Volunteering Opportunities

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."

Martin Luther King, Jr.

Volunteering on a consistent basis for MATFA will be the greatest gift and uplift you will ever give and receive.  Why?  You're spending your time on something that truly matters.

Volunteers of all ages and careers have discovered the joy of seeing positive changes in our youth by just showing they care to kids who have lost touch with any kind of role model in their lives.  In return, MATFA volunteers often discover a life filled with new significance as their commitment has the power to literally switch the light on by turning a youth's life away from crime and violence to a life of unlimited potential.

Here's another reason to volunteer.  When a youth commits a crime, especially a gun crime, a family member vicariously serves that time too.  Here below is a national Public Service campaign with Project Safe Neighborhoods that depicts what it looks like at home, and what our youth don't consider when they turn to crime.  

Mentor Sue Devoss and Officer Tim O'Donnell

Youth Mentors
MATFA needs volunteers to work with youth on a one-on-one basis or in a group setting. Our volunteers must be prepared to commit two hours one day per month, and can provide Mentoring within the California Youth Authority or with youth who have returned to society. MATFA has a set curriculum for all Volunteer Mentors to use.

There is a Monthly Mentor Meeting on the Fourth Saturday of each month (unless otherwise notified) where Mentors can share new ideas, discuss issues, and keep informed of changes within the program and the State of California. Time is 10:30am until 12:30pm at the United Way Building, 3515 Linden Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90807.

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Part-Time Office Assistants
MATFA needs volunteers with clerical background assist in filing, planning activities, sending out mailings and answering the phone.

We understand that people tend to have busy schedules, however every bit of time helps.

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Part-Time Drivers
MATFA also need volunteers with Class B drivers license or Class C with a van who will transport our youth participants to and from their outings. Call us at 562-490-2402.

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Volunteer Qualifications
Many of these youths just need someone to listen when they talk. Volunteers must have love in their hearts, a willingness to share their life experiences and a desire to provide help for young people who are in pain.

All Volunteers must fill out a MATFA Mentoring Contract when applying. Volunteers who go inside the California Youth Authority must take a TB test and fill out the State's application form for background checks. Volunteers working with youth who have already been released from the Youth Authority must have fingerprint and background checks for MATFA. MATFA supplies the forms.

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