Tanager Place is a non-profit organization that has been helping children and families in this community since 1879. Our clients are seriously emotionally disturbed children and their families. With the professional support and guidance of the Tanager Place staff, these children and their families are strengthened and begin to heal.

Currently there are 68 children living on our 24-acre campus in southwest Cedar Rapids. Tanager Place also offers community based services to children and families in the community.  These in home counseling programs help over 400 children and their families each day.

Tanager Place also oversees the operation of Camp Tanager located on Mount Vernon road east of Highway 13. Camp Tanager serves over 600 children each summer.
 

Ways you can help

We welcome individuals and small groups that would like to volunteer their time to assist our kids. When working with volunteers, we are flexible working to match the interests and time available to the projects that we need accomplished. The following gives some ideas and suggestions of ways you can help.
 

Volunteers directly helping children

CAMPUS VOLUNTEER

Interact with children, assist with group activities, recognize birthdays, help with holidays, do crafts, or read to a group of children.

SCHOOL VOLUNTEER

Tutor in classroom; assist filing, grading papers, decorating classrooms, be a study partner.

ART THERAPY

Work individually and with a group. Some background in art is helpful.

CAMPUS TUTOR

Works with children with homework and study skills. Be a positive role model.

ADOPT-A-COTTAGE

Volunteer to adopt-a-cottage and provide special events, holiday parties, craft activities, birthday parties for a cottage of 12 clients.
 

Volunteers Indirectly helping children

CLERICAL

Typing, copy work, and filing.

CAMP VOLUNTEER

Camp cleanup and construction, work with children sharing special skills, office assistance.

MAINTENANCE

Upkeep of grounds, painting, planting trees, gardening.

FRATERNITY/SORORITY/GROUPS

Adopt a cottage, recognize birthdays, holidays, and special events.

EDUCATIONAL SPEAKERS

Speak to classroom in career education or special interest groups.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Volunteer to help with the annual Summer Festival and other fund raising events as well as on campus special events (dances, holiday parties). 

In Kind Donations

Help our kids by holding a drive for necessities such as:
• New or gently-used children’s clothing, toys, games and recreational items
• School supplies
• Hats/mittens