Catholic Charities in the Greater Wichita area or with the Southeast Kansas team not only helps people in need, it also plants seeds of reward for your future through networking relationships, new friendships and can even provide experience for a job.
Application instructions for individuals
We can’t wait to hear from you and get you involved!
There are several steps to complete before you can volunteer at any of our programs or locations. Please note that the eligibility and background check requirements vary by program.
- Choose your preferred program and volunteer role on the Individual Opportunities page.
- Fill out the volunteer application.
- Sign up to take VIRTUS training, a valuable class on recognizing and responding to potential abuse of children or youth. Register for VIRTUS here. All individual, ongoing volunteers must take this short course.
- The volunteer coordinator will call to interview you and help you complete and sign the required background check forms.
- After the background check is completed, you will receive an email stating you are approved to start volunteering!
A volunteer supervisor from your selected program will reach out to coordinate your orientation and volunteer schedule.
FAQs for Individual Volunteers
Good questions
More questions? Contact the volunteer coordinator at (316) 264-8344, ext. 1261 or email our Volunteer Coordinator.
I did not receive a confirmation email from the volunteer portal after completing the application. Did you receive my application?
We are glad to help. Please call the volunteer coordinator at (316) 264-8344, ext. 1261.
How long does it take to complete the volunteer application process?
It depends on several things. If you are considering an ongoing position, you must complete VIRTUS training.
After completing VIRTUS, all ongoing volunteer opportunities require a background check. For roles at Our Daily Bread or administrative office locations, the process typically takes a few days. For shelter programs or Adult Day Services, background checks are completed by state agencies and may take two to three weeks.
What is VIRTUS?
VIRTUS training is a three-hour, in-person safe-environment training about how to be aware of and protect young people from child abuse. VIRTUS training is required for the protection of the vulnerable people we serve, including senior citizens, children and adults with severe disabilities.
What training is required?
All individual volunteers who serve more than once a year with persons in Catholic Charities programs must complete VIRTUS training before volunteering. Minors do not need to complete VIRTUS. After passing all background checks, volunteers also complete a short orientation.
Minors aged 16-18 who wish to continue volunteering after they turn 18 must complete VIRTUS training before their 18th birthday.
Why do I need to create a volunteer profile?
Creating a volunteer profile allows us to contact you, process your background checks and track your volunteer hours. You may also view and register for new volunteer opportunities through the system.
Do I qualify to volunteer with Catholic Charities?
Eligibility varies for each program. Unfortunately, Catholic Charities is unable to accommodate the following people in its volunteer program:
- Persons convicted of a felony that involved burglary, fraud or violence toward any person
- Court-mandated volunteers
- Volunteers who wish to serve instead of paying a court fine
- Children under five years
- Youth without adult supervision must be at least 15 years old
Is there an age requirement?
Age requirements vary by program, but all individuals must be at least 15 years old to volunteer without a parent or guardian. However, minors must still have their parent or guardian’s signature on the forms. Persons less than 15 years old must volunteer with their family or a group. Children must be at least five years old and in kindergarten to volunteer.
Do you have remote volunteer positions?
Unfortunately, we do not have opportunities to volunteer remotely.
What is the minimum time commitment to volunteer?
Commitment varies by role. Some positions are one-time events for a few hours, while others require ongoing involvement, ranging from two to four hours. Details are listed in each opportunity description.