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Organize a supply drive.
Read a story. Help write a resume.
ACTS OF COMPASSION HAVE THE POWER TO CHANGE THE LIVES OF FAMILIES
At Family Promise, volunteers are the backbone of all our work. Since 1999, volunteers have prepared meals, provided companionship, read stories, and offered compassion and support. Family Promise offers many exciting opportunities to use your skills for impact through virtual, in-person, and corporate volunteering. For more information on getting involved, visit our volunteer sign-up page.
“Each time we make room for strangers, we chip away at the fear and isolation and heartbreak in our world. We also get to participate in something that is life giving, both to us and the people we welcome.”
Volunteer from Family Promise
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Why does Family Promise require background checks for all congregational volunteers?Family Promise is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of your congregation, volunteers, children, parents, and the community we serve. Conducting background checks is an essential tool that helps create an environment where safety can be protected.
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Who is required to undergo a background check as a volunteer?All volunteers at Family Promise are required to undergo an acceptable background check. This requirement applies to all our evening hosts, overnight hosts, dinner hosts, and others.
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Do I need to undergo a background check if I'm just serving dinner or dropping off a meal?Yes, if you will be in the same area as our guests, you should undergo a background check.
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What if I've already undergone a background check for my job?Great! Please send a copy of that check to background@familypromisemwv.org.
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Can a volunteer start working before the background check is completed?No. For the safety of our guests, other volunteers, and the organization, volunteers must successfully pass the background check before starting their volunteer activities. It is recommended that volunteers complete the background check process well in advance to ensure a smooth onboarding experience.
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What types of checks are conducted during the background check process?Pre-volunteer background checks at Family Promise typically include checks on an individual's criminal records, national sex offender database, and relevant court records. The purpose of these checks is to identify any potential risks or concerns related to a volunteer's criminal history.
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How long does it take to complete a background check for volunteers?Background checks for volunteers at Family Promise generally take 2-3 days to process and receive results from the contracted agency. In some cases, it may take up to 2 weeks, depending on the complexity of the check or any unforeseen circumstances.
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Does a volunteer need to provide consent for a background check to be conducted?Yes. In compliance with legal requirements, volunteers are required to complete and sign a Disclosure and Authorization Form, granting permission for the background check. Volunteers who decline to provide consent will not be eligible to volunteer at Family Promise.
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What happens if it is discovered that a volunteer provided false information or omitted relevant details?Trust is important to us, and we want to be able to trust you while working with our guests. If you need to lie on a form or omit details, it makes us question whether or not Family Promise is the right volunteer activity for you. Breaking trust is an easy way to end your volunteer time at Family Promise.
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How often are background checks conducted?Background checks are conducted on a yearly basis.
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What on my background would disqualify me from volunteering?Safety is a top priority for us, and it's important to note that having something on your background check does not automatically make you a bad person. However, certain findings may indicate a higher likelihood of disqualification as a volunteer due to safety concerns. These findings can include convictions for person-to-person crimes such as assault, battery, domestic violence, sexual offenses, or other violent offenses. Additionally, serious offenses like fraud, theft, or drug-related crimes can also raise concerns. We look at everything on a case-by-case basis.
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