Volunteer Opportunities at COA

By becoming a volunteer for COA Youth & Family Centers, you will play an important role in our commitment to serving Milwaukee children and families. Whether you’re an individual, family or workplace group, COA can provide a volunteer opportunity that meets your interests and commitment level. Not only does volunteering allow you to work towards positive community-wide change, volunteering also helps develop leadership skills, gain work experience and learn to work with teammates.

COA offers special drop-in volunteer opportunities that do not require a background check, volunteer orientation, or prior experience. Click the buttons below to learn more about these opportunities as well as how to become an ongoing volunteer or volunteer with a group.

Current Drop-In Events
Become an ongoing volunteer
Volunteer with a group
Join our volunteer email list

Current Drop-In Volunteer Opportunities

The opportunities below do not require you to pass a background check or attend a volunteer orientation, perfect for those looking for a one-time or occasional volunteer opportunity! Please contact Emma Fredrickson at efredrickson@coa-yfc.org with any questions. View all volunteer opportunities here.

February 2nd, 4:00-6:00 PM

Black History Month Celebration

Join us at COA’s Riverwest Center to kick off Black History Month! This celebration includes African drumming and dancing, arts and crafts projects, face painting, a STEM table, and a soul food dinner. Volunteers will help lead activities and serve food. This event will take place in the Riverwest Center gymnasium.

Register Now for this Opportunity

Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities:

To become an ongoing volunteer at COA, you must fill out a volunteer application, pass a background check and attend a volunteer orientation. Apply to become a volunteer here, and contact Emma Fredrickson at efredrickson@coa-yfc.org  with any questions.

If you’re an individual looking for an ongoing volunteer opportunity:

1. Fill out a Volunteer Application

The first step is to complete a Volunteer Application so that we can find the best fit for you, based on your interests and availability. The application can be returned by mail or email: Attn: Volunteer Coordinator COA Youth & Family Centers 909 E. North Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53212, efredrickson@coa-yfc.org

2. Await Background Check

After we have received your application, and worked with you to determine the volunteer opportunity that’s right for you, you will need to complete a criminal background check. Please note that COA does not accept court-ordered service requirements.

3. Attend Volunteer Orientation

The final step is to attend a volunteer orientation, so that you can become familiar with COA and learn what to expect from volunteering with us!

4. Sign up for an opportunity

View all recurring volunteer opportunities and sign up here.

If you’re looking for a one-time project, we would be happy to accommodate your group:

Fill out this group volunteer interest form and we will contact you!

View all of our group volunteer opportunities and sign up here.

Questions? Call COA’s Volunteer Coordinator, Emma Fredrickson at (414) 263-8383 x1212.

Volunteer FAQs:

  • Are there volunteer age restrictions?
      • Age restrictions vary depending on the volunteer opportunity. Program volunteers must be 16 years of age or older, and event volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, please direct questions to efredrickson@coa-yfc.org
  • What is COA’s Covid-19 policy?
      • All volunteers working with participants 2 years old or younger must submit proof of vaccination.
  • How do I get started?
      • Fill out our volunteer application today! To organize a group volunteer opportunity, please fill out our Group Interest Form (?) or contact our Volunteer and Events Coordinator at efredrickson@coa-yfc.org
  • I am currently an events volunteer. Can I volunteer with your programs, too?
      • Yes, we love having volunteer assistance in all areas of COA! Program volunteers must pass a background check and complete a brief orientation. If you have not fulfilled these requirements but would like to volunteer with our programs, please contact efredrickson@coa-yfc.org to schedule your orientation.
  • I am unable to attend an in-person orientation. Can I do it virtually?
      • Yes! Virtual orientations are available for all volunteers. Please email efredrickson@coa-yfc.org to schedule a meeting.
  • Where is COA located?
      • COA has many locations. Our Goldin Center is located in the Amani neighborhood, our Riverwest Center is located at 909 E Garfield Ave, and Camp Helen Brachman is located in Almond, Wisconsin, about an hour and a half north of Milwaukee. COA’s Community Learning Centers (CLC’s) are located at Milwaukee’s Auer, Holmes, Hopkins, Doerfler, Westside and Lincoln Public Schools
  • Do you accept corporate, university, or congregational groups?
      • Yes, COA works with many different kinds of volunteers! We accept groups of all sizes, and are happy to work with your organization’s interests and schedules.
  • I have service hours required by my university courses. Can I complete those hours at COA?
      • Yes, we have many students complete their service hours at COA each year. Please email Emma Fredrickson for more information.