Welcome

Thank you for your interest in becoming a PATHWAYS ANGEL.

Pathways for Children, Youth and Families of York Region is an organization that inspires and empowers preschoolers, their parents and at- risk youth to turn their lives around. Homeless youth, at-risk youth and struggling families are our focus and we require many ANGELS to assist and help those in need.

We are very pleased that you are interested in making a difference. We consider all our volunteers to be guardian ANGELS, those who believe in helping others on their path in life. We would not be able to reach out and assist those who rely on us without the support and help of caring, committed and compassionate volunteers.

Pathways offers three distinct program areas to our clients:

  • Family Resource Centres – Supports parents, grandparents and caregivers with children from birth to six years of age. There are six different centres throughout Markham, Unionville and Stouffville. A variety of programs are offered at each location.
  • Residential Program – Youth Housing Program – Provides temporary housing   (up to one year in duration) for youth aged 16 to 19 years, experiencing a housing crisis and in need of care and shelter. There are two residential homes located in Markham.
  • Home Base Drop-in Centre – Provides a safe drop-in place for over 100 street youth from ages 13 to 24 every month. It is located in Richmond Hill.

We also require volunteers to assist with our annual fundraising events. Such as:

  • Pathways to Wine- wine tasting, silent auction, food, ale, entertainment. This event is held every June at a location within York Region.
  • Markham’s Amazing Race – Pathways is teamed with the Markham’s Mayor's Youth Task Force. This race is held every May. The theme is youth helping youth.

If you are interested in volunteering or have any comments/questions please contact Robyn Magee, Volunteer Coordinator at 905-471-7877 or by email at rmagee@pathwaysyorkregion.org . 

PLEASE DOWNLOAD OUR VOLUNTEER APPLICATION FORM

Fill out and return to Pathways.

PLEASE DOWNLOAD OUR OATH OF CONFIDENTIALITY FORM

Sign/date and return with the application form.

Information

Benefits and Skills Received – By volunteering with Pathways, you will be helping the children, youth and families we serve. Depending on the program of your choice, the available positions and the qualifications necessary for certain areas, you can expect to receive some or all of the following benefits:

  • Help change the lives of youth and your community.
  • Play an important role in successfully supporting and assisting the integration of youth back into the community.
  • Enhance personal self-growth by sharing your strengths and life skills.
  • Develop your skill set both personally and professionally.
  • Get the opportunity to earn community service hours for school or work and gain reference and job-related skills.
  • Meet and work along side like-minded, caring individuals.
  • Take part in our volunteer recognition programs.
  • Know and feel that you are making a difference by serving others as a PATHWAY ANGEL.

Process –All our candidates are required to fill out an application form. Due to the delicate nature of our work and in the best interest of our youth, all candidates need to give two reference names for referral on their application form. Both people will be contacted.  The Volunteer Coordinator will then interview you via telephone or through a face-to-face meeting. If there is indeed an agreed match of your interests/skills/abilities and our needs, then an interview is scheduled with the appropriate Program Director. The interview will be informal, however, please be aware that the reason for the interview is for pre-qualification purposes. In other words, we are striving to make sure that the right individual, with the right qualifications and characteristics is the candidate that we place in that position. To be considered for certain voluntary positions, especially at the Residential Homes and our Drop-in Centre, Home Base, it is important that the correct candidate be placed. All candidates in our programs need to be of legal age.

All candidates are asked to sign an Oath of Confidentiality. This is a confidentiality agreement which prohibits the sharing of any information that you may come in contact with, through a variety of methods with anyone outside the agency.

To establish a sense of trust and create a strong sense of stability with our clients, all candidates are asked to commit to either a short term commitment of three months or a long term commitment of one year.  This requirement is outlined on the application form. Collection of personal information is necessary as it allows us to create personal files which are kept confidential by Pathways. This information is used to schedule, track and make changes to your availability.

 All successful candidates are asked to complete a “Vulnerable Screening” check with the York Regional Police.  This must be on Pathway forms and signed by the applicable Director. Upon receipt of successful completion this form must be returned to Pathways. This check costs $15 and is paid by the volunteer.

  • Newmarket Police Station is located at 17250 Yonge Street in Newmarket
  • District Two Richmond Hill Police Station is located at 171 Major Mackenzie Dr. West

Placement – When you have obtained the volunteer placement of your choice and have successfully completed the police security check then an agreed time and placement will be scheduled.

The appropriate Program Director and/or staff will provide you with the following information:

  • Discuss your job description and function.
  • Establish an agreed upon shift and hour schedule.
  • Communicate what is expected of you and that you are never left alone with clients.
  • Discuss who you report to.
  • Discuss what to do in an emergency or any unforeseen circumstance.
  • Answer all questions and address any concerns you may have.
  • Tour of the facilities and introduction to other staff.

Recognition and Appreciation – We value and appreciate all our PATHWAY ANGELS and like to honour their commitment, dedication and compassion in many ways. There is an annual Volunteer Appreciation Event that takes place during National Volunteer Week. This is one way to honour you and let you know that what you do makes a difference in the lives of our children, youth and families and to our community.

Our monthly newsletter, The Path highlights our volunteers’ accomplishments and dedication. All our PATHWAY ANGELS give from the heart. There will be media profiles that ANGELS may opt in or out of. It is our intention to feature volunteer profiles on our website, through our newsletters and with press releases being sent to local papers.