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Volunteer

Build a Brighter Future

Each year, Tanager gives hope to more than 4,000 children and teens who are overcoming mental health challenges. Build a brighter future for children in our community by getting involved in our mission to inspire, empower, and heal.
Tanager Volunteer

Volunteers at Tanager are vital members of a team, providing services that propel children toward success. We believe volunteers bring optimism and enthusiasm, create positive energy, and share diverse perspectives that lead to enhanced outcomes.

Volunteers…

  • Contribute in meaningful ways.
  • Reflect the diverse communities they serve.
  • Are valued for their unique abilities.
  • Are trained, mentored, and supported in their work.
  • Have an opportunity to develop their skills as community partners.
  • Are empowered to advocate for the well-being of children.
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Volunteer Process

Great! Sign me up. How do I start?

01

Explore

Look through our current and on-going volunteer opportunities and find one that’s right for you. Find volunteer opportunities below.
02

Apply

Next, fill out the online application below.

03

Interview

We’ll review your application and contact you to set up an interview to learn about your skills, interests, availability, and to determine the best fit for you.

04

Learn

After finding the right fit, we’ll have you complete a VIRTUAL orientation to learn more about Tanager.

05

Volunteer

In line with your position and the schedule you work out with your supervisor, you’ll start making a difference in the lives of children and families in our community!

06

Submit

Submit your volunteer hours using the link below.

Volunteer Opportunities

Recurring Volunteer Opportunities

Study Buddy

Help our inpatient children with school work and study skills.

Mentor

Support and guide youth at the LGBTQ Youth Center with one-on-one companionship and facilitated group activities.

Group Activites

Organize special interest activities like scrapbooking, arts and crafts, a running club, and photography; volunteer for one of our many year-round camp opportunities.

Adopt-a-cottage

Offer support to the children who live on our campus by sharing special events and activities like birthday parties, holiday parties, and special events.

Service projects

Keep our camp and campus looking great by organizing, cleaning, planting trees, weeding, painting, gardening, and other projects.

Clerical/Receptionist

Assist in data entry, filing, and other office work; provide administrative support for our school-based programs; greet clients and families.

Special events

Volunteer at one of our annual events like Summer Fest, Chili Cook-Off, or the Gala.

Social Media Ambassador

Spread the word on social media by liking and following us on Facebook and sharing our posts.

In-Kind Donations

Help our kids by holding a drive for necessities such as new or gently-used children’s clothing, hats and mittens, toys, games, recreational items, blankets, toiletries, school supplies, art supplies, holiday gifts, and camp items.

One-Time Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer at an upcoming event or get your team together for a Done-in-a-Day project.

Serve on an Event Committee

Help us plan and execute our annual gala, Imagination Square, or the Tanager Golf Outing

Day of Service

Sign your company up for a day of service on one of our properties.

Volunteer from Home

We have several opportunities individuals can do right from their living room, like putting together art kits or helping organize materials.

tanager get involved volunteer questions

Questions about how you can help? Let's talk.

Excited to dig in but having trouble finding what you’re looking for? Reach out to us—we’d be happy to help you find the best fit for you.

Ignite hope, and foster healing for a better community.

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We’re here to help.

If you (or someone with you) are experiencing a medical emergency, or are in danger, call 911 immediately.

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or feeling suicidal, call or text 988 immediately.

Your Life Iowa:                      (Facilitated by Foundation 2)
855-581-8111

Suicide and Crisis Lifeline:
988

General Information:
319-365-9164

Get Involved

Donate

Make a difference for children in your community and help thousands of families with a donation to Tanager.

Volunteer

Learn about our reoccurring or one-time volunteer opportunities and help build a brighter future.