Volunteers make the difference
Volunteering provides opportunities for families, churches, and youth groups to teach the importance of developing a servant’s heart and a deeper love for Christ. Whether you want to come for a day or for a week, we have projects big and small for all skill levels — your visit is tailored to fit your group’s talent and abilities. Meals and housing are provided at no cost to your group.All of our homes can use your help. Volunteers are the backbone of our ministry. We could not do what we do without you! If you or your group is interested in serving, please contact our Volunteer Coordinators at volunteer@showmekids.org or call (660) 347‑5982.
Volunteer FAQs
What age do you have to be to volunteer?
We allow all ages to come and serve at Show-Me Christian Youth Home. If you are traveling with children or youth, the group leader or parents are responsible for those in their group.
Do I need to be with a group to volunteer?
No, we host groups of all sizes and individuals.
When can we volunteer?
We have volunteers visit all year round. We have many individuals who help us on an “on-call” basis as a need arises. We have some who visit for a day, or some that visit for a week. We do our best to help you or your group have an experience that is customized to best meet the needs of our volunteers and our ministry.
What will we be doing when we get there?
We have jobs of all types and skill levels. These tasks include, but are not limited to: cleaning, painting, organizing donations, helping assist office staff, construction projects, and landscaping. There are opportunities to interact with our children, but this is not always a possibility.
What will our accommodations be like?
Where you sleep can depend on how big your group is and when you will be here. You may be hosted by one of our families in their home. You may also be hosted in our gym. We do our best to make your accommodations as comfortable as possible. You will need to bring a pillow and all bedding that you might want, this can include an air mattress or cot, if needed. Please see our suggested packing list for any additional items you might want to bring.
We provide all your meals during your stay, even if you just plan to be here for a day. All meals will be at our multi-purpose building, unless other arrangements are made. We can accommodate around 30 people, if you plan to bring a larger group, please discuss this with the volunteer coordinator
Does it cost anything to volunteer?
Mission teams are the life blood of our ministry; without their assistance our expenses would be greatly increased. Therefore, there are no charges for lodging or food while your group is here. The only expenses you will have are your travels to and from Show-Me.
We do figure that it cost our ministry $15 a day to house a single volunteer. Although, it is certainly not required to serve, some groups choose to donate the equivalent of this cost, or more to support our ministry. These donations are often used to fund the projects that our volunteers work on.
If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact our volunteer coordinator at (660)347‑5982 or email us at volunteer@showmekids.org.
Want to Put Faith Into Action by Volunteering?
Let us know you are interested in serving at Show Me Christian Youth Home. Our Volunteer Coordinator can make arrangements for you and/or your group to visit. Call our office at (660) 347-5982 or contact us here.
Once a date and time has been arranged, for the safety of our volunteers and children living at Show Me Christian Youth Home, all volunteers are required to register here prior to the arrival to Show Me.
If you are the leader of your service group, you can find other helpful information here.
While planning your trip we encourage you and your team to PRAY.
- Pray that your work at SMCYH will be glorifying to God
- Pray for your team’s safety in your service and your travels to and from SMCYH
- Pray for our ministry, the children that live here and the staff who serve here.
Encourage your team to reach out to members of your congregation who are unable to participate on your trip to be your prayer partners. Allowing the entire church to play a significant role in the trip will be a blessing to all involved.
