Why Volunteer

CASA’s dedicated volunteers help bring our vision and mission to life. Our goal is to offer meaningful opportunities for volunteers to make a difference and improve the mental health of children, youth and families in Alberta.

CASA offers flexible ways to become involved, regardless of time or skill. Our opportunities include fundraising activities, program support, committee involvement, research assistance, administration and volunteer leadership roles.

As a volunteer, you will make a positive impact in your community, be part of a team, share your experience, learn new skills and develop lasting friendships. Volunteers are critical to our mission and vision, and because of you, we are able to better support, inform and empower those touched by mental health issues.

Ways to Volunteer

There are two streams of volunteering at CASA:

Support Stream

Every CASA volunteer begins in the support stream. These volunteers do not directly interact with CASA patients; however, they make meaningful impacts by assisting with administrative tasks related to programs, research, donor stewardship, promotion and marketing, as well as supporting CASA’s fundraising events. To volunteer in the support stream, you must complete:

  • An application
  • A volunteer placement interview/general orientation
  • A review of CASA’s policies, procedures, agreements and trainings

Clinical Stream

Clinical stream volunteers support CASA’s clinical programs and have direct contact with patients and families. These volunteers must be comfortable being responsible for children alone. Some education in psychology, nursing or social work is recommended, but not required. Due to the nature of these opportunities, clinical stream volunteers must be at least 18 years of age and complete the following, in addition to the support stream requirements.

  • Police Information Check (with Vulnerable Sector Search)
  • Child Intervention Record Check

What to Expect

Examples of volunteer opportunities at CASA include:

Program Support

  • Support for CASA’s day programs
  • Childminding support for clinical programs
  • Therapeutic group set-up and facilitation assistance
  • Recreation instruction at CASA House (gym, arts and crafts, makeup application)
  • Management of toys and therapeutic devices

Special Events

  • Casinos
  • CASA Golf Classic
  • Oilers Hockey Talks 50/50 Raffle
  • Zin on the River
  • CASA community awareness events
  • IlluminatED Youth Mental Wellness Fair

Administrative Opportunities

  • Literature reviews/environmental scans
  • Data entry
  • Video transcription
  • Training manual development
  • Resource review and organization
  • Donor stewardship

Apply to volunteer at CASA

Volunteer applications are reviewed on a monthly basis. Applicants will be contacted at that time to arrange a placement interview and orientation.

CASA hosts several signature events throughout the year, in addition to many others organized by community partners. By attending an event or organizing your own, you are helping us double the number of kids we serve.

Stories

CASA’s vision is a community where all children, youth and families are provided timely access to mental health care and empowered to thrive. Learn more about CASA kids, families, staff, donors and programs.

For A Child In Immediate Crisis

If your child is in physical danger or is at risk of harming themselves or someone else, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

If your child is in crisis, dial the Edmonton crisis lines at 780-482-4357 or 780-342-7777 for immediate assistance.

Back-to-school giving

Donate to help kids and families check mental health care off their back-to-school lists! All gifts made by Oct. 10 will be proudly MATCHED up to $25,000 thanks to:

May 1-7 is Mental Health Week.

For thousands of families across Alberta, every week is Mental Health Week. Support CASA Mental Health and help empower our kids and families thrive.