Frequently Asked Questions
We have compiled answers to the questions our prospective and current volunteers ask most often. If you do not find what you are looking for, please contact our Volunteer Services team at (916) 555-0342 or info@joininghandsfoundation.org.
What is the minimum age requirement to volunteer?
The minimum age varies by program. Habitat Restoration Crews and Community Food Distribution warehouse shifts accept volunteers age 14 and older with a signed parental or guardian consent form. Youth Tutoring and Mentorship accepts tutors age 16 and older, also with guardian consent for minors. The Disaster Response Corps and Senior Companion Program require volunteers to be at least 18 years old due to the nature of the work and background check requirements. Corporate and Group Service Days accept all ages depending on the project type; family-friendly projects are clearly marked in the event description. Volunteers under the age of 18 are never placed in unsupervised roles or positions requiring a background check.
Do I need to pass a background check?
A DOJ/FBI LiveScan background check is required for all volunteers age 18 and older who will have direct, unsupervised contact with minors through the Youth Tutoring program or with vulnerable adults through the Senior Companion Program. Disaster Response Corps members also complete background screening as part of FEMA access credentialing. Volunteers in supervised group settings such as Habitat Restoration project days or Food Distribution warehouse shifts may be exempt depending on their specific role assignment. Joining Hands Foundation covers the full $49 cost of all required background checks. Processing typically takes 3 to 10 business days. Volunteers may begin orientation and training while awaiting clearance but cannot begin unsupervised service until results are confirmed.
How much time do I need to commit?
Time commitments range from a few hours per month to dedicated weekly service, depending on the program. Habitat Restoration project days run 4 to 12 hours on scheduled Saturdays and are perfect for occasional volunteers. Corporate Service Days are single-day events. The Food Distribution network offers flexible 3- to 8-hour weekly shifts at the warehouse or on delivery routes. Youth Tutoring mentors typically serve 4 to 8 hours per week during the academic year. Senior Companion volunteers visit their assigned seniors for 2 to 6 hours per week year-round. Disaster Response Corps members maintain readiness through monthly 2-hour training drills and deploy for 8 to 20+ hours during activations. We encourage prospective volunteers to choose a commitment level they can sustain consistently rather than overcommitting and burning out.
Can I volunteer as part of a group?
Absolutely. Our Corporate and Group Service Days program is specifically designed for teams of 10 to 200 participants from businesses, faith communities, campus organizations, and civic groups. We handle all project planning, logistics, supplies, and coordination. Projects range from park beautification and school supply drives to Habitat for Humanity build days and senior center activity sessions. We recommend a 4- to 6-week lead time for scheduling and require a sliding-scale sponsorship starting at $500 per event to cover materials and coordinator time. For smaller informal groups of friends or family members who want to volunteer together, contact our Volunteer Services team to discuss placement in one of our regular programs.
How does the corporate partnership program work?
Corporate partnerships with Joining Hands Foundation operate on an annual sponsorship model with flexible engagement tiers. Partner organizations receive priority scheduling for service day events, quarterly impact reports for CSR documentation, company logo placement on event materials and our website, and a dedicated corporate liaison from our staff. Sponsorship tiers range from Community Partner at $2,500 annually to Impact Champion at $15,000 annually. Each tier includes a specific number of service day events, volunteer hours recognition, and co-branded communications opportunities. We currently partner with 38 organizations including Sutter Health, Sacramento Kings, UC Davis Medical Center, and CalPERS. Contact our partnerships team to discuss a customized engagement plan for your organization.
Am I covered by insurance while volunteering?
Yes. Joining Hands Foundation maintains comprehensive general liability insurance and volunteer accident and medical coverage through our policy with Philadelphia Insurance Companies. This coverage protects registered volunteers during authorized JHF activities, including travel to and from service sites. The policy provides up to $1,000,000 per occurrence in general liability and up to $25,000 in volunteer accident medical benefits. Coverage applies only during authorized JHF volunteer activities and does not extend to personal activities. Volunteers are required to sign a liability waiver and assumption of risk acknowledgment at orientation. A copy of our certificate of insurance is available upon request from our administrative office. Corporate Service Day sponsors receive additional insured endorsement for their organization upon request.
Can I get community service hours documented for school or court requirements?
Yes. Joining Hands Foundation tracks and verifies all volunteer hours through our centralized service database. Upon request, we provide signed verification letters on JHF letterhead documenting your total hours, program assignments, and service dates for school community service requirements, college applications, scholarship documentation, and court-ordered community service compliance. Please note that for court-ordered community service, volunteers must present their court documentation at orientation so we can confirm that our available programs meet the court’s specific requirements and supervision standards. Hour verification requests are processed within 3 business days. Contact volunteer@joininghandsfoundation.org with your request.
What training will I receive before starting?
Every new volunteer completes a general orientation session covering our mission, code of conduct, emergency procedures, and organizational structure. Beyond that, each program provides specialized training tailored to its requirements. Youth Tutoring volunteers complete an 8-hour training covering tutoring methodology, mandatory reporter certification, and cultural competency. Senior Companion volunteers attend a 12-hour elder care sensitivity orientation. Disaster Response Corps members earn their 24-hour FEMA CERT certification over three training days. Habitat Restoration and Food Distribution volunteers receive on-site training at their first shift covering tool safety, food handling protocols, or site-specific procedures. All training is provided at no cost, and most ongoing training counts toward your tracked volunteer hours.
What if I need to take a break from volunteering?
We understand that life circumstances change and sustained volunteering requires flexibility. Volunteers may request an inactive status at any time by notifying their program coordinator. Inactive status preserves your training certifications, background check clearance, and program placement for up to 12 months. When you are ready to return, a brief re-orientation session (typically one hour) brings you up to speed on any policy or procedural changes that occurred during your absence. There is no penalty, judgment, or obligation associated with taking a break. We would rather you step back when needed and return refreshed than push through burnout and have a negative experience. If your circumstances have permanently changed, we will formally close your volunteer file and you are always welcome to re-apply in the future.
Are donations tax-deductible?
Yes. Joining Hands Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization under Internal Revenue Code. Our Employer Identification Number (EIN) is 94-3710295. All monetary donations are tax-deductible to the full extent permitted by law. We provide written acknowledgment receipts for all donations of $250 or more as required by IRS Publication 1771. In-kind donations of goods, supplies, and materials are also tax-deductible at fair market value, and we provide itemized acknowledgment letters upon request. Donations can be made online, by check mailed to our River Park headquarters, or through employer matching gift programs. We also accept donations of vehicles through our partnership with Vehicles for Change Sacramento. For estate planning and planned giving inquiries, contact our development office at development@joininghandsfoundation.org.
Still Have Questions?
Our Volunteer Services team is available Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM to answer any questions not covered here.