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Opportunity Details
Support Children & Families Beyond the Hospital at The Loft (age 18+) Referral
Volunteer Opportunity
Create hope, joy, and connection for kids, teens, young adults, and families impacted by childhood cancer.
About the Program
Ukandu’s mission is to create hope, joy, and connection for kids, teens, young adults, and families impacted by childhood cancer through programs, services, and experiences outside the hospital setting. Volunteers play a critical role in bringing this mission to life by helping create spaces where families can rest, connect, and feel supported beyond medical care. Through their presence and engagement, volunteers help reduce isolation, foster community, and support whole-family healing. Every welcoming interaction, activity supported, and moment of connection directly contributes to Ukandu’s ability to serve families at no cost.
About the Project
Volunteers at The Loft support children, young adults, and families impacted by childhood cancer in a welcoming, non-clinical community space outside the hospital setting. Volunteers help create an emotionally safe environment by engaging with participants during daily programs, activities, and events, and by offering a steady, compassionate presence.
Responsibilities may include welcoming families, assisting with activities, supporting program flow, and helping maintain safe and inclusive shared spaces. Volunteers work alongside Ukandu staff and licensed clinicians, following trauma-informed practices and clear role boundaries. This role is ideal for volunteers who value connection, empathy, and community-based care.
We welcome volunteers from a variety of backgrounds. This role is a great fit for student nurses and others interested in pediatric, family-centered, or community-based care.
Volunteers should:
- Be dependable, compassionate, and emotionally aware
- Feel comfortable engaging with children, young adults, parents, and caregivers
- Be open to learning and practicing trauma-informed approaches
- Communicate clearly and respectfully with families, staff, and fellow volunteers
- Maintain appropriate boundaries and follow confidentiality guidelines
Volunteers gain real-world experience supporting children and families impacted by serious illness in a non-clinical, community-based setting. This opportunity builds skills in therapeutic communication, trauma-informed care, emotional intelligence, and family-centered support. Volunteers, especially student nurses and those interested in healthcare or social services, gain insight into the psychosocial impacts of childhood cancer and how community care complements medical treatment. Volunteers also develop teamwork, adaptability, and confidence working in emotionally complex environments.
Volunteer Process:
Sign Up: Register through Hands On Greater Portland to express interest
Apply: Complete Ukandu’s volunteer application
Interview: Participate in a brief interview to ensure a good role fit
Screening: Complete a background check
Training: Attend orientation and role-specific training
Serve: Sign up for shifts and begin volunteering at The Loft
Ukandu works to place volunteers in roles that align with their interests, availability, and comfort level.
Project Requirements
To ensure a safe and supportive environment for families, all volunteers must complete the following before serving:
- Complete a volunteer application and interview
- Pass a background check
- Complete required training, including trauma-informed care, child safety, and role expectations
- Commit to Ukandu’s values, safety policies, and code of conduct
- Meet minimum age requirements (if applicable)
- Training is provided at no cost, and Ukandu staff are available for ongoing support and guidance.
- The Loft is open Tuesday - Sunday, 10AM - 8PM, and volunteer shifts will fall within those hours
- Volunteers must be able to commit to volunteering for a minimum of 4 hours per month for 6 months
- Age: Volunteers must be 18+
Notices
Referral Opportunity: This opportunity is run directly by one of our nonprofit partners. After you express interest, the partner will contact you with next steps and confirmation details.
Hands On Greater Portland Hours: Your hours may not appear in your Hands On account because this is a partner‑managed opportunity.
Health & Wellness
Families
Age Minimum (with Adult): 18+, Minimum Age:18+
Express Interest
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- Choose an existing team you're already a member or captain of, or
- Create a new team to sign up.
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