[dmg_masonry_gallery...
College Bound 2026
read more
VOLUNTEERS DRIVE
THE MISSION
Join Our Volunteer Village, a community of care for our participants who are young adults transitioning out of foster care.
We view our participants as Creative, Resourceful, and Whole. They are former foster youth 18-26, living in San Diego County who have spent even one day in foster care. Our Alumni Community is 27-35 years old.
Have questions? Reach out to us at volunteer@jitfosteryouth.org
Ways you can VOLUNTEER
Coaching
Community Support
Expert Support
Team Volunteering
Coaching
If you enjoy building trusted, long-lasting relationships and would like to offer guidance, encouragement, and mentorship, consider becoming a Volunteer Coach. Our coaches create meaningful impact and supportive connections for participants on their journey to self-sufficiency and success.
The Coaching Role May Include:
- Learning & Career Development: Attend workshops, events, or learning sessions with participants. For example, career exploration, networking, resume review, interview prep, goal setting, money management coaching, and healthy relationship habits
- Practical Life Skills: Assist with studying for a driver’s permit/license, higher education, self-care practices, workplace dynamics and any additional adult life navigation
- Personal & Emotional Support: Offer encouragement, mentorship, or motivation, provide a supportive presence during transitions, challenges, and celebrations
Community Support
Lend your time and talents to strengthen our organization by assisting with essential projects and daily operations – helping JIT expand and better impact participant lives.
The Community Support Role May Include:
- Administrative & Office Support: Help with general organization, filing, data entry, or shredding, assist with mailings, and special office projects
- Event Preparation: Assemble gift baskets, giveaways, or materials, decorative create signage, build or set up displays
- Event-Day Support: Help with registration, check-in, or greeting guests, set-up, breakdown, or clean-up assistance, help participants, vendors, or presenters during the event
- Housing & Independent Living Support: Assist with moving into a home, apartment, or dorm, provide transportation (truck, SUV, or van for picking up or moving items). Help with household setup (basic repairs, furniture assembly)
Expert Support
Do you have a unique expertise that you can leverage to empower participants? Our volunteer experts support with tutoring, sharing resources, offering guidance, or providing direct services—so participants can grow with confidence and achieve their goals.
The Expert Support Role May Include:
- Education & Career Support: Assist with college or trade school applications, guidance on financial aid, scholarships, or student resources, review essays, resumes, or job applications, intern/shadowing, human resources/benefit preparation
- Financial & Legal Support: Credit repair or financial literacy guidance, pro bono legal support or advice, tenant/homeowner rights, tax prep, assistance with specific financial issues
- Personal & Community Support: Extend your personal/professional network and resources to participants, parenting skills, health, wellness, or mental health resources (if qualified), transportation assistance (appointments, errands, work/school)
Team Volunteering
If your company, civic, or faith group wants to make a positive impact in the community, support our mission by sharing your skills, time, or resources. Strengthen your teamwork and company culture through social responsibility while empowering JIT participants to grow, thrive, and imagine new possibilities.
The Team Volunteering Role May Include:
- Event Preparation: Assemble gift baskets, giveaways, or materials, to support JIT annual events
- Housing & Independent Living Support: Assist with moving into a home, apartment, or dorm, provide transportation (truck, SUV, or van for picking up moving items). Help with household setup (basic repairs, furniture assembly)
- Mini-Drive: Support by hosting a donation drive. Your team can provide essential items that directly impact the lives of participants. Anything from basic household items, wellness kits, hygiene supplies, or non-perishable foods.
- Work Readiness & Career Exposure: Host a site visit at corporate facilities to provide participants with hands-on exposure to workplace environments, introduce career pathways, skill-building opportunities, and professional expectations, engage your staff in sharing expertise and experiences.
Why Volunteer at Just in Time for Foster Youth?
Remember turning 18? The sense of possibility and uncertainty but also knowing you had people you could turn to when things got hard. Imagine that same moment without a safety net. Navigating housing, education, employment, and transportation, often alone. This is the reality for many young adults transitioning from foster care.
At Just in Time, we believe no one should have to do that alone. Every individual deserves more than resources; they deserve consistent relationships, a sense of belonging, and a community that shows up for them. Our Volunteer Village is that community, filled with people who reliably stand beside young adults as they build their futures.
That’s where YOU come in.
You don’t need special training or expertise to make a difference. What matters most is your willingness to show up consistently, with care, curiosity, and commitment. If you can bring your time, energy, and heart to support young adults with foster care experience, you already belong here.
Our volunteer opportunities are designed to fit a wide range of interests, skills, and schedules. Whether you’re welcoming guests at events, supporting our team behind the scenes, or building a long-term coaching relationship, there’s a place for you here — and a young person who will benefit from your presence.
Join us TODAY to take your first step to provide empowering, life changing choices to former foster youth!
VOLUNTEER STORY
Volunteering FAQs
You have questions. We have answers.
How long does it take to get started as a volunteer?
Getting started is simple! Once you share your information here, we’ll email to invite you to a Volunteer Welcome Session that best fits your schedule. Timing of the volunteer opportunity depends on your interests, availability, and needs of the young adults we serve. One-time opportunities are available year-round, while longer-term coaching roles may have specific timelines.
What is your onboarding process for new volunteers?
Start your journey by submitting a New Volunteer Sign Up.
From there, we’ll invite you to learn more about JIT through a group or one-on-one welcome session. You’ll share your interests, availability, and goals so we can connect you with volunteer opportunities that are meaningful, flexible, and aligned with your strengths. You’ll also have the option to participate in Coach Approach training to learn how to build impactful relationships with young adults transitioning from foster care
Do you support foster children?
Just in Time (JIT) supports young adults transitioning from foster care, ages 18 through their 26th year. Known at JIT as “Participants”, they connect with us through referrals from social workers, schools, counselors, community partners, online searches, media outreach, and word of mouth.
Is there a minimum age to volunteer with Just in Time?
Yes. Volunteers must be at least 21 years old.
Do you offer group volunteer opportunities?
Yes, we offer group volunteer opportunities throughout the year.
Contact volunteer@jitfosteryouth.org to learn more.
Do you offer one-time or short-term volunteer opportunities?
Yes, we regularly offer one-time and short-term volunteer opportunities tied to events, projects, and needs of the young adults we serve.
Are there any prerequisites or certifications required to volunteer with Just in Time?
Requirements vary by role. While no certifications are required, some positions may include onboarding or training, which JIT provides.
How much time am I required to volunteer each month?
Time commitments vary by the volunteer’s role. We work with volunteers to find opportunities that fit their schedules and availability.
What are examples of volunteer roles?
Volunteer roles include event support, one on one coaching, workshop facilitation, Mini Drives, group service projects, shopping day support, kit assembly, and more. Available roles vary throughout the year.
Can I facilitate a workshop?
Yes. Volunteers may collaborate with JIT staff to develop and facilitate workshops, Opportunities to facilitate are limited, so please indicate your interest on the opportunity form during your onboarding.
Will I be paired with one participant right away?
Not always. Participant matching depends on program schedules, needs of our participants for one-on-one coaching, and the type of coaching support needed.
How often do new volunteer opportunities become available?
New opportunities are posted regularly based on program schedules and the needs of our participants and community at larger. Volunteers can also check our event calendar for upcoming opportunities.
Can I volunteer in more than one role?
Absolutely. Many volunteers serve in multiple capacities based on their interests, skills, and availability.
What support is available while I am serving as a volunteer?
Volunteer Services staff are available to provide guidance and support. Volunteers also have access to resources, training opportunities, and community-building conversations through our Lean In sessions.
How will I learn about future volunteer opportunities?
Volunteers receive updates through the JIT Network, social media, and email communications. We also share opportunities that align with the interests you identify during onboarding.
Who can I contact for more information?
For questions or additional information, contact Volunteer Services at volunteer@jitfosteryouth.org.