Opportunities From: Volunteer DBQ

Volunteer: "Healing Spaces" Paint Days

We’re really excited to finally move forward with something we’ve been wanting to do for a while. We’ll be refreshing the Teresa Shelter to create a space that feels more peaceful, welcoming, and healing for both our residents and staff.

As part of this project, we’ll be:

Repainting the entire shelter Adding a large mural in the back dorm area Updating doors with fresh finishes Deep cleaning and reorganizing spaces Adding simple “wayfinding” signs to help new residents feel more comfortable navigating the building

We are planning to complete this project July 14–16, and we would love your help to make it happen!

Volunteer Opportunities

We’ll have two shifts available each day:

Morning Shift: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Afternoon Shift: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
(Lunch will not be provided, so please plan accordingly)

Volunteers will help with:

Painting walls and touch-ups Taping and prep work (especially Day 1) General cleaning and organizing Supporting staff with project needs Light moving/resetting of furniture

This project is more than just paint—it’s about creating a space that feels safe, peaceful, and dignified for the women and children we serve every day.

If you’re able to help, even for one shift, we would be so grateful.

Thank you for being part of what we’re building here

Organization: Opening Doors

We’re really excited to finally move forward with something we’ve been wanting to do for a while. We’ll be refreshing the Teresa Shelter to create a space that feels more peaceful, welcoming, and healing for both our residents and staff.

As part of this project, we’ll be:

Repainting the entire shelter Adding a large mural in the back dorm area Updating doors with fresh finishes Deep cleaning and reorganizing spaces Adding simple “wayfinding” signs to help new residents feel more comfortable navigating the building

We are planning to complete this project July 14–16, and we would love your help to make it happen!

Volunteer Opportunities

We’ll have two shifts available each day:

Morning Shift: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Afternoon Shift: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
(Lunch will not be provided, so please plan accordingly)

Volunteers will help with:

Painting walls and touch-ups Taping and prep work (especially Day 1) General cleaning and organizing Supporting staff with project needs Light moving/resetting of furniture

This project is more than just paint—it’s about creating a space that feels safe, peaceful, and dignified for the women and children we serve every day.

If you’re able to help, even for one shift, we would be so grateful.

Thank you for being part of what we’re building here

Organization: Opening Doors

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 52001

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Opening Doors Booth at Juneteenth Celebration

Opening Doors will be hosting an information booth at the 14th Annual Juneteenth Celebration in Dubuque, Iowa, and we’re looking for volunteers to help us represent our organization throughout the afternoon.

The event runs from 12:00–4:00 PM on June 20th, and we are hoping to have at least one volunteer present at the booth each hour. This is a simple and meaningful way to connect with the community, share about what we do, and be part of a powerful celebration.

Event Background:
Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day, marks June 19, 1865—the day the abolition of slavery was finally announced in Texas, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. Today, it is a celebration of freedom, achievement, and a time to come together in building stronger communities.

If you’re available to help for an hour (or more), we would love to have you join us!

Organization: Opening Doors

Opening Doors will be hosting an information booth at the 14th Annual Juneteenth Celebration in Dubuque, Iowa, and we’re looking for volunteers to help us represent our organization throughout the afternoon.

The event runs from 12:00–4:00 PM on June 20th, and we are hoping to have at least one volunteer present at the booth each hour. This is a simple and meaningful way to connect with the community, share about what we do, and be part of a powerful celebration.

Event Background:
Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day, marks June 19, 1865—the day the abolition of slavery was finally announced in Texas, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. Today, it is a celebration of freedom, achievement, and a time to come together in building stronger communities.

If you’re available to help for an hour (or more), we would love to have you join us!

Organization: Opening Doors

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 52001

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Opening Doors Booth at Farmers Market

Opening Doors will be at the Dubuque Farmers Market on Saturday, July 25th, and we’re looking for volunteers to help staff our booth throughout the morning.

Volunteer shifts will run from 7:00 AM–12:00 PM, with hourly time slots available. We have 2 volunteer spots per hour, and you’re welcome to sign up for one or multiple shifts.

This is a great opportunity to connect with the community, share about Opening Doors, and help create a welcoming presence at one of Dubuque’s busiest events.

If you’re available to help for an hour (or more), we would love to have you join us!

Organization: Opening Doors

Opening Doors will be at the Dubuque Farmers Market on Saturday, July 25th, and we’re looking for volunteers to help staff our booth throughout the morning.

Volunteer shifts will run from 7:00 AM–12:00 PM, with hourly time slots available. We have 2 volunteer spots per hour, and you’re welcome to sign up for one or multiple shifts.

This is a great opportunity to connect with the community, share about Opening Doors, and help create a welcoming presence at one of Dubuque’s busiest events.

If you’re available to help for an hour (or more), we would love to have you join us!

Organization: Opening Doors

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 52001

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Clerical/Office

Our Mission:  Opening Doors offers hospitality and opportunity to women, alone or with children, who need emergency/transitional housing and related support services.

 

Our Vision:  In collaboration with existing community resources and services, our vision is to offer a variety of opportunities for women to affirm their dignity and to achieve their potential for independent living in an environment that will benefit the neighborhood.

 

Our Values:

Compassion– To demonstrate a caring concern for each person
Respect – To treat each person with dignity
Affirmation – To invite and encourage personal development
Hospitality – To offer a welcoming environment

 

Location:

Administration Office

2100 Asbury Rd # 8, Dubuque, IA 52001

 

Summary:

Reports directly to the Development & Marketing Director; In charge of helping Administration staff with a variety of office-related tasks.

 

Shifts:

Tasks will be available Monday-Friday 7am-4pm Shift times are flexible given volunteer availability

 

Possible Duties and Responsibilities:

Serve as receptionist (answers phone and doors); Respond to phone calls, take messages; File client paperwork; Accept and log donations; puts donations away in appropriate places; Reflect the mission of Opening Doors in behavior; Other duties may be assigned as needed.

 

Supervisor:

Natalie Finley

Development & Marketing Director

(w): 563-582-7480

Organization: Opening Doors

Our Mission:  Opening Doors offers hospitality and opportunity to women, alone or with children, who need emergency/transitional housing and related support services.

 

Our Vision:  In collaboration with existing community resources and services, our vision is to offer a variety of opportunities for women to affirm their dignity and to achieve their potential for independent living in an environment that will benefit the neighborhood.

 

Our Values:

Compassion– To demonstrate a caring concern for each person
Respect – To treat each person with dignity
Affirmation – To invite and encourage personal development
Hospitality – To offer a welcoming environment

 

Location:

Administration Office

2100 Asbury Rd # 8, Dubuque, IA 52001

 

Summary:

Reports directly to the Development & Marketing Director; In charge of helping Administration staff with a variety of office-related tasks.

 

Shifts:

Tasks will be available Monday-Friday 7am-4pm Shift times are flexible given volunteer availability

 

Possible Duties and Responsibilities:

Serve as receptionist (answers phone and doors); Respond to phone calls, take messages; File client paperwork; Accept and log donations; puts donations away in appropriate places; Reflect the mission of Opening Doors in behavior; Other duties may be assigned as needed.

 

Supervisor:

Natalie Finley

Development & Marketing Director

(w): 563-582-7480

Organization: Opening Doors

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Organization Requirement: >18 years old

Zip Code: 52001

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Child Care

Our Mission:  Opening Doors offers hospitality and opportunity to women, alone or with children, who need emergency/transitional housing and related support services.

 

Our Vision:  In collaboration with existing community resources and services, our vision is to offer a variety of opportunities for women to affirm their dignity and to achieve their potential for independent living in an environment that will benefit the neighborhood.

 

Our Values:

Compassion– To demonstrate a caring concern for each person
Respect – To treat each person with dignity
Affirmation – To invite and encourage personal development
Hospitality – To offer a welcoming environment

 

 Summary:

In charge of supervision of children at Teresa Shelter or Maria House during assigned shift. Supervise and observe children’s activities and behaviors. Intervene when behaviors are inappropriate so as to ensure a safe environment.

 

Shifts:

Will vary depending on needs of the program.

 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Supervision of resident children during resident programming or parental work/school hours; Games/Activities will be done inside or outside (dependent on weather); Document pertinent information regarding behaviors of the children in daily log; Recognize major issues and report to Program Director; Reflect the mission of Opening Doors in behavior; Other duties may be assigned as needed.

 

Supervisor:
Shauna Peterson
Volunteer Coordinator

(w): 563.582.6286 

Organization: Opening Doors

Our Mission:  Opening Doors offers hospitality and opportunity to women, alone or with children, who need emergency/transitional housing and related support services.

 

Our Vision:  In collaboration with existing community resources and services, our vision is to offer a variety of opportunities for women to affirm their dignity and to achieve their potential for independent living in an environment that will benefit the neighborhood.

 

Our Values:

Compassion– To demonstrate a caring concern for each person
Respect – To treat each person with dignity
Affirmation – To invite and encourage personal development
Hospitality – To offer a welcoming environment

 

 Summary:

In charge of supervision of children at Teresa Shelter or Maria House during assigned shift. Supervise and observe children’s activities and behaviors. Intervene when behaviors are inappropriate so as to ensure a safe environment.

 

Shifts:

Will vary depending on needs of the program.

 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Supervision of resident children during resident programming or parental work/school hours; Games/Activities will be done inside or outside (dependent on weather); Document pertinent information regarding behaviors of the children in daily log; Recognize major issues and report to Program Director; Reflect the mission of Opening Doors in behavior; Other duties may be assigned as needed.

 

Supervisor:
Shauna Peterson
Volunteer Coordinator

(w): 563.582.6286 

Organization: Opening Doors

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Organization Requirement: >18 years old

Zip Code: 52001

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Office Admin

Opening Doors is looking for a dependable volunteer to support our team with office administrative work on a consistent basis.

Schedule: Every Monday
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Dubuque

What you’ll help with:
General office administrative support
Organizing and updating Google Docs
Working with Excel spreadsheets
Data entry and light clerical tasks

What we’re looking for:
Comfortable navigating Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets)
 Basic Excel/spreadsheet skills
Organized, detail-oriented and reliable

Interested? Email Natalie at natalie@openingdoorsdbq.org to learn more or sign up. Thank you for helping Opening Doors continue to empower women and children on their journey to healing, hope, and home.

Organization: Opening Doors

Opening Doors is looking for a dependable volunteer to support our team with office administrative work on a consistent basis.

Schedule: Every Monday
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Dubuque

What you’ll help with:
General office administrative support
Organizing and updating Google Docs
Working with Excel spreadsheets
Data entry and light clerical tasks

What we’re looking for:
Comfortable navigating Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets)
 Basic Excel/spreadsheet skills
Organized, detail-oriented and reliable

Interested? Email Natalie at natalie@openingdoorsdbq.org to learn more or sign up. Thank you for helping Opening Doors continue to empower women and children on their journey to healing, hope, and home.

Organization: Opening Doors

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 52001

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Maria House Volunteer

 

Maria House Volunteer Position Description

 

Our Mission:  Opening Doors offers hospitality and opportunity to women, alone or with children, who need emergency/transitional housing and related support services.

 

Our Vision:  In collaboration with existing community resources and services, our vision is to offer a variety of opportunities for women to affirm their dignity and to achieve their potential for independent living in an environment that will benefit the neighborhood.

 

Our Values:

Compassion– To demonstrate a caring concern for each person
Respect – To treat each person with dignity
Affirmation – To invite and encourage personal development
Hospitality – To offer a welcoming environment

 

Purpose:

This is an individual volunteer opportunity to monitor Maria House and provide assistance to residents as needed.

 

Location:

Maria House

1561 Jackson Street

Dubuque, Iowa 52001

 

Summary:

In charge of supervising guests/residents at the Maria House during assigned shift. Supervise and observe the activities and behaviors of guests/residents and their children. Intervene when behaviors are inappropriate so as to ensure a safe environment.

 

Shifts:

Shifts are available Monday-Friday from 4-9pm Shift times are flexible given volunteer availability Volunteers can fulfill shifts on a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly basis

 

Possible Duties and Responsibilities:

Follow program guidelines and document information from shift in staff log; Respond to phone calls, giving information and referrals, taking messages; Accept and log donations; puts donations away in appropriate places; Complete light daily chores Launder staff towels/bedding; Reflect the mission of Opening Doors in behavior; Other duties may be assigned as needed

 

Qualifications:

Background check; Must be 18 or older; Must be in good standing with Opening Doors; Demonstrates sensitivity and commitment to all guests/residents; Flexible and resourceful in handling work responsibilities; Maintains confidentiality of guests/residents, staff, and volunteers; Maintains professional boundaries; Can remain calm in emergency and crisis situations;

 

Supervisor:

Lauren Krapfl

Volunteer Coordinator

(w)563-582-6286

 

 

Organization: Opening Doors

 

Maria House Volunteer Position Description

 

Our Mission:  Opening Doors offers hospitality and opportunity to women, alone or with children, who need emergency/transitional housing and related support services.

 

Our Vision:  In collaboration with existing community resources and services, our vision is to offer a variety of opportunities for women to affirm their dignity and to achieve their potential for independent living in an environment that will benefit the neighborhood.

 

Our Values:

Compassion– To demonstrate a caring concern for each person
Respect – To treat each person with dignity
Affirmation – To invite and encourage personal development
Hospitality – To offer a welcoming environment

 

Purpose:

This is an individual volunteer opportunity to monitor Maria House and provide assistance to residents as needed.

 

Location:

Maria House

1561 Jackson Street

Dubuque, Iowa 52001

 

Summary:

In charge of supervising guests/residents at the Maria House during assigned shift. Supervise and observe the activities and behaviors of guests/residents and their children. Intervene when behaviors are inappropriate so as to ensure a safe environment.

 

Shifts:

Shifts are available Monday-Friday from 4-9pm Shift times are flexible given volunteer availability Volunteers can fulfill shifts on a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly basis

 

Possible Duties and Responsibilities:

Follow program guidelines and document information from shift in staff log; Respond to phone calls, giving information and referrals, taking messages; Accept and log donations; puts donations away in appropriate places; Complete light daily chores Launder staff towels/bedding; Reflect the mission of Opening Doors in behavior; Other duties may be assigned as needed

 

Qualifications:

Background check; Must be 18 or older; Must be in good standing with Opening Doors; Demonstrates sensitivity and commitment to all guests/residents; Flexible and resourceful in handling work responsibilities; Maintains confidentiality of guests/residents, staff, and volunteers; Maintains professional boundaries; Can remain calm in emergency and crisis situations;

 

Supervisor:

Lauren Krapfl

Volunteer Coordinator

(w)563-582-6286

 

 

Organization: Opening Doors

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Organization Requirement: >18 years old

Zip Code: 52001

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Intern/Field Placement/Work Study

Our Mission:  Opening Doors offers hospitality and opportunity to women, alone or with children, who need emergency/transitional housing and related support services.

 

Our Vision:  In collaboration with existing community resources and services, our vision is to offer a variety of opportunities for women to affirm their dignity and to achieve their potential for independent living in an environment that will benefit the neighborhood.

 

Our Values:

Compassion– To demonstrate a caring concern for each person
Respect – To treat each person with dignity
Affirmation – To invite and encourage personal development
Hospitality – To offer a welcoming environment

 

Location:

Teresa Shelter

1111 Bluff St

Dubuque, IA 52001

 

Summary:

In charge of Teresa Shelter or Maria House during assigned shift. Supervise and observe guest/resident activities and behaviors. Maintain the safety and security while guests/residents are sleeping. Intervene when behaviors are inappropriate so as to ensure a safe environment. Possess and utilize conflict resolution skills in managing disagreements among guests/residents.

 

Possible Duties and Responsibilities:

Teresa Shelter

Maria House

Welcome each guest/resident as they enter for the night; Assist guests/residents with overnight needs or issues; Complete intake paperwork for every new guest/resident and file in the appropriate place; Assign each new guest/resident a sleeping area. If there are children, make sure each child knows their sleeping area. Set up a baby crib if the guest/resident has an infant or toddler; Make sure each guest/resident has a blanket, towel, and wash cloth; Responsible for cleaning staff bathroom and office areas; Teach and redirect guests/residents and their children; Assist in guiding guests/residents in meeting their basic needs and explaining program rules; Support guests/residents in the implementation of individualized goals, improvement of skills, and to learn the Maria House routine; Accept guest’s/resident’s program fees and cash donations; write receipts and deposits cash is safe; Responsible for cleaning staff bedroom, bathroom, and office areas;

 

 

Maria House & Teresa Shelter

Expected to enforce program guidelines; Mediate any disputes or lively discussions; Document pertinent information regarding behaviors of the guests/residents and their children in daily log; Recognize major issues and report to Program Director; Respond to phone calls, giving information and referrals, taking messages, and screening callers for admission to Shelter; Enforce nightly curfew and daily wake up time; Monitor guest/resident chores; Provide one-on-one support as needed; Attend staff meetings and developmental training as needed; Assist guests/residents with basic living skills, needs, and issues; Complete requested paperwork in a timely manner, including incident reports and daily log; Accept and log donations; put donations away in appropriate places; Reflect the mission of Opening Doors in behavior; Assist in fundraising duties as needed and participate in fundraising efforts to support Opening Doors; Launder guest/resident towels/blankets, clean bedroom after guest/resident moves out Other duties may be assigned as needed.

 

Qualifications:

Education, experience, skills

Accepts mission and values of Opening Doors; Demonstrates sensitivity and commitment to all guests/residents; Good English language communication skills, both written and verbal; Flexible and resourceful in handling work responsibilities; Maintains confidentiality of guests/residents, staff, and volunteers; Maintains professional boundaries; Can remain calm in emergency and crisis situations; Possess basic computer knowledge and skills; Valid ID required.

 

Supervisor:

Audrey Hinz

Assistant Program Director

 

Organization: Opening Doors

Our Mission:  Opening Doors offers hospitality and opportunity to women, alone or with children, who need emergency/transitional housing and related support services.

 

Our Vision:  In collaboration with existing community resources and services, our vision is to offer a variety of opportunities for women to affirm their dignity and to achieve their potential for independent living in an environment that will benefit the neighborhood.

 

Our Values:

Compassion– To demonstrate a caring concern for each person
Respect – To treat each person with dignity
Affirmation – To invite and encourage personal development
Hospitality – To offer a welcoming environment

 

Location:

Teresa Shelter

1111 Bluff St

Dubuque, IA 52001

 

Summary:

In charge of Teresa Shelter or Maria House during assigned shift. Supervise and observe guest/resident activities and behaviors. Maintain the safety and security while guests/residents are sleeping. Intervene when behaviors are inappropriate so as to ensure a safe environment. Possess and utilize conflict resolution skills in managing disagreements among guests/residents.

 

Possible Duties and Responsibilities:

Teresa Shelter

Maria House

Welcome each guest/resident as they enter for the night; Assist guests/residents with overnight needs or issues; Complete intake paperwork for every new guest/resident and file in the appropriate place; Assign each new guest/resident a sleeping area. If there are children, make sure each child knows their sleeping area. Set up a baby crib if the guest/resident has an infant or toddler; Make sure each guest/resident has a blanket, towel, and wash cloth; Responsible for cleaning staff bathroom and office areas; Teach and redirect guests/residents and their children; Assist in guiding guests/residents in meeting their basic needs and explaining program rules; Support guests/residents in the implementation of individualized goals, improvement of skills, and to learn the Maria House routine; Accept guest’s/resident’s program fees and cash donations; write receipts and deposits cash is safe; Responsible for cleaning staff bedroom, bathroom, and office areas;

 

 

Maria House & Teresa Shelter

Expected to enforce program guidelines; Mediate any disputes or lively discussions; Document pertinent information regarding behaviors of the guests/residents and their children in daily log; Recognize major issues and report to Program Director; Respond to phone calls, giving information and referrals, taking messages, and screening callers for admission to Shelter; Enforce nightly curfew and daily wake up time; Monitor guest/resident chores; Provide one-on-one support as needed; Attend staff meetings and developmental training as needed; Assist guests/residents with basic living skills, needs, and issues; Complete requested paperwork in a timely manner, including incident reports and daily log; Accept and log donations; put donations away in appropriate places; Reflect the mission of Opening Doors in behavior; Assist in fundraising duties as needed and participate in fundraising efforts to support Opening Doors; Launder guest/resident towels/blankets, clean bedroom after guest/resident moves out Other duties may be assigned as needed.

 

Qualifications:

Education, experience, skills

Accepts mission and values of Opening Doors; Demonstrates sensitivity and commitment to all guests/residents; Good English language communication skills, both written and verbal; Flexible and resourceful in handling work responsibilities; Maintains confidentiality of guests/residents, staff, and volunteers; Maintains professional boundaries; Can remain calm in emergency and crisis situations; Possess basic computer knowledge and skills; Valid ID required.

 

Supervisor:

Audrey Hinz

Assistant Program Director

 

Organization: Opening Doors

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Organization Requirement: >18 years old

Zip Code: 52001

Allow Groups: No