Ways to LEARN and Serve in the Kingston Community
There are other specific current opportunities at the bottom of the page as well as these general ones
At Bethel we believe that healthy small groups grow in intimacy with God, with each other AND reach out to the community that lies just outside our front doors. As we seek to build relationships with people of all walks of life, whether it’s at a homeless drop-in center or a kid’s after-school program, we learn from each other and serve the way that Jesus did. Stereotypes are called into question, and the “us/them” dichotomy is dissolved. There are a number of ways that your small groups can learn and serve in the community. We encourage you to review this list with your group, and consider ways to grow together as you engage in the community.
Disclaimer: This is by no means an exhaustive list of places to learn/serve and build relationships with people living in poverty in Kingston, but is meant as starting point. Additional information can be found at www.volunteerkingston.ca
Bethel Food Voucher Program
Tuesdays between 11am and 1pm at Bethel. Come and build relationships with people who come to collect a free $5 food voucher. Get to know their story, learn from them, and share your life with them.
Bethel Houses
Say hello to the residents at the Bethel houses at 318 and 324 Johnson Street! Listen to their stories and build meaningful relationships with these wonderful men.
Running and Reading Program, Kidsfest
This after school program is for elementary students at 1st Avenue Public School and Frontenac Public School, who may be coming from rough home situations. It encourages physical activity, literacy, self-esteem and good relationships with older mentors.
Contact Brenda Wang at brenda.wang@gmail.com
Boys and Girls Club
Robert Meek Community Youth Centre
559 Bagot St
Kingston, ON K7K 3E1
613-542-3306
e-mail: bgclub@kingston.net
website: www.bgckingston.ca
The Boys and Girls Club provides afterschool and evening programs in an environment that is safe and supportive. A variety of activities will give children the opportunity to learn, have fun, meet new friends and develop new skills. Now offers an onsite supper program. Mon-Fri 3 pm-8 pm
Kingston Pregnancy Care Center (formerly the Kingston Crisis Pregnancy Center)
St Paul’s Church, on the Corner of Queen & Montreal St
(613) 545-0425
e-mail: info@kingstoncpc.org
website: www.kingstoncpc.org/home.htm
Positions: Volunteer Counsellors (training provided), post abortion counsellors, prayer partners, and mentors for new moms.
Martha’s Table
629 Princess Street
Kingston, ON, K7L 1E2
(613) 546-0320
e-mail: marthastable@bellnet.ca
website: www.marthastable.ca
Friendship Room: Place for people to chat, play games, read a book, take a nap. Sandwiches, baked goods, juice, coffee and tea are served. Used clothing is also available. Open Monday-Friday, 10am-3pm. Volunteers chill with the guests, get to know them, make sure the coffee pot is full, and clean up at 3pm.
Restaurant: Tickets are purchased at the door for $1. Dinner consists of soup and/or salad, main course, dessert, and coffee or tea. Open Monday-Friday, 3pm – 5:30pm. Volunteers are needed for Food Prep between 9am -12 noon, and for serving/bussing/dishwashing from 3-5:30.
**I would highly recommend that you go to Martha’s Table as a customer at least once before volunteering. This way you can identify with the other customers, stand in solidarity with them, and see how the place runs.
Hot Meal Program, St. Vincent de Paul
85 Stephen Street, Kingston
Contact: Deb Greer, Administrator,
(613)-546-3333,
e:mail: stvdepkingston@cogeco.net
Website: www.svpkingston.com
Lunch is served Monday-Friday. Volunteers needed between 8:30am and 1pm, for any length of time that they are available.
The Gathering Place
326 Alfred Street
*Moving to Patrick Street soon
(613)- 548-4411
e-mail: thegatheringplace@kingstonsa.ca
Drop in centre during the day; place for people to get warm, have snacks, watch movies, play games, etc.
Open: Tue, Thu, Sat 2:30 pm -7:30 pm; Sun 2:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Lunch by George
St. George’s Hall
129 Wellington St
Kingston, ON K7M 7K8
613-548-4617 ext.30
e-mail: peter.gower@sympatico.ca
website: www.osgk.org
Homeless drop-in centre and lunch program.
Mon-Fri 9 am-11:30 am
Coffee at 9 am; Soup at 10 am; Nutritious meal served 11 am
Storehouse of Hope, Kingston Alliance Church
Kingston Alliance Church
540 Palace Rd
Kingston, ON K7L 4T7
Drop-in centre; offers coffee, soup and snacks, free used clothing. Open Monday & Thursday, 12 noon-2 pm.
Kingston Truck Mission
Princess St & Clergy St
Kingston, ON
Contact: Darcy Izzard, Coordinator, Phone: 613-561-5254
Oct 15-Mar 31 (approx.): Sun-Mon 9 pm-1 am (or beyond)
A street van run by volunteers, offers warmth, friendship, hot drinks, and companionship to street youth and the homeless during winter months. Van is stationed at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church near the corner of Princess Street & Clergy Street.
Sunday Night Suppers
St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church
130 Clergy St. E
613-546-6316
e-mail: standrew@kos.net
Contact: Kelly Trott
Free hot suppers served in the Church Hall on Sundays at 4:45pm.
** Great for those of you who LOVE to cook! Casseroles are provided by various church groups.
Ryandale Shelter
23 Elm Street, Kingston
Ontario Canada K7K 1M8
phone: 613-548-8466
e-mail: ryandale@istar.ca
Volunteers needed to work with frontline staff during evening and overnight shifts (hours are flexible). Responsibilities include welcoming residents, completing paperwork, cleaning and minor maintenance of the shelter, and socializing with the residents in a friendly and non-judgmental manner. Welcome volunteers who bring their own unique skills whether it is playing cards, helping with office work or cooking a meal at home and bringing it in.
Peer Support Kingston
613-542-2949 ext.149
Homeless outreach program–> Peer volunteers reach out to homeless people on the streets of Kingston. The peers provide information, referrals and a listening ear. Volunteers carry backpacks of basic supplies such as water, toiletries, first aid kits, etc. They may also accompany individuals to appointments.
Although this is meant for people who have been on the street, they are open to other volunteers to help organize events, etc. SUPER amazing organization to learn from!
Home Base Housing – Housing Help Centre and “In From the Cold” emergency shelter
428A Barrie St
Kingston, ON
613-531-3779
Contact: Bill Crosier, Program Manager
e-mail: housinghelp@kingstonhomebase.ca
website: www.kingstonhomebase.ca
Housing Search Assistance à offers current, affordable housing listings, housing outreach workers, street outreach services, voice mail services, public phones. Provides a drop-in centre for homeless people only, including: Internet accessible computers, showers, and laundry. Acts as a Social Housing Registry application site. Operates the In From The Cold Emergency Shelter. Provides an Eviction Prevention Program for those facing evictions, utility issues and difficulties with landlords
Options for Change
552 Princess Street
Phone: (613) 544-1356 ext 4200
Community Addictions Treatment Services is committed to providing a range of treatment options to individuals who have substance use or gambling concerns within a dynamic and accessible service.
* To be honest, I’m not sure if they take volunteers… But it’s worth a try, if you’re really interested in the issues of addictions.
Volunteers Needed — to help with a Christmas camp for international students. Specific needs include: someone to lead outdoor and indoor activities with the International students, a pianist for our Candle light service on Christmas’ Eve Service, helpers (singers, musicians, lyrics). Families of young kids are welcome. Come and join us for this unforgettable Canadian Christmas Holiday Experience among internationals and help make this event possible. For more information, please contact Mimi Kashira at mkashira@ivcf.ca or call 613-545-2325
B.Ed. Students —Are you wondering what to do for your Alternative Practicum? Do you enjoy travel, adventure and a challenge? Consider the challenge of teaching in Honduras at the Siguatepeque Bilingual Christian School! We offer B.Ed. students a life-changing opportunity to serve alongside educators from various parts of the world and see what teaching overseas is all about. Please contact Esther Bettney (B.Ed. 05) at esther@ceehonduras.com for further information. We are also hiring full-time teachers for the 2010-2011 school year. We look forward to hearing from you.
Spare winter clothes? — The Storehouse of Hope urgently needs winter clothes for those facing the winter without heavy coats etc. If you have a donation please call Kingston Alliance Church to arrange pick up/drop off at 613-546-2143.
Part time job — A mom at Rideau Public School is looking for someone to walk her 6 year old son home from school at 3:30 pm and to babysit until 5:30 pm or 6:00 pm for one or two nights a week. If you can help please call Pam Mundell at 613-546-0644 or pammundell@cogeco.ca
