Kitchen, Community Cafe, Food Pantry, Clothing, Host a Drive

Subject: Action Required: Volunteer Sign-Up & Group Procedure at LifeNet4Families

Dear Volunteer,

Thank you for raising your hand to serve. Your time fuels housing support, daily meals, clothing assistance, case management, and other dignity-centered services that help neighbors move from crisis toward stability and hope.

To create a seamless, safe, and high-impact experience, please follow the steps below and review our group policy. Monitoring your email is essential—volunteer opportunities may shift based on client demand, safety, no-shows, or group bookings.

Step 1: Getting Started (One-Time Setup)

Complete the online application & waiver
Submit your one-time LifeNet4Families volunteer application and waiver at www.lifenet4families.org (required before any shift).

Reserve your shift via HandsOn South Florida
Register and book your desired shift in HandsOn South Florida.

Confirm your booking
Check your HandsOn account or email for confirmation or  emails from lvaughn@ln4f.org. Shifts may be waitlisted or declined if schedules change, capacity is met, or a group booking supersedes an individual sign-up.

Step 2: Volunteer Shifts (Standard Schedule)

• 7:00 AM–12:00 PM (Mon–Sat)

• 12:00 PM–3:00 PM (Mon–Fri)
  Note: No service on National Holidays.

Step 3: Volunteer Roles (Assigned by Need)

Kitchen & Café Attendant (Ages 17+)
Meal prep, café service, station setup, plating, and maintaining a clean, welcoming environment.

Food Pantry Attendant
Assemble food boxes, restock, rotate inventory, and support client flow with care and accuracy.

Clothing Attendant
Sort, size, and organize donations; maintain the clothing room; assist clients with appropriate attire.

Step 4: Eligibility & Youth

• Volunteers age 16 must serve with a parent/guardian.

• All volunteers must have an approved application and scheduled shift.

Group Volunteer Procedure (Mandatory)

To ensure capacity, safety, and a great client experience, all groups must follow the group process. Individual sign-ups submitted by members of a group will be declined and must be rescheduled under the official group workflow.

Start here for groups:

• Contact: Lynnette Vaughn, Community Relations Manager
  📧 Lvaughn@ln4f.org | ☎️ (954) 792-2328

• Submit: Group Volunteer Request Form (Request email to marketing@ln4f.org with requested date,time shift and number of volunteers in your group.)

Important: Group opportunities will be declined if the group process is not completed in full. This policy protects availability, staffing, and logistics so your team can show up ready to make an impact.

Communications & Schedule Changes

• Check email. For updates, confirmations, and any time-sensitive changes are sent via email.

• Respond promptly. Delays in response may forfeit your spot.

• Attendance matters. No-shows and late cancellations reduce capacity for clients and may affect future scheduling.

• To ensure every experience is meaningful and well-organized, all group volunteers must complete a group application and receive prior approval before participating in any activities.

• Group Volunteer Requests: All requests must be reviewed and authorized in advance by the Community Relations Manager. Please note, participation may be placed on hold or denied if the group leader has not received approval. Early communication allows us to confirm your preferred date and tailor the experience for the greatest impact.

• Court-Ordered Community Service: Pre-approval is required, and only minor offenses are accepted. Volunteers must submit court documents in advance to lvaughn@ln4f.org. A confirmation email is required before volunteering, and only the Community Relations Manager may sign off on related forms or letters.

• Student Volunteer Hours: Students are responsible for tracking their hours and bringing any school-required forms for signature at the end of their service.

Arrival Instructions

• Parking: Due to limited parking, carpooling is recommended. Park on the street or in front of the warehouse.

• Check-In: Upon arrival, inform the security that you are there to volunteer. Use the QR Code in the Community Café to sign in and out. This is mandatory to track hours for schools or court service.

Footwear:

• Closed-toe shoes are required at all times for your safety.
  Not permitted: Flip-flops, sandals, open-toe shoes, Crocs, or any backless footwear.

• Shoes with rubber soles are strongly recommended for slip resistance.

Clothing:

• Wear comfortable, modest clothing suitable for physical tasks like bending, lifting, and moving.
  Not allowed: Clothing with profanity, political statements, offensive graphics, tank tops, spaghetti straps, or revealing attire.

• Shorts, skirts, or dresses must be knee-length or longer.

• Avoid loose or baggy items that could pose a safety risk or get caught on equipment.

Hair and Accessories: ( Community Cafe Volunteers ) 

• Long hair must be tied back to ensure safety in food prep areas.

• Avoid dangling earrings, chains, or large accessories that could interfere with tasks or pose a hazard.

If you have any questions, please contact our office at (954) 792-2328 Ext. 220 or email Lvaughn@ln4f.org.

Thank you again for choosing to volunteer with LifeNet4Families!