Volunteer with SPY
Thank you for volunteering with Safe Place for Youth (SPY)! Please check out our self-directed volunteer onboarding journey below.
If you have any questions, please reach out to the Volunteer Manager and we'll respond in 2-4 business days. Again, thank you!
*** As of April 2024, SPY will be transitioning to Galaxy Digital. Please begin your onboarding journey on Galaxy Digital. ***
1. Create an account with Galaxy Digital
2. Sign up to attend one of our monthly Volunteer Orientation
You only have to attend once!
Our Virtual Volunteer Orientation takes place the 2nd Friday each month from 10:00 am - approx. 11:00 am PST via Zoom.
3. Complete following forms
This step is to be completed on Galaxy Digital. Signing these waivers is one of the "prerequisites" to be able to sign up for shifts on Galaxy Digital.
4. Upload a photo of your vaccination card
As of September 2021, all volunteers are required to submit their COVID-19 vaccination cards by scanning it in or sending us a picture. If you are unable to submit your vaccination record, you will not be able to volunteer on site. This step is a prerequisite to signing up for shifts on Galaxy Digital.
5. Provide your driver information
Will you be driving on behalf of SPY? Examples include: meal deliveries, driving to meet your mentee, picking up donations, and more. Fill out this form.
6. Review our Volunteer Manual
As you wait on your results, review the SPY Volunteer Manual and get familiar with some of our policies and procedures for volunteers. We will be reviewing more policies and procedures as well as overall training during our Volunteer Orientation.
Complete the linked Live Scan form. Then, take your completed form to your nearest WellnessMart and have the technician perform your 1) Live Scan and 2) TB Test. We have identified WellnessMart as the most cost-friendly location for these services, but you are welcome to do it through another vendor. Make sure that the Live Scan is checked for BOTH the Dept. of Justice (DOJ) and FBI. Please keep hard copies of your form and TB test if possible and send your TB test results to us. If you need financial assistance covering the fees for Live Scan and TB Test, please email receipts to our Volunteer Manager so they can tee up reimbursements via snail mail or bill.com.
8. SPY Volunteer Newsletter
SPY will add you to our monthly volunteer newsletter so you can stay up-to-date on our needs and sign-up for volunteer slots. Be sure to check your spam or junk folder just in case.
We send out these emails the 3rd or 4th week of each month. Don't see our volunteer newsletter in your inbox? Contact our Volunteer Manager.
Volunteer Opportunities for Minors
We are so grateful for our young SPY supporters and welcome minors to volunteer with us!
Minors 8 years old and above can volunteer at SPY's Community Garden in Venice with their parent or guardian. Volunteers at all other SPY locations including our Access Center and housing sites must be 18 years or older.
For one-time garden volunteer shifts, all parties must sign complete Step 3 above prior to coming onsite for your scheduled volunteer shift, and they must complete Step 4 above unless under 12 years old.
For recurring garden volunteer shifts, parents / guardians / chaperones must first complete our full onboarding process including a background check and TB test. Questions? Contact volunteer@safeplaceforyouth.org today!
Thank you so much for your interest in SPY! We sincerely appreciate your support and your dedication to serving youth experiencing and at-risk of homelessness.