Become An Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities in 4 Easy Steps
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.
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
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.
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!
View all recurring volunteer opportunities and sign up here.
Drop-in Volunteer Opportunities
Drop-in opportunities 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 take a look at our Calendly Calendar to sign-up for drop-in events.
If you have any questions, please contact our volunteer coordinator Emma Fredrickson at efredrickson@coa-yfc.org.
Volunteer FAQs:
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
All volunteers working with participants 2 years old or younger must submit proof of vaccination.
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
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.
Yes! Virtual orientations are available for all volunteers. Please email efredrickson@coa-yfc.org to schedule a meeting.
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
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.
Yes, we have many students complete their service hours at COA each year. Please email Emma Fredrickson for more information.