Help Around the Family Room shifts can have 1-3 people at a time.
Remote Project capacity is up to you since you will select the location and number of volunteers to join you.
All of the above shifts can be successfully completed with 1 person depending on your skill level and work speed.
Can minors volunteer?
We love to welcome most ages as in-person volunteers. Outside of RSV season, our minimum age is 7; during RSV season we will follow the age set by our local hospitals as their minimum age for visitors. Our website and reminder emails will always be current, though changes may have been made between the date of your signup and the date of your shift. For this reason, be sure to check your reminder email!
In our spaces, all minors must be accompanied and supervised by an adult throughout the shift.
All ages can participate in Remote Projects!
What is the illness policy?
Because we serve families who may be immune-compromised, we ask that you are mindful of your own wellness. If you have ANY symptoms of illness—including but not limited to—fever, cough, sore throat, aches, stomach upset, etc.—you must stay home. Please let us know that you cannot fulfill your shift commitment. You’re always welcome to reschedule once you’re well!
How Do I…?
How do I sign up for a shift? (video – COMING SOON)
What can I/should I bring to a shift?
For Help Around the Family Room shifts, just bring yourself! We provide all supplies (task lists, gloves, sanitizing system, project supplies).
We provide kitchen space for food-related shifts, which includes the items to equip it. You are welcome to bring ingredients that are new from the store and arrive in unopened packaging.
Please bring your ID and be prepared to show it when you arrive.
How can I bring a group?
If your group fits within the maximum capacity of a shift, you’re welcome to sign up for that shift using our online signup process and we will coach you through the steps to bring others. This will include ensuring each person has a completed application.
If your group is larger than the parameters of the shift, reach out to us so we can help you find a day and time(s) that allow everyone to participate in a meaningful way. Often, we can combine opportunities to allow for more volunteer spots.
What To Expect
Will I interact with guests?
While it is likely you will see at least one or two of our families during your shift, there is no way to guarantee it. Families stay with us because one or more of their children need medical care, and any appointments or medical support takes precedence over every other concern. This means some families leave before our office opens and return after it closes; some families return for a quick bite or a nap and head right back to the hospital; other families have siblings in town for the weekend and are trying to fit in lots of time together while they can. Our Family Room is their home away from home, so they come and go as they need.
With that in mind, please know that the food you make and the space you help us maintain are services that would otherwise be absent. This would put the burden back on guest families to make all of their own meals and ensure the space is sanitized and ready for use. Your work means families have what they need while keeping their focus on their children.
Please do not take photos of guest families; their story and image belongs to them.You are welcome to take photos of your good work and any fellow volunteers, though
What does staff support look like during a shift?
When you arrive, you will be oriented to the space and tasks by one of our team members. A staff member will always be available at the Front Desk and may check on you during your shift from time to time.
Staff members will not supervise you at all moments throughout the shift, so you should be able to work independently or recruit an additional capable person to join you for the duration of the shift.
How will I be oriented?
First time volunteers will be offered a tour. You will also be shown how to use our sanitizing system, where to find needed tools and supplies, and oriented to expectations in the space.
Returning volunteers should expect to be refreshed about expectations on each visit since we update our practices regularly. We want you to have a great experience each time.
What if I am hungry or thirsty around the time of my shift?
We have water dispensers; you’re welcome to bring a water bottle or use one of our cups. Please stay safely hydrated!
Because shift times are just two hours, we ask that you do not eat during your shift. We’re within walking distance of a few eateries (hospital cafeteria, Five Guys, Cafe Rio, and more); feel free to eat somewhere before or after your shift.
What should I know about the Family Room and how it operates before I show up?
Families who are with us have good days and hard days. We hope you will help us preserve a quiet space for rest and decompression. You can do this by speaking softly, moving calmly through hallways, giving guests right of way, and allowing guests to set the tone for how they’d like to interact with you.
We’re grateful for you and want your shift to be meaningful and enjoyable as possible. Our team is happy to answer additional questions by phone (208-227-2898) or email (volunteers@rmhcidaho.org).
What Should I Know To Prepare Food?
What are the expectations of our kitchen space?
We are conscious of food safety due to the severe consequences to guest families. We will ask that you learn and use our sanitizing system, wear provided gloves for all tasks, change gloves often to prevent contamination of foods, use meat thermometers and food warmers, have hair tied back in a clip (short hair) or hair tie (longer hair), and use provided labels so guests know the “what and when” of the food you’ve made.
All food must be prepared in our kitchen or a commercial kitchen. This includes measurement/preparation of ingredients, marinating, mixing, and cook time.
Ingredients must arrive in the same state as the one they were purchased in.
You must use only our provided prep items during your shift because all utensils/dishes/cookware/etc. must be run through our sanitizing cycles. If you have questions about a specific item, call our team.
We ask you to plan for 35 eaters, though you are welcome to prepare additional servings if you wish.
Please note: Food shifts have a maximum capacity of 4 volunteers.
What kind of food should I make?
Our guests love to have variety! Whatever will be fun for you to make will be delicious for our guests to eat! Click HERE to see a curated list that you can use for inspiration.
What is available in the kitchen?
Aprons
Food prep gloves
Utensils
Mixing bowls
Can openers
Graters
Knives
Stand mixer
Cutting boards
Pots and pans
Spatulas/meat tenderizers
Cookie sheets and muffin tins
Bread machine
Griddle
Baking dishes
Instant Pot
Crockpot
Meat thermometers
Serveware
Plastic wrap
Aluminum foil
Parchment paper
Selection of food storage zipped bags
What’s usually available in the pantry?
We provide kitchen space for food-related shifts, which includes the items to equip it. You are welcome to bring ingredients that are new from the store and arrive in unopened packaging. You may also bring amounts to supplement any ingredients that are limited in quantity below.
