Valley Rescue Mission Volunteer Application and Required Documents for Screening

Serving Christ in the Community - Since 1963

Updated 09/02/2025

Thank you so much for offering your time and service to Valley Rescue Mission! We are truly grateful for your heart to serve the vulnerable population we care for, and we believe your dedication is an incredible reflection of your commitment to the Lord. We are excited about the opportunity to work together to make a lasting difference.

To ensure the safety of our clients, employees, and volunteers, we do have a few necessary steps before moving forward. All volunteers are asked to complete this online form and review the documents outlining our volunteer rules and guidelines, confidentiality policy, and policies on abuse. Part of the screening process involves understanding and acknowledging these documents, as well additional screening from the department you choose to serve in.

If you have any questions pertaining to our programs or the documents, please call for clarification prior to signing the acknowledgment. Signing the documents ensures that you agree to our rules and policies and acknowledge that you understand them.

All minors must be accompanied by an adult, that has been previously approved to volunteer for the mission. The minor must be accompanied by the the pre-approved adult at all times while volunteering.

Additionally, if selected for certain roles, a background check will be required. Please be assured that all information you provide will be handled with the utmost confidentiality, in compliance with state and federal regulations, and stored securely in accordance with privacy standards.

We deeply appreciate your understanding and your willingness to take these important steps to help us maintain a safe and supportive environment. We are excited to have you join us in this meaningful work and look forward to partnering with you in service to others. If you have any questions or need assistance, don't hesitate to reach out.

With heartfelt thanks,
Angela Winter Reed
HR/Volunteer Coordinator
Valley Rescue Mission
areed@valleyrescue.com

 

VALLEY RESCUE MISSION
Volunteer and Community Service Rules and Guidelines
Revised December 2024

Introduction
Thank you for your willingness to serve with Valley Rescue Mission. For the safety of our clients, residents, and staff—and for the effective functioning of our ministry—we have established the following rules and guidelines for all volunteers and community service participants.

These policies are designed to ensure professionalism, integrity, and a Christ-centered environment in all areas of service. Please read this document carefully. You are encouraged to contact the Volunteer Coordinator, your Department Director, Human Resources, or the CEO with any questions or concerns.

GENERAL RULES AND EXPECTATIONS
Supervision and Orientation
All volunteers and community service participants will be assigned to a designated staff supervisor, who will provide instructions, training, and guidance.
You must follow all directions provided by your supervisor.

Hours of Service
Our regular hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Volunteers and community service participants must serve a minimum of four (4) hours per day.
You must sign in and out each day using the attendance book provided.

A staff member must initial both your sign-in and sign-out times.
This is the only official record of your hours.
Failure to sign properly will result in a loss of that day’s hours.
We encourage you to maintain a personal record of your service hours.
Upon completion of your total required hours, you will receive an official verification letter.

Eligibility
Volunteers and community service participants must be at least 18 years old.
Minors may volunteer only if accompanied at all times by a previously approved adult volunteer.

Attendance and Reliability
We depend on you to fulfill your assigned shift. Please notify your supervisor or the Volunteer Coordinator if you are unable to attend.
Only individuals scheduled to work are permitted in the Donation Center or work areas. Unauthorized presence will be treated as trespassing.

Confidentiality
All information related to clients, residents, donors, staff, and operations is strictly confidential. You must not share or discuss confidential information outside your official duties.
This includes but is not limited to:

Client Information: Protected under HIPAA and applicable state/federal privacy laws.
Donor Information: Personal and financial donor data is the property of Valley Rescue Mission.
Financial and Operational Information: Internal financial or operational data not made public must remain confidential.
Staff and Volunteer Information: Personal details must never be disclosed without authorization.
Violation of confidentiality may result in termination of your service and possible legal consequences.

BEHAVIORAL AND CONDUCT EXPECTATIONS
Christian Conduct
Valley Rescue Mission is a Christian organization. Volunteers are expected to reflect Christian values in speech, attitude, and behavior.

No profanity, disrespectful language, or inappropriate conduct will be tolerated.
Show courtesy, integrity, and compassion in all interactions with staff, clients, and fellow volunteers.

Fraternization
Personal relationships between male and female workers are prohibited.
Conversations must remain professional and job-related.
Engaging in flirtatious or inappropriate communication will result in dismissal.

Client Interaction
All contact with clients must occur on Mission property during scheduled shifts.
Volunteers may not transport clients in personal vehicles or meet with clients outside work hours.
Do not give, loan, or borrow money, goods, or personal items from clients.
If a client makes a request of this nature, immediately inform your supervisor or the Volunteer Coordinator.

Harassment, Abuse, and Retaliation
Valley Rescue Mission maintains a zero-tolerance policy for any form of physical, sexual, or mental abuse.

Reporting:

Report all suspected or known abuse immediately to Human Resources.
HR will report adult cases to the CEO, and child-related cases to Child Protective Services and the appropriate authorities.
Investigation:

HR and/or the CEO will promptly investigate all reports.
Confidentiality will be maintained to the fullest extent possible.
Proven violations will result in termination and legal referral if necessary.

Retaliation:

Retaliation against anyone who reports abuse or participates in an investigation is strictly prohibited.

Substance Use and Profanity
The use or possession of alcohol, illegal drugs, or drug paraphernalia is strictly prohibited on Mission property.
Anyone found under the influence or smelling of alcohol or drugs will be immediately dismissed.
Profanity is not tolerated under any circumstance.

Theft and Property Use
Under no circumstances may anyone take or remove property, food, clothing, or other items from Valley Rescue Mission.
Theft will result in immediate dismissal and prosecution.
Use of Mission tools, equipment, or vehicles is permitted only under staff supervision.
Volunteers and community service participants are not permitted to drive Mission vehicles.

Shopping
Shopping in the Mission Store or Donation Center is not allowed while on duty.
You may shop only on your own time, on a day you are not assigned to work.
Entry or exit through back doors is not permitted except for authorized staff.

Dress Code
All volunteers must dress appropriately, modestly, and safely.

Not Permitted:

• Flip-flops or house shoes
• Tank tops, tube tops, sleeveless or low-cut shirts
• Shorts above the knee (knee-length shorts allowed June 1–August 31 in the Donation Center)
• Short skirts or dresses
• Tight-fitting, see-through, or oversized clothing
• Shirts with profanity, vulgar images, or alcohol/drug references
• Headgear other than baseball-style caps
• Clothing that reveals undergarments or midriffs
• Failure to comply will result in being sent home. A second violation may lead to dismissal from the program.
• All volunteers must wear closed-toe shoes.

Breaks
Breaks are scheduled at:

Morning: 10:00–10:15 a.m.
Lunch: 12:00–12:30 p.m.
Afternoon: 2:00–2:15 p.m.
If you are scheduled for only four (4) hours, you will not receive a lunch break.
Breaks must be taken only in designated areas.

Smoking and Tobacco Use
Smoking and tobacco use are allowed only in designated areas and only during approved breaks.

Cell Phones and Personal Calls
Personal calls are allowed only in emergencies.
Cell phones must remain in your vehicle or at home.
Anyone found using a phone during work hours will be immediately dismissed.

Visitors
Personal visitors are not allowed during your shift. In case of emergency, visitors must report to the retail office or a staff supervisor.

Personal Belongings
Valley Rescue Mission is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
Purses, bags, and coats are not permitted in the Donation Center and should be left in your vehicle.

Health and Safety
Report all injuries or unsafe conditions immediately to your supervisor.
Follow all safety procedures and equipment instructions.
Do not operate machinery unless authorized and trained.

Media and Public Inquiries
If approached by a member of the media, do not provide statements. Direct inquiries to your supervisor, who will contact the Mission’s media representative.

MEALS AND HOSPITALITY
Volunteers are invited to eat in the dining hall if their shift falls during a mealtime.

Acknowledgment of Policies
I acknowledge that I have read and fully understand the Volunteer Rules and Guidelines, Confidentiality Policy, and Physical, Sexual, and Mental Abuse Policy of Valley Rescue Mission. I further acknowledge and consent to a background check being conducted if requested and/or if I volunteer at the Women and Children’s Center.

Understanding and Consultation
I understand that I have the right to ask questions and consult with Valley Rescue Mission staff if I do not understand any part of these guidelines or this agreement. I also understand that I may seek independent legal advice before signing this document.

Acknowledgment and Agreement
By signing below, I agree to abide by all policies, procedures, and expectations established by Valley Rescue Mission. I acknowledge that I fully understand these guidelines and agree to comply with them at all times while serving as a volunteer.

Compliance and Consequences
I understand that failure to comply with the guidelines and policies of Valley Rescue Mission may result in immediate dismissal from my volunteer position and/or further action, depending on the nature and seriousness of the violation.

Accuracy of Information
I certify that all information provided by me in this application is true, accurate, and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that the submission of this application does not guarantee acceptance as a volunteer.

Screening and Eligibility
I understand that Valley Rescue Mission will review this application, may conduct an in-person interview with me and/or my group, and reserves the right to perform a background and criminal history check with approved agencies and/or legal authorities prior to determining volunteer eligibility.

Voluntary Service
I understand that my participation, and that of my group, is entirely voluntary. Either I or Valley Rescue Mission may terminate the volunteer relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice.

Photography and Media Consent
I grant permission for myself and/or any members of my group to be photographed, recorded, or videotaped while participating in volunteer activities. I understand that these images may be used by Valley Rescue Mission for public relations, promotional, and/or news purposes, and that no compensation will be provided for such use.

Confidentiality and Professional Conduct
I understand that as a volunteer, I and any members of my group will not receive compensation for our services. We agree to treat our volunteer assignments as serious commitments, to maintain professional relationships with all clients, residents, and staff, and to protect and keep confidential all information learned through our volunteer service.

Liability and Risk Acknowledgment
I understand that participation in volunteer activities may involve certain risks. I acknowledge and accept full responsibility for any accident, injury, illness, or loss that may occur to me or any member of my group while volunteering. I hereby release and hold harmless Valley Rescue Mission, its employees, officers, directors, and affiliates from any and all liability, claims, or damages arising from my volunteer service, except in cases of proven gross negligence or willful misconduct by Valley Rescue Mission.

Questions and Contact Information
If I do not understand any portion of this agreement or the volunteer guidelines, I will contact:

Angela Winter Reed
HR Coordinator / Volunteer Coordinator
Valley Rescue Mission
📞 (706) 322-8267 ext. 210