Volunteering Opportunities
Below you will find volunteering opportunities in the field of criminology and criminal justice within Ottawa. Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community, develop your interests, and build connections!
Dress for Success Ottawa
Dress for Success is a volunteer-driven organization that aims to empower women and gender nonconforming individuals to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire, and development tools. They offer an array of services, including career advancements and job training, helping to serve thousands of women in the community. They welcome clothing donations (professional attire and seasonal clothing) as well as volunteers; casual opportunities, program volunteers, behind the scenes opportunities, and student placements.
Distress Centre
The Distress Centre of Ottawa and Region is a local connection to mental health support and resources, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Individuals are welcome to call their confidential, non-judgmental, and open-minded phone line at 613-238-3311. Their mission is to contribute to a healthier and safer community by providing suicide prevention, crisis intervention, psychological stabilization, emotional support, information, referral and education services, and more. The Distress Centre is currently accepting applications to become a Volunteer Crisis Line Responder.
Shepherds of Good Hope
Shepards of Good Hope serves those experiencing homelessness, serving thousands at their kitchen and drop-in centre, providing permanent homes, and help stabilize people through specialized shelter programs. Their mission is to foster hope and reduce harm in Ottawa by supporting people experiencing homelessness and vulnerable adults in the community through specialized services, programs, and partnerships. Become a Shepherd today and make an impact in the community. They are accepting volunteer applications at seven of their locations, opportunities include serving in the soup kitchen, gardening, running social events and office administration.
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Food Futures Ottawa Youth Council
Just Food is a grassroots, non-profit, community based organization working towards vibrant, just and sustainable food and farming systems in the Ottawa region. They engage in food policy conversations at many levels. Food Futures Ottawa Youth Council aims to empower youth to learn and strategically act on interconnected food and farming issues. The Council advocates for municipal policy change and foster lasting connections with community partners. Apply for their Youth Council now!
Interval House Ottawa
Interval House Ottawa is a domestic abuse women's shelter that provides a safe place for women, their children, and pets to escape abuse. They also offer intervention and prevention services, a 24/7 crisis line (613-234-5181), counselling services, transitional and housing support, and more. Their individual volunteer opportunities is currently on pause, but they are currently accepting donations. If you are interested in a one-time group volunteer event, please reach out to cuccjs@gmail.com
JFS Street Smart Outreach Program
StreetSmart is a street-based outreach program that offers resources, referrals and basic supplies to Ottawa's downtown homeless population. For more information, please call 613-979-3387 or email streetsmarts@jfsottawa.com.