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Volunteers Make it all Possible!

Jacob's Chance believes in the power of volunteerism, and that involving volunteers in our programs promotes disability acceptance and a more inclusive community. Young people can begin to volunteer independently at age 13, and new volunteers will be mentored by more experienced volunteers. Youth ages 10-12 are welcome to assist when accompanied by a parent who is a registered volunteer.​​

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If you know you’ll miss more than half of the sessions for a weekly program, we kindly ask that you do not sign up to volunteer for that particular program, but instead find another one that works for your schedule!
 

Click HERE for more information on how to get started as a volunteer!

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Click HERE for more information about the Teen Board of Directors!

How To Get Started as a Volunteer

Safety  |  Support  |  Socialization

Ages 13-17​

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1) Register for the program/event you are interested in.

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2) Complete the mandatory virtual General Volunteer Training (valid for 2 years).

*Some programs may require additional trainings!

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3) Once you have completed the General Volunteer Training, you will receive confirmation that you are clear to attend. If you don't receive clearance 2 days before the program/event, you are not approved to attend the program.

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4) Review the information in the program welcome email sent the week before the program/event.​

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5) Show up ready to have fun and make a difference!

Please remember to register for a program before reaching out about your background check!

Ages 18+​

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1) Register for the program/event you are interested in.

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2) Two items must be completed before volunteering:

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a) Background check (valid for 2 years). Contact us at programs@jacobschance.org to start the process.

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b) Mandatory virtual General Volunteer Training (valid for 2 years). You can find this in the confirmation email of your registration.

*Some programs may require additional trainings!

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3) Once you have completed the background check and General Volunteer Training, you will receive confirmation that you are clear to attend. If you don't receive clearance 2 days before the program/event, you are not approved to attend the program.

 

4) Review the information in the program welcome email sent the week before the program/event.

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5) Show up ready to have fun and make a difference!

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Bowling Season

Join us in supporting friends with disabilities during 5 weeks of bowling! Your role is to help the games run smoothly, make sure athletes feel supported, and help facilitate conversations and fun social interaction! ​

Dates: Tuesdays, March 3rd - March 31st (5 weeks)

Event Time: 6:00-8:00pm
Volunteer Commitment Time: 5:30-8:00pm

Location: Bowl America Short Pump
(4400 Pouncey Tract Rd, Glen Allen, VA 23060)

Volunteer Ages: 13+

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JumPing in with Jacob's Chance 
Disney Themed Dance Party

Registration open through March 2nd, or until at capacity
 
Join us in "JumPing In with Jacob's Chance" to support our friends with disabilities during our RESCHEDULED Disney Themed Dance & Karaoke Party with JP JumPers and Jacob's Chance! Volunteers may be paired 1:1 with participants or hang out in groups to provide support, engagement, and socialization throughout the event. Feel free to wear your favorite Disney themed costume, t-shirt, or attire - encouraged but not required! We hope you can join us for a magical afternoon of Disney fun!
 

NEW Date: Saturday, March 7th

Event Time: 2:00-4:00pm

Volunteer Commitment Time: 1:00-4:30pm

Location: Hope Church RVA
(12445 Patterson Ave, Richmond, VA 23238)

Volunteer Ages: 13+

Mile Makers
with Sports Backers

Join us in supporting friends with disabilities during 6 weeks of mile makers - our NEW run/walk club in partnership with Sports Backers! Each week, led by a coach from Sports Backers, brings a new park and new adventures—all leading up to a 1-mile celebration event on April 13th where we will cheer each other across the finish line! We will visit locations such as Deep Run Park, Three Lakes Park, Rockwood Park, and more! We will have a back-up indoor studio location in case of inclement weather.

Your role is to help the program run smoothly, make sure athletes feel supported, and help facilitate conversations and fun social interaction!

Dates: Mondays, March 9th - April 13th (6 weeks)

Event Time: 5:30-6:30pm
Volunteer Commitment Time: 5:15-6:30pm

Locations: 
3/9: Deep Run Park
3/16: Huguenot Park
3/23: Bryan Park
3/30: Rockwood Park
4/6: Three Lakes Park
4/13: Byrd park - VITA Trail

*Locations are subject to change*

*Backup locations due to inclement weather will be in an indoor studio*

Volunteer Ages: 18+

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Spring Day Enrichment Programs

These 8-week sessions of enrichment programs are for high school graduates through age 40, focused on exploring new interests and topics through hands-on activities and shared experiences with peers. 
Your role is to help the program run smoothly, assisting the instructor and our participants as needed, making sure the participants feel supported, and help facilitate conversations and fun social interaction!

*Program descriptions can be found HERE!*
 
*Please know that Helping Hands is a field trip based enrichment program and each week will require you to meet at various locations around Richmond and the surrounding counties*
 

Dates: March 16th - May 8th (8 weeks)

Locations: Program Locations can be found HERE!

Volunteer Ages: 12+


Spring Schedule

Monday
1:30-2:30pm  |  Culinary Arts: Fun in the Kitchen ​
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Tuesday
10:30-11:30am  |  Helping Hands 
1:30-2:30pm  |  Art from the Heart with Art on Wheels 
2:45-3:45pm  |  Improv with Bridge 9 Theater
                                  
Wednesday
10:30-11:30am |  Friendship Foundations: Let's Get Social!
3:45-4:45pm  |  Music with Andrew 
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Thursday
1:30-2:30pm  |  Culinary Arts: Advanced Recipes & Practical Skills
3:00-4:00pm  |  Culinary Arts: Advanced Recipes & Practical Skills

3G - Guys, Gals, and Games

3G is a weekly social group focused on providing opportunities for socializing, relationship building, and disability acceptance. We come together each week to play card games, board games, build Legos, draw, color, or just hang out!

Volunteers will assist participants throughout the program as needed, providing opportunities for socializing, playing games and making sure they have the BEST time! Be sure to bring your game face! 

Dates: Wednesdays, March 18th - May 6th (8 weeks)

Event Time: 5:00-6:00pm
Volunteer Commitment Time: 4:45-6:15pm

Location: Westover Hills United Methodist
(1705 Westover Hills Blvd, Richmond, VA 23225)​​

Volunteer Ages: 16+

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March Teen Scene:
Richmond Draftcade

Support our teen friends with disabilities during some gaming fun at Draftcade with over 80 classic video games!

Your role is to help the games run smoothly, make sure players feel supported, and help facilitate conversations and fun social interaction!

Volunteers can purchase a wristband to play games, or just attend and offer support without playing games!


Date: Sunday, March 22nd

Event Time: 1:30-3:00pm
Volunteer Commitment Time: 1:00-3:15pm

Location: Richmond Draftcade
(11800 W Broad St #1090, Richmond, VA 23233)

Volunteer Ages: 13 through High School

Optional Wristband Purchase: $5

March Adult Hangout:
Bowling

Support our young adult friends while they bowl and play arcade games! 

Your role will be to provide companionship and socialization to our friends during the event, and make sure everyone's needs are attended to.


Date: Thursday, March 26th

Event Time: 5:00-7:00pm
Volunteer Commitment Time: 4:45-7:00pm

Location: Bowl America Short Pump
(4400 Pouncey Tract Rd, Glen Allen, VA 23060)

Volunteer Ages: High School Graduates and up

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Soccer Season

Registration open through March 31st, or until at capacity

Join us in supporting friends with disabilities on the fields for 6 weeks of soccer! Your role is to help the games run smoothly, make sure players feel supported, and help facilitate conversations and fun social interaction!

Optional: Feel free to stay to cheer on our competitive league during their game time 12:00-1:00pm!


Dates: Saturdays, April 4th - May 16th (6 weeks)

Athlete Times:
9:30-10:30am (ages 5-16)
10:45-11:45am (ages 17-40)

Volunteer Commitment Time: 9:00-11:45am

Location: Twin Hickory Park - Multipurpose field
(5011 Twin Hickory Rd, Glen Allen, VA 23059)

​​Volunteer Ages: 13+

Pickleball Season with ASCV

Registration open through April 9th, or until at capacity

Join us in supporting our friends with disabilities on the court for 6 weeks of pickleball in partnership with the ASCV! Your role is to help the games run smoothly, make sure players feel supported, and help facilitate conversations and fun social interaction!

Dates: Thursdays, April 16th - May 21st (6 weeks)

Athlete Times:
5:00-5:55pm (ages 13-19)
6:05-7:00pm (ages 20-40)

Volunteer Commitment Time: 4:30-7:00pm

Location: First Baptist Church
(2709 Monument Ave, Richmond, VA 23220)

​​Volunteer Ages: 13+

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2026-2027 Teen Board of Directors

Inclusivity  |  Advocacy  |  Friendship

Benefits of Membership

  • Learn how a nonprofit operates

  • Build inclusive friendships

  • Gain leadership experience

  • Acquire volunteer hours

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The Teen Board is an inclusive group of 18 area high school students that meet once a month to plan events for their peers with disabilities. The events are called The Teen Scene. Teen Board of Directors serve as peer buddies at monthly Teen Scene Events. Members learn the basics of how to run a nonprofit board. One term follows the school calendar, beginning in August and ending the following May. The Teen Board’s focus is inclusivity, advocacy, and friendship. 

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Commitment and Expectations

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  • Represent Jacob’s Chance and advocate for the mission

  • Attend and actively participate in 1 board meeting per month from August through May (usually 2nd Sunday from 4-5pm at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Glen Allen, unless otherwise noted)

  • Attend and actively participate in 1 social event per month (usually another Sunday from 4-5:30pm)

  • Monthly time commitment: 4-5 hours

  • No more than 2 unexcused and 3 excused absences for the year

Application for 2026-2027 School Year Coming Soon

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Application Process​

  1. Fill out an application through Google Forms between April 1st - April 30th

  2. Applicants will be contacted by Brooke Hsieh (Program Director) to schedule a virtual interview with Program Director and Teen Executive Board Members

  3. Applicants will notified of acceptances to the Board in May​​​

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Inclusive Club

Space is VERY limited on the Teen Board! Any teen NOT on the Teen Board, but who wishes to remain committed to volunteering for teen events, are invited to join the Inclusive Club. When volunteer needs arise throughout the year, Inclusive Club members will be directly invited to serve as "buddies". Members are always welcome to volunteer for monthly Teen Scene events, as well as other events throughout the year.

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