Complete your volunteer paperwork online.
Are you a new volunteer?
Welcome and thank you for your interest in volunteering with us! It’s our hope that you will join us in this spirit of partnership and that your volunteer experience will be rewarding, enjoyable, and worthwhile.
Please complete both the volunteer information form and participant agreement form prior to your scheduled volunteer date.
Additional details
for volunteers.
What skills do I need?
All skill levels welcome! The important thing about The Fuller Center of Portage County is that you are volunteering. Regardless of your skill level, you’ll be working with complete novices through to people who make their living in trades. One of the great things about The Fuller Center of Portage County is that you’ll leave knowing more than when you started. Our supervisors are happy to help you understand projects and how to complete them.
What type of work will I do?
Once scheduled, you may be asked to assist with house construction, which can consist of roofing, framing, door and window installation, etc., cleanup, yard and lot cleanup, mowing and trash removal. All of these jobs are vital to our program in the building of homes. We will try to let you know what you will be doing prior to your volunteering, but we cannot guarantee a specific job.
What are your age requirements?
We’re glad to offer teenagers the The Fuller Center of Portage County experience, however all volunteers under the age of 18 must have their waiver filled out and signed by a parent or legal guardian. Use of power tools, excavation, demolition, working on rooftops, “blitz builds” and similar potentially hazardous activities may only be performed by those 18 years or older. Volunteers under the age of 18 are not permitted on the build site. Though volunteers younger than 18 are welcome to help at our Restore location.
What should I bring?
Safety glasses and gloves are a must. Volunteers should bring all food and beverages that you will want throughout the course of your work. There will be a lunch break around noon, at which time, volunteers and homeowners are encouraged to enjoy this time of fellowship. Site supervisors will have all necessary tools to complete the project. However, volunteers are welcome to bring their own tools as well. If you bring your own tools, please label them with your name and be sure to take them with you when you leave. If you leave your tools on the work site, we will consider them a donation for future builds.
What safety equipment do you provide, and what do I need to bring?
SAFETY GLASSES: The Fuller Center of Portage County provides safety glasses. If you wear glasses, make certain that they are shatterproof. You can also get safety glasses that fit over your glasses.
WORK SHOES: Bring a pair of sturdy work shoes or boots. These should have a thick sole and a heavy upper. These keep out nails, and protect your toes from dropped objects. These don’t need to be expensive shoes.
UNSAFE ATTIRE: For your own safety if you arrive wearing unsafe attire you won’t be permitted on site. Sneakers are acceptable. We won’t turn you away, but sneakers may exclude you from working in certain areas.
GLOVES: Gloves protect your hands from splinters and blisters, and also help you to grip items better. A pair with a heavy palm, leather or synthetic, they’re available at home stores for affordable prices.
OTHER: Wear comfortable clothing that is appropriate for a work site. Jeans, T-shirts, sweatshirts are appropriate. Remember you will get dirty. Long sleeves are a good idea as well, and they are helpful if you’re installing insulation. A hat is also a good idea year round.
What are your safety guidelines?
At The Fuller Center of Portage County, we take safety issues seriously. Since our volunteer crews normally have a high percentage of inexperienced people, everyone must pay particular attention to safety. Try to be conscious of the safety of others as well as yourself. Be cautious at all times, ask questions, and ask for help. Our guidelines for a safe attitude are:
THINK before you do your work or task.
INSPECT all power tools, hand tools, ladders, and scaffolding on a daily basis.
ADVISE your supervisor immediately of any unsafe or hazardous tool or condition.
KNOW where the first-aid kit is located and how to get emergency help.
ASK if you are uncertain about how to do a task or how to operate a power tool.
CONCENTRATE on your task and eliminate distractions.
CONTACT any The Fuller Center of Portage County site supervisor in the event of injury or illness.