Volunteers are the key to our work at Emmaus Ministries. Since we first began reaching out to men in prostitution in November of 1990, volunteers have played a crucial role in our work. They serve beside us to restore these men to wholeness and their commitment to Emmaus enables us to serve a larger number of men, providing them with a wide variety of services.

Volunteer Opportunities

Ministry Center – Six days a week the Ministry Center opens its doors to meet the practical and spiritual needs of the guys of Emmaus. Ministry Center volunteers serve alongside our staff in numerous ways, including preparing meals, leading discussion groups and most importantly, connecting with and encouraging the guys we serve. Ministry Center volunteers generally serve 4-5 hours at a time, on a weekly, biweekly or monthly basis. If you are interested in becoming a Ministry Center Volunteer, please read about our volunteer training below and complete an application.

Outreach – Each night our Outreach Teams take to the streets and parks where male prostitution often occurs. Their consistent and non-confrontational presence is the catalyst for connecting and building relationships with men in prostitution. Outreach is the front door for these men to the services and hope that Emmaus provides. Outreach volunteers are partnered in teams of two and serve 4-5 hours weekly, on a consistent night and time. If you are interested in becoming an Outreach Volunteer, please read about our volunteer training below and complete an application.

Pen Pals – Emmaus Pen Pals correspond with men involved with Emmaus Ministries, who are currently in jail or prison. All of these men need encouragement, prayer, and regular positive correspondence. Some are Christians who are inspired by receiving encouraging letters from a brother or sister in the Lord who is praying for them. Some have not committed their lives to Christ, but are open to genuine correspondence from a Christian who is encouraging, but not heavy-handed or preachy. If you would like to make a difference in the life of an inmate who is connected with Emmaus Ministries and you can commit to writing once or twice a month and praying for him on a regular basis, download the Application and Guidelines.

Prayer Partners – Prayer is vital to the mission of Emmaus. Not only does it spiritually support the work we do, but practically our staff, volunteers and the guys we serve draw immense encouragement and strength knowing they are consistently in your prayers. To join our prayer list, please email prayer@streets.org.

Administrative – Behind the scenes, our office volunteers help keep Emmaus functioning by answering phones, assisting with special projects and using their gifts to support our staff in a variety of ways. To learn more, please email volunteers@streets.org.

Volunteer Training

Required for all Direct Service Positions (Outreach & Ministry Center)

Why – Street culture is radically different from the culture to which most of us are accustomed, and we can serve the men best when we take time to learn about the issues that affect their lives. The training we provide reflects our conviction that these men are precious to God and that knowing them is a privilege. To be considered for a volunteer position with Emmaus, you must complete training before applying to volunteer. The training does not commit you to serve at Emmaus. It is a good way to become more familiar with Emmaus and with street culture, and it is also a good way to begin assessing whether ministry to street people is something you’re interested in.

Who – While our training is designed to equip people who want to work with Emmaus, the training is open to anyone who would like to know more about the lives of people on the street. The training program may be used by other service agencies throughout the city to train their volunteers and staff. Candidates for volunteer Direct Service positions must be Christians whose lives readily demonstrate a commitment to Jesus Christ and whose hearts hold a compassion for the poor. You must be at least 18 years old and complete both days of the Emmaus Volunteer Training, a volunteer application, and an interview.

When/Where – We conduct training three times each year, in January/February, May/June, and September. The training occurs over 2 days for a total of 13 hours; it begins on a Friday evening from 7 pm – midnight and continues on Saturday from 1 pm – 9 pm. It is a mixture of lecture, group discussion, and on-the-street interaction and observation. Training is held at Emmaus Ministries.

The next Training is scheduled for May 25th & 26th, 2012.

What – We address three questions in our training:

• What is the history, mission, vision of Emmaus Ministries?
• Who are the men we serve?
• How do we effectively reach these men?

To answer these questions, the training covers the following topics:

• Emmaus Ministries history, principles and practices of street ministry;
• Profile of male prostitution
• Street Culture
• Chemical Dependency
• Medical Issues
• Justice System
• Crisis Intervention
• Pastoral Counseling
• Boundaries
• Philosophy of Ministry at Emmaus
• Spiritual Formation
• Volunteer Perspectives

How much – To help defray costs, each participant is asked to contribute $30 at the beginning of the training. Upon completion of the application process, those accepted as volunteers will be offered a full refund. Those for whom this initial contribution is prohibitive may contact volunteer@streets.org to arrange a waiver.

Get Started – For more information and dates of upcoming Volunteer Training sessions, please email us at volunteer@streets.org or call (773) 334-6063. For a volunteer application click here.