Safer Together is a collaborative initiative co-sponsored by Safer Kids/Safer Schools, the Northwest Community Health Innovation Region, and United Way of Northwest Michigan. 

Together, we are launching a concerted effort to recruit adults who are willing to volunteer with children and teens. Our goal is to reduce school shootings and foster safer, more supportive environments for youth by ensuring every child has at least one caring adult to connect with and show interest in their lives. Safer Together makes a promise to all kids in our community: your safety and well-being matter. Your lives matter; you are our future. A key part of achieving this is through volunteerism, and we need your help.

Join us in volunteering with youth in our community! Scroll below to find organizations that have volunteering opportunities.

Big Brothers Big Sisters

Mission: Create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.

900 E Front St #125, Traverse City 49686

(231)947-2447

Every single day caring adult mentors just like you are igniting the potential like never before. In just 4-6 hours a month, you could have a lifelong impact on a child by simply spending time together. You don’t have to change your life to impact theirs, just bring them along with you. Provide experiences and opportunities and have some fun together. That’s all it takes.

Where to volunteer: https://bigsupnorth.org/volunteer/ or Krista Goldman, Director of Mentoring: krista.goldman@bigsupnorth.org

Boy Scouts

Mission: Scouting America helps build the future leaders of this country by combining educational activities and lifelong values with fun.

Volunteer as a leader, merit badge leader, counselor, or committee member.

Where to volunteer: https://www.scouting.org/about/volunteer/ or contact: scenictrails@michiganscouting.org

Generation’s Ahead

Mission: We focus on helping pregnant and parenting teens complete their education, build resiliency, and raise healthy children. 

3962 N Three Mile Rd, Traverse City 49686

(231)883-0117

Mentor a teen parent through weekly connection, share a talent or teach a group, help with childcare for their bi-weekly groups, special events help.

Where to volunteer: https://generationsahead.org/become-a-mentor

Sarah Payette, Program Director, at (231)590-2262 or sarahp@generationsahead.org

Girl Scouts

Mission: Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.

1820 Oak Hollow Dr, Traverse City 49686

(231)947-7354

Troop volunteer, service unit volunteer.

Where to volunteer: https://www.gsmists.org/en/get-involved/become-a-volunteer/ways-to-volunteer-.html

Grand Traverse Area Children’s Garden

Mission: A non-profit focused on youth development through gardening & programs from roots to mouth. Free & Public 365 days a year.

536 Woodmere Ave, Traverse City 49686

(231) 357-2792

Where to volunteer: gtareachildrensgarden@gmail.com

Kids on the Go

Mission: Kids On The Go mission is to recognize and facilitate the goals of children with special needs and to further develop their current skills through therapeutic and wellness programs for the children and their families.

Yoga, hiking, art, music, reading and exploration for camp participants.

Where to volunteer: https://www.kidsonthegocamp.com/volunteer/ or contact Shannon Carr (shannon@kidsonthegocamp.com) 

LEAP- Learning, Enrichment and Athletic Programs

Mission: It is the vision of LEAP to provide students with increased opportunities for engagement beyond the school day through educational and recreational activities to improve learning, health, and wellness.

1776 Three Mile Rd, Traverse City 49696

(231)933-7480

LEAP offers excellent opportunities for parents and community members to volunteer as a coach for its multiple sports programs.

Where to volunteer: Call their office if interested in coaching, and fill out TCAPS volunteer application online: https://www.tcaps.net/volunteer/

LIFT (Leelanau Investing For Teens)

Mission: We believe community investment is as important to a young person's development as the care and attention they receive from parents and teachers. We rely heavily on community members to empower our students and programs.

Suttons Bay, MI 49682

(231) 866-1355

Program Volunteers: Our teens need and deserve one-on-one attention; someone to listen to, interact and take interest in their lives. Meaningful relationships grow as volunteers are consistently available to play games, help students get involved with LIFT activities, and engage in conversation.

Where to volunteer: https://www.liftyouthsb.com/volunteer

volunteer@thecentersb.com

Michael’s Place

Mission: Michael’s Place offers compassionate grief support services for individuals of all ages. We offer a safe and welcoming environment to share experiences, build connections, and access meaningful tools and resources to navigate the grieving process. 

1212 Veterans Dr, Traverse City, MI 49684

(231)947-6453

Group facilitation, monthly “Best Day” events featuring fun, family-oriented activities, create-a-keepsake program, and more.

Where to volunteer: https://mymichaelsplace.net/volunteer/

 Volunteer@MyMichaelsPlace.net

NMC College for Kids

Mission: We deliver lifelong learning opportunities to transform lives and enrich our communities.

1701 E Front St, Traverse City 49686

(231)995-1000

Where to volunteer: ees@nmc.edu

Norte

Mission: At Norte Youth Cycling, we're on a mission to build happy, healthy, strong communities. We are committed to empowering individuals of all ages and abilities to be physically active, and socially connected through cycling.

1213 W Civic Center Dr, Traverse City 49686

(231)883-2404

Fit bike helmets, adjust bike seats, lead or sweep the ride, help with intersections, interact with participants.

Where to volunteer: https://www.norteyouthcycling.org/volunteer or contact Julie Bloomquist, OUTREACH COORDINATOR at julie@norteyouthcycling.org

Old Town Playhouse

Mission: to be a volunteer-based organization promoting quality community theatre experiences for the people of Northwest Michigan by providing educational opportunities and entertainment in the theatrical arts.

148 E Eighth St, Traverse City 49684

(231)947-2210

Help with on-stage kid productions, costuming.

Where to volunteer: https://www.oldtownplayhouse.com/volunteer/

SEEDS

Mission: SEEDS EcoSchool brings place-based learning opportunities to students across Northern Michigan. Teaching staff prioritize hands-on and outdoor activities that develop leadership, life skills, and resilience.

800 Cottageview Dr., Ste 1080, Traverse City 49684

(231)947-0312

Where to volunteer: hello@ecoseeds.org

Special Olympics

Mission: The mission of Special Olympics Michigan is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

12337 Bluff Road, Traverse City 49686

(517)230-7946

Volunteer as a coach, chaperone, partner, or leadership.

Where to volunteer: https://www.somi.org/volunteer

The Rock

Mission: provide the youth of the Kingsley community a safe place to be and grow. 

115 E Blair St, Kingsley 49649

(231)263-7000

Tutors, after school program help, Snack Shack staffing, welcome and sign in.

Where to volunteer: https://therockofkingsley.com/volunteer/

Traverse Area District Library

Mission: The Traverse Area District Library provides dynamic resources and innovative services to stimulate intellectual curiosity, facilitate lifelong learning, promote literacy, and nurture personal enrichment.

610 Woodmere Ave, Traverse City 49686

(231)932-8500

Infrequent seasonal volunteering.

Where to volunteer: Melissa McKenna, Assistant Director for Outreach & Adult Services at mmckenna@tadl.org

TBAYS (Traverse Bay Area Youth Soccer)

All TBAYS & North Storm Coaches; Volunteers & Administrators are Safe Sport Trained as well as pass Risk Management Child Safe Background Checks and complete the CDC’s Heads Up Concussion training modules.

2070 S Airport Road West, Suite A, Traverse City 49684

(231) 933-8229

Volunteer coaches, help at tournaments.

Where to volunteer: contact admin@tbays.org

Traverse City Area Public Schools

Mission: One of our goals is for all community members to have a genuine and dynamic relationship with TCAPS. Connecting students with caring adults promotes success, healthy behaviors, and a stronger community.

1009 S Oak St, Traverse City 49684

(231)933-1700

Volunteer in preschool/licensed programs, classroom trips, coaching, music, and more.

Where to volunteer: https://www.tcaps.net/volunteer/