There are many ways for youth groups and young adults to be involved with NightShift Street Ministries. Whether you and your group are interested in regular volunteering or a one-off visit, here are some of the ways you can help us help others.
YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULT GROUPS, AGE 16+
♥ Evening Street Outreach
NightShift welcomes small groups of youth and young adults to come out with their group leaders (ratio 1:5) in support of our regular evening Street Outreach Teams. This would be to help with our nightly service of food, clothing and companionship to our street family, and must be by prior arrangement. Group leaders, who are expected to assume responsibility for the youth group for the duration of the night, must be at least 19 years of age and have participated in our Level I Training for volunteers. Similarly, youth who wish to participate on a regular basis are invited to attend our Information/Orientation program which is mandatory for all regular volunteers.
The evening hours of operation are typically 6:30-8:30 pm and we ask that all youth group leaders check in with the Street Outreach Team Leader of the night.
♥ AOK Program
Please also ask about our Acts of Kindness “AOK” Program, which is suitable for young adults and operates off site in a variety of areas. Youth age 16+ can participate under the supervision of a group leader (ratio 1:4).
HIGH SCHOOL, CHURCH AND OTHER YOUTH GROUPS
We welcome youth groups who come to NightShift under the supervision of their teacher or youth group leader during the daytime, too. Maybe you’d like to help us in our warehouse, or by cleaning up around the premises, or in supporting the local community. Let us know how you’d like to get involved and contact us for further information.
CHILDREN OF ALL AGES
Children may accompany their parents or guardians (ratio 1:2) at the discretion of their parents and as part of their parents’ volunteering role. Parents/guardians must complete Consent Forms for each child under the age of 19.
General guidelines for our youth and young adults participating in NightShift Street Outreach and AOK programs
- A parent/legal guardian must complete a Consent Form for each child or youth under the age of 19 who wishes to serve on the streets. This is for one-time visitors as well as regular volunteers.
- Youth who wish to come out on the street on a regular basis are required to attend our Information/Orientation program which is mandatory for all regular volunteers.
- NightShift Evening Street Outreach operates outside regardless of the weather, so please dress appropriately. Generally umbrellas don’t work well. We ask that you dress discreetly, with no tight-fitting clothes, bare midriffs or open-toed shoes.
- Respect personal boundaries: under no circumstances are you to give or receive money or gifts from our street friends, share your phone number or email address, or offer rides to our street friends.
- Please leave first aid care to the clinics and hospitals.
- While volunteering with NightShift, please do not smoke, uses alcohol or illegal drugs of any type.
Please email us or call the office at 604-953-1114 if you have any questions regarding our Youth and Young Adult programs.
