CONTACT

Volunteer and Internship Program

Volunteers are vital to the success of Relief Nursery.

Relief Nursery was founded on the hard work and commitment of many dedicated and resourceful community volunteers. Today, our need for volunteer support is greater than ever.

Relief Nursery offers a wide range of volunteer and internship opportunities at our both of our sites, located in Eugene and Springfield. Volunteers work directly with children alongside our teaching staff in the therapeutic classrooms, accompany our drivers on a morning or afternoon bus ride, assist with evening childcare during Parenting classes, and more. For those not interested in working directly with children but still want to help, we have positions in our clothing donation area, food pantry, and garden spaces.

Internships are available!

At Relief Nursery, interns gain valuable experience working in a busy early learning environment that uses effective therapeutic and play strategies in small classrooms. With support from our teaching staff and supervisors, interns work directly with children age birth-5 years, learning how to support the social and emotional development of young children who are experiencing stress.

From Our Volunteers and Interns

Elyse C.

Development Intern

“While serving as an intern at Relief Nursery, I witnessed the true power of wraparound services in action—meeting families where they are and providing holistic, compassionate support. As a Ph.D. candidate focused on youth with disabilities and their families, it was inspiring to contribute to a model that uplifts entire families through community-driven care.” 

—Elyse C.

Miles F.

Therapeutic Early Childhood Program Classroom Assistant

“I wanted to work at a place that is all about trying to help families and children improve on a daily basis. At Relief Nursery I am able to do this and more. Interacting with all the kids on a daily basis brings a smile to my face and makes me want to come back. Everyone should think about helping out in their community and the Relief Nursery is a great place for that.”

—Miles F.

Isabel L.

Therapeutic Early Childhood Program Classroom Assistant

“I volunteered at Relief Nursery because providing a safe space for growth, learning, and development of a family system is such a beautiful opportunity for the health of a community. Even to be just a small part of the team adds to the overall impact Relief Nursery can have on people’s lives. My experience has been more rewarding than I could have predicted. As a Latina myself, being able to support a diverse community through the work at Relief Nursery is such an honor. If anyone has ever considered volunteering at Relief Nursery, I absolutely recommend it. Regardless of past experience, Relief Nursery is a learning space for all so being a volunteer is both a supported and supportive role.”

—Isabel L.

Ariana G.

Therapeutic Early Childhood Program Classroom Assistant and Bus Rider

“Interning at Relief Nursery has been an amazing experience. In a short time, I’ve grown close with the children and I never knew how much I could care and create a bond with them. Not only does the Relief Nursery do amazing things for the children and families, but also the community. You really feel and get to witness the impact. I now know the passion I have for working with children, thanks to the opportunity Relief Nursery provided me.”

Volunteer and Internship Opportunities

Therapeutic Early Childhood Program (TECP) Classroom Assistant

  • Assist teachers and support children 2-5 years of age in a developmentally appropriate childhood environment. Volunteers play with children, help with classroom transitions, participate in hands-on activities like crafts and circle time, and assist with meal times and outdoor play. Volunteer and interns will learn to use therapeutic approaches that support children’s social and emotional development at a critical time in their lives.

Respite Childcare Assistant

  • Assist our Outreach team as they support children age six weeks to 5 years in a developmentally appropriate childhood environment. Volunteers help with activities similar to the TECP Classroom Assistant.

Bus Rider

  • Support the bus driver by assisting with transporting children to or from Relief Nursery. Volunteers greet children, help buckle them into car seats, and engage with them during the bus ride.

Evening Childcare Assistant

  • Assist childcare staff and support children age 6 weeks to 9 years while parents attend Parenting Education classes or support groups on site.

Clothing Closet, Food Pantry and Garden Volunteers

  • Help sort donations and maintain inventory in our clothing closets for children and adults.
  • Help staff with picking up donations at Food for Lane County, as well as organizing and displaying food items for distribution to families on site at Relief Nursery.
  • Partner with our Garden Coordinator to maintain our robust garden spaces.

To find out more about our volunteer and internship opportunities, please complete the short contact form below and our Volunteer and Internship Coordinator will be in touch. You can also reach our Volunteer and Internship Coordinator directly at volunteers@reliefnursery.org or 541.343.9706 ext. 104.

Cindy, Clothing Closet and Food Pantry Volunteer

Volunteer and Internship Contact Form

Preferred Method of Contact
Are you interested in our internship opportunities?

Volunteer Opportunities

Which opportunities interest you?
Preferred Location
We will make every effort to place you at your preferred location; however, this may not always be possible.