Volunteering With Children’s Mental Health Organizations: How You Can Help

Volunteering with a children’s mental health organization is one of the most meaningful ways to invest your time and talents. This guide explains how to get involved with Ikon Kids and what kinds of volunteer contributions make the biggest difference for children and families.

Why Volunteers Are Essential to Ikon Kids’ Mission

Ikon Kids is a donor-and-volunteer-powered organization. Our programs would not be possible without the hundreds of volunteers who give their time, skills, and hearts to serve children and families. Volunteers are not a “nice add-on” — they are core to our model.

Types of Volunteer Opportunities at Ikon Kids

Program support: assist counselors during group sessions, organize materials, supervise children in structured activities. Event volunteers: help organize and run fundraising events, community outreach events, retreats, and Summer Healing Camp. Administrative support: data entry, communications, social media, grant writing, accounting. Professional volunteers: licensed counselors, doctors, lawyers, and other professionals who contribute expertise. Respite care volunteers: provide supervised childcare during parent support sessions.

Requirements for Volunteering With Children

All Ikon Kids volunteers working directly with children must: complete a background check (provided by Ikon Kids), attend a volunteer orientation (2–3 hours), complete basic safeguarding training, sign a code of conduct agreement, and be matched to a role appropriate for their experience and availability.

The Impact of Your Volunteer Hours

1 hour of volunteer administrative support allows a counselor to focus 1 additional hour on direct client care. 4 hours of event volunteering can raise $500+ for program scholarships. 1 volunteer respite shift allows 8 caregivers to rest and recharge. Your 2 hours per month could be the margin between a family receiving help or going without.

How to Sign Up

Visit ikonkids.org/volunteer/ to explore current opportunities and complete the volunteer interest form. Our volunteer coordinator will contact you within 3 business days to discuss next steps.