Emily House volunteer opportunities have ended as shelter clients resume residence on St. John campus.

Thank you to all who served at Emily House over the last several years!

Please join us at St. Joseph Diner to continue visiting with the people you grew to love during your time of service at Emily House.

Click here to sign up!


Contact Sarah Baquet at 337-235-4972 ext. 1222 or sarahb@catholiccharitiesacadiana.org for questions

 
 

VOLUNTEER WITH US AT CROSSROADS COLLECTIVE!

Thank you for your interest in becoming a volunteer at Crossroads Collective!

Crossroads Collective is a social enterprise of Catholic Charities of Acadiana. This means that 100% of our profits support the Works of Mercy which Catholic Charities of Acadiana puts into action for our brothers and sisters experiencing hunger, homelessness, and poverty. Those who shop at Crossroads Collective shop with a purpose. When volunteers serve at Crossroads Collective they serve the larger mission of CCA in a very unique way! The Product Fulfillment Volunteer position follows the direction of the Director of Crossroads to ensure Crossroads Collective has the right blend of products to meet the needs of our customers.

This volunteer opportunity is best filled by a volunteer who can commit to regular service.

Volunteers must be aged 18+.

Volunteers should be comfortable working in an office environment, possess functional experience with technology, have an eye for detail, possess a coachable spirit

Volunteer tasks include introducing the Crossroads Collective brand to new vendors via email, placing purchase orders with vendors to receive new product, reviewing store inventory and placing purchase orders to replenish product, reconciling purchased products to purchase orders, checking received items into digital inventory, making items ready to sell in system, tagging items appropriately to sell in our online store, fulfilling orders placed online

The location of service is Crossroads Collective @ 1416 S. College Rd., Lafayette, LA 70503

Volunteer shifts are scheduled Monday–Friday, between 9:30 am–5:30 pm. Projects will vary based on need. Volunteers should plan to serve 2-4 hours/weekly. The specific days and times of the shift will be determined by mutual agreement between the volunteer and the Manager of Crossroads Collective.

How do I sign up? This volunteer opportunity requires a phone or in-person “get to know you” conversation and a Volunteer Intake Application. A background check may also be required. 

When a placement Is made volunteers will complete any appropriate orientation and training with the Crossroads Collective as well as completing any necessary paperwork prior to integration into their role.

To inquire contact Community Engagement Coordinator, Sarah Baquet, at (337) 235-4972 ext. 1222 or email sarahb@catholiccharitiesacadiana.org.

We are deeply grateful for all who walk alongside us in our mission to care for the sacred gift of all human life, especially the most vulnerable.

Thank you so very much for volunteering!

VOLUNTEER WITH US TO BRING OUR SPECIAL EVENTS TO LIFE!

Thank you for your interest in serving with Catholic Charities of Acadiana at one of our special events!

For questions, need for assistance prior to your shift, or to verify service hours after your shift, contact Community Engagement Coordinator, Sarah Baquet at 337-235-4972 ext. 1222 or sarahb@catholiccharitiesacadiana.org.

Catholic Charities of Acadiana’s work is sustained by the community support of donors and volunteers. Many of our programs are 100% donor funded!

Every year, Catholic Charities of Acadiana organizes numerous special events including food drives, fundraising events, retreats and gatherings in support of our programs. Come help us bring these events to life - building community while serving your neighbor in need! Special Events Volunteers serve in set-up, clean-up, hospitality, and service roles before, during or after events. 

This volunteer opportunity is appropriate for individuals or small groups.

Volunteers should be able to stand for at least 2 hours at a time, bend and lift. Volunteers should be able to work in a team and be cheerful and courteous when dealing with the public.

Volunteer tasks include event set-up, event clean-up and hospitality.

The location of service is dependent on the special event. All relevant details will be included in the Volunteer Information Sheet received upon sign up. 

Volunteers are needed annually at the following special events:

  • Annual Mass & Banquet

  • Volunteer Appreciation Week (April)

  • Sharing Spirits

  • Dine for the Diner (May)

  • Parish Social Ministry Retreat (Summer)

  • Donations Inventory (Summer/Winter)

  • Food for Families Food Drive (December)

Volunteer shifts vary according to each event. Shift times are viewable on the interactive sign-up calendar below. 

How do I sign up? Please sign-up directly through the interactive calendar below. Volunteer shifts appear on the date(s) in which the actual event is taking place. Upon successful sign up, volunteers will receive a volunteer information sheet with all details related to their volunteer service.

Group leaders may sign-up on behalf of their entire group. Group leaders assume the responsibility of ensuring that all reserved spots are filled and that every individual volunteer receives the necessary information prior to service.

Upon successful sign-up, a complete Volunteer Information Sheet will be emailed to you.

Catholic Charities of Acadiana can verify service hours for schools, clubs or businesses; however, Catholic Charities of Acadiana is not a Court Appointed Community Service Site and court-appointed community service hours cannot be fulfilled through serving in our programs.

We are deeply grateful for all who walk alongside us in our mission to care for the sacred gift of all human life, especially the most vulnerable.

Thank you so very much for volunteering!

Do you have a heart for those experiencing homelessness and hunger in our community?

Join us as a volunteer at
St. Joseph Diner!


Are you volunteering with Catholic Charities of Acadiana for the first time?


Have questions? We’ve got answers!

  • St. Joseph Diner serves free, freshly prepared, nutritious meals to those experiencing homelessness and hunger in our community.

  • Volunteers must be aged 7+. Those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

    Groups should be composed mostly of adults in order to accomplish the work of a professional kitchen serving hundreds of guests.

  • Volunteers help extend hospitality, serve meals efficiently, and maintain a space that is welcoming, clean, and sanitary. Volunteer tasks include preparing and serving meal trays, washing dishes, sanitizing surfaces, and other duties as assigned.

  • Please sign up through the interactive sign up calendar below. Please do not sign up for a shift unless you can fulfill the entire shift to which you’ve committed. Thank you!

    Group leaders may sign up on behalf of their entire group. Group leaders assume the responsibility of ensuring that all reserved spots are filled and that every individual volunteer receives the necessary information prior to service.

    Upon successful sign-up, a complete Volunteer Information Sheet will be emailed to you.

  • St. Joseph Diner is located at 613 W. Simcoe St., Lafayette, LA 70501. Across from St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church and near Evangeline Bread.

  • Dress should be modest and appropriate for offering a dignified dining experience to those we serve. Please wear closed toed shoes. No jewelry. We provide hairnets, and aprons. You may wear a cap if you prefer.

  • We're sorry, but Catholic Charities of Acadiana is not a Court Appointed Community Service Site and court-appointed community service hours cannot be fulfilled through serving in our programs. Other non-profit organizations like Second Harvest Food Bank may provide opportunities for the fulfillment of Court Appointed Community Service.

  • Yes.

  • Breakfast | 6:30am-8:00am, daily (8 volunteers)

    Morning In-Between | 8:30am-10:30am, daily (5 volunteers)

    Lunch | 11:00am-1:00pm, daily  (10 volunteers)

    Afternoon In-Between | 1:00pm-2:30pm (6 volunteers) - NEW SHORTENED TIME!

    Dinner | 3:00 pm-4:30 pm, 7 days/week! (4 volunteers)

  • Volunteers should be able to stand for at least 2 hours at a time, bend and lift. Volunteers should be able to work in a team and be cheerful and courteous when dealing with the public. Volunteers are expected to respectfully maintain client and volunteer confidentiality.

  • For any questions or concerns related to volunteering at St. Joseph Diner please contact Volunteer Experience Coordinator, Sarah Baquet, at 337-235-4972 ex.t 1222 or sarahb@catholiccharitiesacadiana.org


Do you love to be spontaneous?

Add your name to our “Pinch Hitters” call list for times we need substitutes or more volunteers in a pinch.


Sign up to volunteer through the interactive calendar below!

Click on the shift. Follow the prompts. Upon successful sign up you will receive a confirmation email with a General Orientation Video and a Volunteer Information Sheet.

We look so forward to being the hands and feet of Jesus with you to our neighbors in need!

 

Volunteer with us at

 

Thank you for your interest in becoming a volunteer at FoodNet Food Bank!

For questions, need for assistance prior to your shift, or to verify service hours after your shift, contact Community Engagement Coordinator, Sarah Baquet at 337-235-4972 ext. 1222 or sarahb@catholiccharitiesacadiana.org.

FoodNet Food Bank assists families and individuals throughout Acadiana who are experiencing food insecurity. We do this through a viable process for the collection and distribution of food in an accountable and compassionate manner. FoodNet volunteers help sort and organize non-perishable food items, assemble supplemental food bags, and unload donations.

This volunteer opportunity is appropriate for individuals, families, school groups, business groups, clubs, and service organizations.

Volunteers must be aged 10+. Those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Volunteers should be able to stand for at least 2 hours at a time, bend and lift. Volunteers should be able to work in a team and be cheerful and courteous when dealing with the public. Volunteers are expected to respectfully maintain client and volunteer confidentiality.

Volunteer tasks include placing canned food into grocery bags for distribution, inventory, stocking of donated food items

The location of service is 403 Ambassador Caffery Pkwy, Scott, LA 70583.

When are volunteers needed?

  • Supplemental Food Bag Assembly | 9:00am-10:00am, M, T, W, Th (6 volunteers)

  • Donated Food Sorting and Inventory | 1pm-3pm, Wednesdays (8 volunteers) *special additional opportunities will be added surrounding donation drives that collect a large quantity of food

Please sign up through the interactive sign up calendar below. Please do not sign up for a shift unless you can fulfill the entire shift to which you’ve committed. Thank you!

Group leaders may sign-up on behalf of their entire group. Group leaders assume the responsibility of ensuring that all reserved spots are filled and that every individual volunteer receives the necessary information prior to service.

Upon successful sign-up, a complete Volunteer Information Sheet will be emailed to you.

Catholic Charities of Acadiana can verify service hours for schools, clubs or businesses; however, Catholic Charities of Acadiana is not a Court Appointed Community Service Site and court-appointed community service hours cannot be fulfilled through serving in our programs.

We are deeply grateful for all who walk alongside us in our mission to care for the sacred gift of all human life, especially the most vulnerable.

Thank you so very much for volunteering!

 

VOLUNTEER WITH US IN ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT!

 Thank you for your interest in becoming an Administrative Support Volunteer with Catholic Charities of Acadiana!

For questions, need for assistance prior to your shift, or to verify service hours after your shift, contact Community Engagement Coordinator, Sarah Baquet at 337-235-4972 ext. 1222 or sarahb@catholiccharitiesacadiana.org.

Catholic Charities of Acadiana staff works across many roles to ensure that our programs serving those experiencing homelessness, hunger and poverty offer robust and professional service. Administrative support volunteers serve across various programs and departments to help extend the reach of our staff in bringing professional, timely, prompt, and adequate service to each client or community supporter in their unique, individual circumstances.  

These volunteer opportunities are best filled by a volunteer who can commit to regular service.

Volunteers must be aged 18+

Volunteers should be comfortable working in an office environment, proficient in basic computer skills, and possess excellent phone and customer service skills.  Volunteers should be cheerful and courteous when dealing with the public. Volunteers are expected to respectfully maintain client and volunteer confidentiality.

Volunteer tasks include answering phones, data entry, organization of spreadsheets, file organization, and other duties as assigned. 

The location of service is dependent on the program in which the volunteer is placed. 

Volunteer shifts are scheduled M-F between 8 am-4 pm. The specific days and times of the shift will be determined by mutual agreement between the volunteer and the director of the program in which the volunteer is serving. Volunteers should plan on serving 2-4 hours a week. Projects will vary based on the needs of the department.

How do I sign up? This volunteer opportunity requires a phone or in-person “get to know you” conversation and a Volunteer Intake Application. A background check may also be required. 

When a placement Is made volunteers will complete any appropriate orientation and training with the department in which they are serving as well as completing any necessary paperwork prior to integration into their role.

To inquire contact Community Engagement Coordinator, Sarah Baquet, at (337) 235-4972 ext. 1222 or email sarahb@catholiccharitiesacadiana.org.

We are deeply grateful for all who walk alongside us in our mission to care for the sacred gift of all human life, especially the most vulnerable.

Thank you so very much for volunteering!

Hospitality Food for our Emergency Shelter Clients

Thank you for your interest in extending hospitality to members of our community experiencing homelessness!

For questions, contact Community Engagement Coordinator, Sarah Baquet at 337-235-4972 ext. 1222 or sarahb@catholiccharitiesacadiana.org.

The food listed below is the ONLY food that we can receive for this opportunity.

Sign-up on the interactive sign-up calendar below is required in order to participate in this type of giving.

 Fresh Fruit Baskets: Wednesdays

Please provide a variety of fruit that is easy to grab. Please prepare enough to serve 100 clients. No refrigeration is available in our shelters. Napkins are helpful but not essential. 

Cookies: Fridays

Cookies may be homemade or store-bought. Please prepare enough to serve 100 clients. No refrigeration is available in our shelters. Napkins are helpful but not essential.

To respect our clients’ privacy in their temporary home, delivery will NOT be made directly to our shelters. 

Additional information about delivery times and locations will be given via email upon successful sign-up.

We are deeply grateful for all who walk alongside us in our mission to care for the sacred gift of all human life, especially the most vulnerable.

Thank you so very much for volunteering!

 

Are you looking for a practical way to provide for the material needs of those experiencing poverty in our community?

Join Catholic Charities of Acadiana as a Donations Coordination Support volunteer!

Thank you so much for choosing to partner with us through volunteering!  

Catholic Charities of Acadiana aids men, women, and families experiencing homelessness, hunger, and poverty in an eight-parish region through the operation of 12 programs across multiple campuses.

Material donations are critical to providing basic hygiene items, new underclothes, essential warming wear, and household items for our clients experiencing street-level homelessness, those moving from homelessness to housing, and those experiencing hunger or the effects of disaster in our community. Donations Coordination Support Team volunteers help carefully steward material donations, making supplies quickly available to our clients in need while honoring donor intent. 

This volunteer opportunity is best suited to individuals or small teams who can commit to 1 day/week, weekly service, M-F, for 2-4 hours. 

Age Requirement: This role is best filled by adults who have the ability to drive donations between campuses when necessary.

Other Requirements: Must be able to bend and lift, move across uneven surfaces, carry boxes of donations, organize, and be detail-oriented in situations of inventory, must be able to work individually or as a team, personal transportation required as donations span various campuses. 

Volunteer tasks include, but are not limited to:   Receiving and inventory of in-kind donation items; Organizing & stocking donations; Transportation of donations to various Catholic Charities of Acadiana campuses. 

Shift time: M-F. Mornings Preferred. 2-4 hours. Weekly commitment is idea. Times flexible. 

Location will be determined at the time of service based on need.

Volunteers will receive on-site training and on-going support to succeed in the role, to be formed  in our core values and company procedures. 

 

To inquire about joining this volunteer opportunity contact Volunteer Experience Coordinator, Sarah Baquet at O | 337-235-4972 ext. 1222; M | 337-852-4077 or sarahb@catholiccharitiesacadiana.org  


Thank you for working alongside us to serve those experiencing homelessness, hunger, and poverty in our community! We are deeply grateful!  


Caring for the sacred gift of all human life, especially the most vulnerable.  

www.catholiccharitiesacadiana.org 

 

 

 

Do you feel called to help your suffering neighbor
after disaster?

Join Catholic Charities Acadiana’s Disaster Response
all year round
!

Catholic Charities of Acadiana’s Disaster Response Department serves an 8-parish region. That’s a lot of people, y’all!

For those living under the burden of poverty, disaster severely amplifies the crisis. Even small storm damage to the home of someone struggling with poverty can cause a situation that is beyond an individual or family’s ability to recover. A disaster can result is a domino effect increasing suffering and hardship including living in a home that is dangerous to health or life, or even being forced into homelessness.

This is why disaster response is critical to the fulfillment of Catholic Charities of Acadiana’s mission “caring for the sacred gift of all human life, especially the most vulnerable.”

Our ability to act quickly to aid those in need of our help to recover is dependent on volunteers, and we’re so glad that you’re interested in joining your hands with ours!


2024 Snapshot of Need and Response

X individuals & families who sought assitance from Catholic Charities of Acadiana

X homes stabilized or restored after disaster

X homeowners still waiting for our help!


Join us
on Thursdays
&
every 3rd Saturday
of the month!


Year-Round Disaster Response volunteer jobs include:

  • field work such as damage assessment, chainsaw work, debris removal, tarping, and mucking/gutting

  • vehicle cleaning & organizing

  • tool maintenance

  • warehouse organization

  • supply stocking & inventory

  • administrative support


These volunteer opportunities are appropriate for individuals and groups age 14+. Any volunteer under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.


Are you a first-time
Disaster Response volunteer with us?


If you have already completed the Disaster Response Volunteer Intake Form
then you’re ready to sign up for a volunteer shift with us through the interactive calendar below!

Click on the shift. Follow the prompts. Upon sign up you will receive a confirmation email with a General Orientation Video and a Volunteer Information Sheet.

We look so forward to being the hands and feet of Jesus with you to our neighbors in need!