Volunteer
Centred Content
Volunteers are valued members of our team! Each day, volunteers give their time to make a difference in the lives of children, youth, and their families.
Volunteers play an important role in the services Huron-Perth Children’s Aid Society provide. Volunteer contributions provide an important link between the agency and the community that we serve.
Why Volunteer with HPCAS?
Volunteers at HPCAS make a difference in the lives of children and youth by:
- helping them to stay connected with their families and additional supports
- supporting learning and the development of important academic and life skills
- providing safety and security when in our care
- building positive experiences and demonstrating the act of caring
Centred Content
Steps to Becoming a Volunteer with HPCAS
If you have questions or are interested in becoming a volunteer with Huron-Perth Children’s Aid Society, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator at 519-271-5290 or 1-800-668-5094 ext. 2341 or teamvolunteer@h-pcas.ca
After speaking with our Volunteer Coordinator, the following must be completed:
- HPCAS Volunteer Application Package
- Children Protection Information Network Record Check
- Criminal & Vulnerable Sector’s Police Check
- 3 non-familial Reference checks (at least 2 professional)
- Additional signed agreements of understanding pertaining to the volunteer role
- Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act – online training
All volunteers must be at least 18 years of age, with the exception of drivers who must be a minimum of 21 years old.
Current Opportunities
This position is the thread of our agency. Driver’s help transport children and youth to access visits, school and appointments. This position is very flexible, and mileage is reimbursed.
The Ignite program is a creative learning program designed to Ignite Curiosity, Ignite Creativity and Ignite Confidence. As a Mentor you will be paired with a child to explore fun weekly activities hosted by the Ignite Program at the Stratford site. Engage together in science experiments, baking, creative art and more.
The Ignite Program is a blend of group programming and individual connections between the Mentee and the assigned Ignite Mentor. The Ignite Mentor and Mentee will spend quality time building connection and enjoying similar interests together in the community. The Mentor will serve as a positive role model in the child’s life. At the end of each month, all enrolled Mentor’s and Mentee’s will gather in Clinton for a creative group program hosted by staff. This blend of programming encourages connection, community, and friendships for everyone in the Ignite Program.
In the Garden Mentor role, you will be responsible for transporting children and youth to the Stratford Community Garden to work in the garden together. Each week, your duties will include planting, harvesting, weeding, watering, and general maintenance. All tools and supplies will be provided for you. In this program, we strive for the Garden Mentor to share their knowledge and passion for gardening with a child. It is an opportunity for leaning and to build connections and lifelong skills.
Provides unique support based on a specific need and volunteer skill set.
Let’s Get Social
3 days ago
Every year on May 14th, we recognize Children and Youth in Care Day, acknowledging the strength and resilience of young people in care throughout Ontario 👪
We join in to continue the #ForgetMeNot campaign. Last year, almost 8,200 children and youth were in care monthly across Ontario, …and they cannot be forgotten.
Like the forget-me-not flower – known for thriving in difficult circumstances – this campaign symbolizes our promise of love, respect and remembrance.
We also celebrate the #LittleWins of youth in care, because every step forward counts, no matter how small! These wins look different for everyone, whether making a new friend, completing a homework assignment, getting a driver's license or returning to school. We celebrate them all, and empower our youth to keep feeling proud of their accomplishments 👏
We encourage you to show you're there for kids in care by supporting them in any way you can:
・Mentorship
・Fostering
・Tutoring
・Volunteering
・Advocacy
For more information on how you can get involved and support youth in care in Huron-Perth, visit our website at the link in our bio @huronperthcas
@ont_youthcan #HPCAS #ForgetMeNot #LittleWins #ChildrenAndYouthInCareDay
Every year on May 14th, we recognize Children and Youth in Care Day, acknowledging the strength and resilience of young people in care throughout Ontario 👪
We join in to continue the #ForgetMeNot campaign. Last year, almost 8,200 children and youth were in care monthly across Ontario, …and they cannot be forgotten.
Like the forget-me-not flower – known for thriving in difficult circumstances – this campaign symbolizes our promise of love, respect and remembrance.
We also celebrate the #LittleWins of youth in care, because every step forward counts, no matter how small! These wins look different for everyone, whether making a new friend, completing a homework assignment, getting a driver's license or returning to school. We celebrate them all, and empower our youth to keep feeling proud of their accomplishments 👏
We encourage you to show you're there for kids in care by supporting them in any way you can:
・Mentorship
・Fostering
・Tutoring
・Volunteering
・Advocacy
For more information on how you can get involved and support youth in care in Huron-Perth, visit our website at the link in our bio @huronperthcas
@ont_youthcan #HPCAS #ForgetMeNot #LittleWins #ChildrenAndYouthInCareDay
5 days ago
Last Wednesday evening, we held our volunteer appreciation event and had the honour of having the wonderful Rami Shami attend to present to those that attended!
As always, Rami was engaging and insightful, sharing with us a session on "Utilizing A Culturally Humble Approach to …Providing Person Centered Care."
Swipe through to see more highlights from this special evening with a great group of folks! 📸
A genuine thank you to all of our volunteers for your dedication and tireless support throughout the organization. We appreciate you all, and the work you do to serve and strengthen our community! 💚
Want to join our amazing volunteer team in Huron-Perth? Visit the link in our bio to learn how you can make a difference @huronperthcas
#HPCAS #CommunitySupport #Volunteer
Last Wednesday evening, we held our volunteer appreciation event and had the honour of having the wonderful Rami Shami attend to present to those that attended!
As always, Rami was engaging and insightful, sharing with us a session on "Utilizing A Culturally Humble Approach to …Providing Person Centered Care."
Swipe through to see more highlights from this special evening with a great group of folks! 📸
A genuine thank you to all of our volunteers for your dedication and tireless support throughout the organization. We appreciate you all, and the work you do to serve and strengthen our community! 💚
Want to join our amazing volunteer team in Huron-Perth? Visit the link in our bio to learn how you can make a difference @huronperthcas
#HPCAS #CommunitySupport #Volunteer
6 days ago
Birth mothers, adoptive mothers, foster mothers, stepmothers, new mothers, grandmothers, expecting mothers — "Mom" takes many shapes.
Today, we celebrate you and all the ways you nurture and care for your loved ones.
Happy Mother's Day — to those who are, in any …form, and to those who are wishing to be 🌷
#HPCAS #MothersDay
Birth mothers, adoptive mothers, foster mothers, stepmothers, new mothers, grandmothers, expecting mothers — "Mom" takes many shapes.
Today, we celebrate you and all the ways you nurture and care for your loved ones.
Happy Mother's Day — to those who are, in any …form, and to those who are wishing to be 🌷
#HPCAS #MothersDay
1 weeks ago
The flags we proudly display outside our buildings are symbols of our commitment to creating an equitable and inclusive environment for all children, youth and families.
Pride Flag 🏳️🌈
We support and demonstrate our allyship for 2SLGBTQ+ children, youth and families. We are …dedicated to ensuring everyone feels safe, valued and respected regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Every Child Matters Flag 🧡
We acknowledge the historical and ongoing injustices faced by Indigenous children and families. Flying this flag symbolizes our commitment to truth and reconciliation, and actively supporting Indigenous communities.
Black Lives Matter Flag ✊🏿
We recognize the disproportionate representation of Black children in the child welfare system. This flag affirms our stance against racism and our commitment to addressing these inequities through meaningful action. The Black Lives Matter movement is not about excluding others, but about addressing specific injustices that Black individuals face.
These symbols help create a welcoming space for all. They do not diminish the value of any other group, but rather, highlight the need for equity and justice for those who have been historically marginalized.
For us, these flags represent the tangible commitments guiding our daily work to build a more equitable child welfare system that truly serves everyone with dignity.
#HPCAS #EveryChildMatters #BlackLivesMatter #PrideFlag #EquityMatters
The flags we proudly display outside our buildings are symbols of our commitment to creating an equitable and inclusive environment for all children, youth and families.
Pride Flag 🏳️🌈
We support and demonstrate our allyship for 2SLGBTQ+ children, youth and families. We are …dedicated to ensuring everyone feels safe, valued and respected regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Every Child Matters Flag 🧡
We acknowledge the historical and ongoing injustices faced by Indigenous children and families. Flying this flag symbolizes our commitment to truth and reconciliation, and actively supporting Indigenous communities.
Black Lives Matter Flag ✊🏿
We recognize the disproportionate representation of Black children in the child welfare system. This flag affirms our stance against racism and our commitment to addressing these inequities through meaningful action. The Black Lives Matter movement is not about excluding others, but about addressing specific injustices that Black individuals face.
These symbols help create a welcoming space for all. They do not diminish the value of any other group, but rather, highlight the need for equity and justice for those who have been historically marginalized.
For us, these flags represent the tangible commitments guiding our daily work to build a more equitable child welfare system that truly serves everyone with dignity.
#HPCAS #EveryChildMatters #BlackLivesMatter #PrideFlag #EquityMatters
1 weeks ago
Your voice matters!
We're inviting community members to participate in the "Building Perspectives" focus group, led by experts from the "Unitum" Community Resilience and Mental Health Lab. Share your experiences, perspectives and ideas for positive change to better… serve our community.
✅ Open to everyone (not just Stratford residents)
✅ 2-hour commitment
✅ Express interest by June 30
✅ Location and times flexible based on participant availability
Scan the QR code on this poster or visit the link to participate in this important conversation about building stronger community relationships!
#HPCAS #CommunityEngagement
Your voice matters!
We're inviting community members to participate in the "Building Perspectives" focus group, led by experts from the "Unitum" Community Resilience and Mental Health Lab. Share your experiences, perspectives and ideas for positive change to better… serve our community.
✅ Open to everyone (not just Stratford residents)
✅ 2-hour commitment
✅ Express interest by June 30
✅ Location and times flexible based on participant availability
Scan the QR code on this poster or visit the link to participate in this important conversation about building stronger community relationships!
#HPCAS #CommunityEngagement
1 weeks ago
"I care about you." 💚
Today is National Child & Youth Mental Health Day and we are proudly joining FamilySmart's #May7ICare campaign, because we know that when our youth feel seen and heard, their wellbeing improves.
1 in 5 young people face mental health …challenges, and something as simple as starting a caring conversation can make a real difference. 🧠
Supporting young people's mental health, through resources, community outreach, counselling, family support and community programs, reflects our vision of keeping children safe, confident and thriving. Every day we aim to foster environments where children and youth know they matter.
Let a young person in your life know that you care about them. Show up for them and support them — not just today, but every day.
#HPCAS #MentalHealth #May7ICare
"I care about you." 💚
Today is National Child & Youth Mental Health Day and we are proudly joining FamilySmart's #May7ICare campaign, because we know that when our youth feel seen and heard, their wellbeing improves.
1 in 5 young people face mental health …challenges, and something as simple as starting a caring conversation can make a real difference. 🧠
Supporting young people's mental health, through resources, community outreach, counselling, family support and community programs, reflects our vision of keeping children safe, confident and thriving. Every day we aim to foster environments where children and youth know they matter.
Let a young person in your life know that you care about them. Show up for them and support them — not just today, but every day.
#HPCAS #MentalHealth #May7ICare
2 weeks ago
Today is Red Dress Day, and we remember and honour the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people (MMWG2S).
This day, started by Métis artist Jaime Black as "an aesthetic response to this critical national issue," reminds us that more than six in ten — …over 63% — of Indigenous women have experienced physical or sexual assault in their lifetime.
As a Children's Aid Society in Canada, we firmly acknowledge the racist and oppressive role child welfare has played in the past, impacting Indigenous women and their families. We also recognize how violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people continues to separate families and impact children in our care.
Listening to the stories of our Indigenous community, commemorating their strength, and standing tall in support of families seeking justice is the way forward.
We invite you to join us and our community in wearing red today in solidarity.
☎️
– Hope for Wellness Help Line (Indigenous centered): 1-855-242-3310
– National Family and Survivors Circle: 1-844-413-6649
Concerned about a child or youth? Call us 24/7:
– 519.271.5290 or 519.524.7356
– Toll-free: 1.800.668.5094
#RedDressDay #MMIWG2S #HPCAS
Today is Red Dress Day, and we remember and honour the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people (MMWG2S).
This day, started by Métis artist Jaime Black as "an aesthetic response to this critical national issue," reminds us that more than six in ten — …over 63% — of Indigenous women have experienced physical or sexual assault in their lifetime.
As a Children's Aid Society in Canada, we firmly acknowledge the racist and oppressive role child welfare has played in the past, impacting Indigenous women and their families. We also recognize how violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people continues to separate families and impact children in our care.
Listening to the stories of our Indigenous community, commemorating their strength, and standing tall in support of families seeking justice is the way forward.
We invite you to join us and our community in wearing red today in solidarity.
☎️
– Hope for Wellness Help Line (Indigenous centered): 1-855-242-3310
– National Family and Survivors Circle: 1-844-413-6649
Concerned about a child or youth? Call us 24/7:
– 519.271.5290 or 519.524.7356
– Toll-free: 1.800.668.5094
#RedDressDay #MMIWG2S #HPCAS
2 weeks ago
Calling all 2SLGBTQ+ youth and allies! What changes do you want to see in our community?
Join us to share your thoughts at our 2SLGBTQ+ Workshop happening May 6 in Stratford (1-5 PM) or May 13 in Goderich (3:30-7:30 PM). We'll have pizza, open conversations and the space to make real… impact on local services.
Your perspective matters! Come help us build the community that reflects what you want to see.
We welcome all community members, caregivers, service providers and allies aged 12+. Reach out to acole02@uoguelph.ca to register.
#HPCAS #2SLGBTQ #CommunityEngagement
Calling all 2SLGBTQ+ youth and allies! What changes do you want to see in our community?
Join us to share your thoughts at our 2SLGBTQ+ Workshop happening May 6 in Stratford (1-5 PM) or May 13 in Goderich (3:30-7:30 PM). We'll have pizza, open conversations and the space to make real… impact on local services.
Your perspective matters! Come help us build the community that reflects what you want to see.
We welcome all community members, caregivers, service providers and allies aged 12+. Reach out to acole02@uoguelph.ca to register.
#HPCAS #2SLGBTQ #CommunityEngagement
2 weeks ago
Next up in our HPCAS #TeamSpotlight series is Tracy, our Growth and Development Coach! 🌱
Tracy has been a fixture on our team for 17 years and we are so proud of the care she takes to make such a difference, both in supporting her colleagues and in our community.
We think she …says it best:
"I love that my job allows me to spend time connecting with and supporting people in the Huron, Perth and greater child welfare communities throughout the province. I enjoy that my current role allows me to continue to use what I've learned over the years working in different roles and helps me to support my co-workers in the work they do each day, while still continuing to improve my own knowledge and skills."
Tracy's favourite pastimes are spending time with family & friends, playing & watching sports, travelling, baking and enjoying the outdoors.
Thank you, Tracy, for all you do! We are so lucky to have you on our team 💚
#EmployeePride #HPCAS
Next up in our HPCAS #TeamSpotlight series is Tracy, our Growth and Development Coach! 🌱
Tracy has been a fixture on our team for 17 years and we are so proud of the care she takes to make such a difference, both in supporting her colleagues and in our community.
We think she …says it best:
"I love that my job allows me to spend time connecting with and supporting people in the Huron, Perth and greater child welfare communities throughout the province. I enjoy that my current role allows me to continue to use what I've learned over the years working in different roles and helps me to support my co-workers in the work they do each day, while still continuing to improve my own knowledge and skills."
Tracy's favourite pastimes are spending time with family & friends, playing & watching sports, travelling, baking and enjoying the outdoors.
Thank you, Tracy, for all you do! We are so lucky to have you on our team 💚
#EmployeePride #HPCAS