We appreciate your enthusiasm to volunteer with Mercy's Gate. Our team of dedicated volunteers is an essential component of our ministry, serving in a diverse range of vital roles. From data entry to meeting face-to-face with neighbors in crisis, our volunteers provide crucial services for our community.
It's important to note that all of the services provided by Mercy's Gate are solely carried out by our volunteers. Without them, our ministry would not be possible.
Becoming a Mercy's Gate Volunteer
Mercy's Gate has been offering its helping hand and compassion to individuals and families facing a crisis in the El Paso County community since 1982. In 2022 alone, our efforts positively impacted the lives of over 29,000 people!
However, our mission is far from complete, and we believe in the power of togetherness.
Today, we invite you to join us on our mission of love, care, and compassion for our neighbors.
Being a Mercy's Gate volunteer is more than just giving your time. It's about making a difference, about contributing to a cause bigger than yourself. It's about working together with other like-minded individuals to help those in need and build a better community for everyone.
If you're interested, we'd love to help you get started.
The process is simple:
If you've ever wanted to do something tangible to improve the lives of people in our community, this is a beautiful opportunity. We look forward to potentially having you on our team and impacting more lives together!
Current Opportunities
Food Pantry Host
Description:
Volunteer interacts with Neighbors one-on-one. Greets and signs in Neighbors using printed logs, copies Neighbor ID’s and receives completed Registration Forms, and checks for eligibility using a computer database. Also answers general questions.
Total volunteer time:
3 ½ hours/ week
Interacts with Neighbors:
Yes
Requirements:
Application, References, Confidentiality Agreement, Conduct Policy, Background check, short interview with Volunteer Coordinator or Program Manager
Food Pantry Shopper
Description: Volunteer interacts with Neighbors one-on-one. Walks with Neighbors through the Pantry and assists as needed while Neighbors choose needed groceries and household items. Offers to assist Neighbor with loading food into a vehicle and pray for them when appropriate.
Total volunteer time: 3 ½ hours/ week
Interacts with Neighbors: Yes
Requirements: Application, References, Confidentiality Agreement, Conduct Policy, Background check, short interview with Volunteer Coordinator or Program Manager
Prayer Volunteer
Description: Volunteer takes part in front line ministry by offering prayer and Bibles to our Neighbors who wish to receive them. Typically, this happens while Neighbors are waiting or after they’ve received services. It’s important to be sensitive to Neighbors’ preferences, understanding that prayer and spiritual counsel are offered but never required. If interested, this role may be asked to fulfill the Greeter responsibilities for the current Session.
Total volunteer time: 3 ½ hours/ week
Interacts with Neighbors: Yes
Requirements: Application, References, Confidentiality Agreement, Conduct Policy, Background check, short interview with Volunteer Coordinator or Program Manager
Greeter
Description: Volunteer welcomes Neighbors as they arrive to Mercy’s Gate, answers general ministry questions, visits with Neighbors who are waiting for services, and refers Neighbors to community resources as needed.
Total volunteer time: 3 ½ hours/ week
Interacts with Neighbors: Yes
Requirements: Application, References, Confidentiality Agreement, Conduct Policy, Background check, short interview with Volunteer Coordinator or Program Manager
Food Pantry Stocker
Description: During closed hours, Volunteer transports pantry items from our on-site storage into the Pantry, moves/stocks the items, and processes Pantry donations. This may require lifting, bending, and squatting.
Total Volunteer time: 2 hours/ week
Interacts with Neighbors: No
Requirements: Application, References, Confidentiality Agreement, Conduct Policy, Background check
Food Pick-Up
Description: Volunteer transports Pantry items from donor locations to Mercy’s Gate, and an off-site storage location. This requires bending, squatting, and lifting of 35+ pounds.
Total Volunteer time: 2-3 hours/ week
Interacts with Neighbors: No
Requirements: Application, References, Confidentiality Agreement, Conduct Policy, Background check, Valid driver’s license
Advocate
Description: Volunteer works in front line ministry, meeting one-on-one with Neighbors seeking assistance. Volunteer listens, assesses needs, reviews and discusses budget. Based on that conversation, Volunteer offers assistance based on established Mercy’s Gate guidelines, complete and process paperwork as appropriate, refer to other assistance available in the community, and pray with Neighbors (if the Neighbor desires).
Total Volunteer time: 3 ½ hours/ week.
Interacts with Neighbors: Yes
Requirements: Application, References, Confidentiality Agreement, Conduct Policy, Background check, short interview with Volunteer Coordinator or Program Manager
Front Desk Volunteer
Description: Volunteer interacts with Neighbors one-on-one. Volunteer arrives twenty minutes before the session to ensure workspace and forms are ready. During the open session, the Volunteer greets Neighbors, assists with the drawing, uses a computer database, processes paperwork, answers questions, and refers Neighbors to additional resources when appropriate.
Total volunteer time: 3 ½ hours/ week
Interacts with Neighbors: Yes
Requirements: Application, References, Confidentiality Agreement, Conduct Policy, Background check, short interview with Volunteer Coordinator or Program Manager
Phone Volunteer
Description: Volunteer interacts directly with Neighbors by answering incoming calls during a Session. Volunteer also retrieves messages and return calls to answer Neighbor questions. When time permits, Volunteer may assist other administrative volunteers by answering Neighbor questions, copying paperwork, and checking the computer database as needed.
Total volunteer time: 3 ½ hours/ week
Interacts with Neighbors: Yes
Requirements: Application, References, Confidentiality Agreement, Conduct Policy, Background check, short interview with Volunteer Coordinator or Program Manager
Data Entry Volunteer
Description: Volunteer works behind the scenes to input data from Neighbor appointments and Food Pantry visits into appropriate databases.
Total Volunteer Time: 2-4 hours/week
Interacts with Neighbors: No
Requirements: Application, References, Confidentiality Agreement, Conduct Policy, Background check
COPE Volunteer
Description: Volunteer works behind the scenes to monitor Neighbors’ COPE status and communicates with CSU regarding Mercy’s Gate guarantee and payment. The COPE Volunteer also assists Data Entry Volunteers as time permits.
Total Volunteer Time: 2-3 hours/week
Interacts with Neighbors: No
Requirements: Application, References, Confidentiality Agreement, Conduct Policy, Background check
Special Events Volunteer
Description: Special Events Volunteers assist with occasional weekend or special projects, such as our Thanksgiving Meal Baskets, Backpack Bash, or other seasonal events. Some of these opportunities are more family-friendly, and Volunteers will be notified by email of upcoming opportunities and the age and time requirements of the event.
Interacts with Neighbors: event dependent
Requirements: Signed special event waiver/ agreement
Volunteer Resources
Sign Up Genius - March 2024
FAQs
What are the volunteer opportunities at Mercy’s Gate?
Please see “Opportunities” above for current volunteer roles and descriptions. If you have special skills that you could use to serve Neighbors, please reach out to our Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@mercysgatecs.org to discuss those further. We are always in need of Spanish-speaking volunteers!
What qualifications do I need to volunteer?
How do I sign up to volunteer?
What is the time commitment?
We ask volunteers to serve at least twice each month, for 2-3 hours per shift. Most Mercy’s Gate volunteers serve weekly in their chosen role.
Will I be trained before I start to volunteer?
Yes! Several times each year we offer a two-hour volunteer training. After that, you’ll have specific training tailored to your volunteer position. You and the Volunteer Coordinator will set up your training plan once you’ve established when and how you would like to serve.
Do you have opportunities for groups?
Yes! Most groups who volunteer at Mercy’s Gate help with our special events in the summer and fall. Please contact us for more information at volunteer@mercysgatecs.org.
Whom do I contact with questions?
Email our Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@mercysgatecs.org any time with questions. We look forward to hearing from you!
