Service, Impact & Community Connection
Volunteer Program
Community members use their God-given gifts alongside staff and participants in a caring atmosphere where they are appreciated and valued.
Volunteer Program Summary
Giving community members opportunities to make a difference
The Volunteer Program provides opportunities for members of the community to use their God-given gifts with staff and residents in a caring, loving atmosphere where they are appreciated and valued. Volunteers amplify our mission through spiritual support, mentorship, special events, and direct service.
Volunteer Program Basics
Flexible service opportunities that honor every contribution and
help to change lives
We are committed to delivering quality, effective, and faith-based support that guides formerly incarcerated men and women to become productive citizens and rebuild their lives.
We envision a stronger and more unified Miami where formerly incarcerated individuals become productive citizens and valued members of our vibrant community.
We are grounded in community, diversity, spirituality, accountability, family, and productivity — the foundational core values that make our transformational work possible.
Diverse Volunteers
Pastors, program graduates, church leaders, business owners, youth groups, and community members from all backgrounds.
Flexible Commitment
Weekly, monthly, one-time, or special occasion volunteer service options are available. No time is too little or too much.
Spiritual Development Focus
Volunteers support spiritual programming, mentorship, chapel services, and faith-based activities.
Required Orientation
All volunteers complete training covering confidentiality, conduct, safety, and professional boundaries.
How It Works
How the volunteer
program works
Interested individuals tour the facility, meet with the volunteer coordinator, and review materials about Riverside House. After completing a volunteer application with background information, interests, and availability, staff coordinate training and orientation.
Volunteers then begin service in roles aligned with their skills, interests, and availability — whether weekly, monthly, or for special events throughout the year.
What Volunteers Do
Volunteer opportunities across programs
Volunteers serve a vital role at Riverside House, helping within various areas of support including:
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Spiritual Development
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Professional Expertise
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Life Skills & Education
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Recreation & Wellness
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Administrative Support
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Special Events
Volunteer Details
What our volunteer
program provides
The Volunteer Program creates opportunities for community members to contribute their time, talents, and hearts to supporting participants in their reentry journey.
Spiritual Activities & Mentorship
Leading Bible studies, mentoring participants, assisting with chapel services, and providing faith-based encouragement and spiritual guidance.
Life Skills & Financial Literacy
Teaching money management, budgeting, banking basics, credit building, and practical life skills that support financial independence and stability.
Career Development
Resume writing, mock interviews, job search strategies, professional skills training, and career coaching that prepares participants for workforce success.
Education & Technology Training
GED tutoring, computer skills instruction, technology training, educational workshops, and support for participants pursuing academic advancement.
Recreation & Wellness Activities
Organizing sports, fitness classes, recreational activities, wellness workshops, and social events that build community and support healthy lifestyles.
Special Events
Supporting Mother's Day, Father's Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas celebrations, resource fairs, and other events that build morale and strengthen community connections.
Why It Matters
You can help restore lives
and build community
Volunteers provide human connection that transforms isolation into community. Through mentorship, encouragement, and consistent presence, volunteers demonstrate that returning citizens are valued, supported, and not forgotten — creating relationships that often extend long after program completion.
Volunteers significantly extend Riverside House’s capacity to serve. From leading Bible studies to organizing special events, volunteers enable programs and services that would be impossible through staff alone — amplifying our impact across every area of reentry support.
Volunteers witness transformation firsthand and carry those stories back into the community. This creates ripples of awareness, support, and second-chance advocacy that change public perception and strengthen community acceptance of returning citizens.
Spiritual Growth & Faith Support
Faith-based mentorship deepens spiritual growth for all involved while creating lasting relationships built on shared purpose and transformation.
Life Skills & Career Preparation
Teaching practical skills creates meaningful impact and builds pathways to financial independence and employment success for participants and volunteers.
Education & Personal Development
Sharing knowledge and expertise opens new doors and creates opportunities that seemed impossible through collaborative learning and achievement.
Recreation & Connection
Building relationships through shared activities creates joy, belonging, and genuine human connection that strengthens the community as a home.
Who Can Volunteer
Volunteers from
every background
We welcome dedicated individuals from all walks of life who share a heart for giving people a second chance.
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Pastors and church leaders
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Graduates of Riverside House programs
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Local business owners and professionals
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Community members passionate about second chances
Program Approach
Our approach
to volunteerism
Riverside House believes transformation happens through relationship. Volunteers are not simply filling roles — they are joining a community committed to redemption, second chances, and lasting change.
Our volunteer program emphasizes flexibility, dignity, and mutual appreciation. Whether serving weekly or for special occasions, volunteers use their God-given gifts in a caring atmosphere where both volunteers and participants experience growth, connection, and purpose. We honor every contribution and recognize that volunteers often find their own lives enriched through service.
God-Given Gifts Philosophy
Every person has talents to share in service that honors both giver and receiver.
Flexible Commitment Options
Weekly, monthly, one-time, or special occasions — no time is too little.
Training & Support
Detailed orientation covering policies, safety, boundaries, and best practices.
Service & Recognition
Fulfill service hour requirements and participate in community recognition events.
We've Got Answers
Frequently asked questions
We provide clear, straightforward answers to help understand volunteer opportunities and requirements.
Complete a volunteer application including bio information, interests, background, times available, and areas of interest. Interested individuals tour the facility, meet with the volunteer coordinator, and review materials about Riverside House. After the application is received, staff will contact you to coordinate training and orientation.
Volunteers serve individuals at various stages of reentry and transition including men completing the final phase of federal custody through our Residential Reentry Program, individuals accessing emergency shelter services through our partnership with Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust, program alumni continuing support through Riverside Reentry 2.0, and community participants. All are working toward stability, employment, and successful reintegration into the Miami community.
Volunteers serve across multiple program areas: spiritual activities (Bible studies, chapel services, mentorship), life skills training (financial literacy, money management), employment preparation (resume writing, mock interviews, career coaching), education (GED tutoring, computer skills, technology training), recreation and wellness (sports, fitness, social activities), professional expertise workshops, special events (Mother's Day, Father's Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, resource fairs), and administrative support.
We have volunteers who serve weekly, monthly, for special occasions, or on a one-time basis. Some volunteers have regular schedules while others come for specific events. No time is too little or too much — we value every contribution.
Yes. All volunteers must complete orientation and comply with policies related to confidentiality, conduct, safety, and professional boundaries. This ensures a safe, respectful, and effective volunteer experience for everyone.
Yes, depending on the volunteer role. Some volunteer opportunities are specific to federal residents, while others support shelter participants or community-based programs. Staff will guide volunteers to appropriate placements based on program needs and volunteer interests.
No. While many volunteers come from churches and faith communities, we welcome all individuals who respect our faith-based mission and want to serve returning citizens with compassion and dignity. Volunteers from all backgrounds are appreciated and valued.
Volunteers witness transformation firsthand, build meaningful relationships, use their skills for purpose-driven work, experience personal growth through service, and become part of a community committed to second chances. Many volunteers describe their service as enriching their own lives as much as it helps participants.
This place is a dream come true for people coming out of prison. The staff are caring, professional, and devoted to helping the formerly incarcerated reenter society with dignity and confidence.
Lisa L.