Individual Volunteering

Please read ALL of the information below before completing the inquiry form at the bottom of this page to be contacted regarding volunteering with First Step.

There are two pathways to volunteering individually with First Step Indirect Service and Direct Service.

• Indirect Service Volunteers do not volunteer directly with survivors. These are more project-based volunteering or placements that include tasks like maintenance, clerical responsibilities, data entry, cleaning, sorting, and organizing.
  1. Submit Volunteer Inquiry at the bottom of this page.
  2. Complete Volunteer Application received from Volunteer Specialist.
  3. Background checks and finger printing cleared (see details below).
  4. Have a one-on-one interview with the Volunteer Specialist.
  5. Once all volunteer requirements have been cleared, First Step's Volunteer Specialist will reach out to begin placement and connection to your staff liaison (a First Step staff who will oversee your tasks), additional placement training may be required.

• Direct Service Volunteers may interact with or volunteer directly with survivors therefore these types of volunteers require full attendance of our Core Skills Training (see below) before being able to volunteer as a Direct Service Volunteer.
  1. Submit Volunteer Inquiry at the bottom of this page.
  2. Complete Volunteer Application received from Volunteer Specialist.
  3. Background checks and finger printing cleared (see details below).
  4. Have a one-on-one interview with the Volunteer Specialist.
  5. Complete Core Skills Training (see below), pre-training and post-training content, if needed for your placement. All screening measures prior to step 4 must be completed before being offered a spot in the training (spots are limited and training is only offered a few times a year).
  6. First Step's Volunteer Specialist will reach out to begin placement and connection to your staff liaison (a First Step staff who will oversee your tasks), additional placement training may be required.

• All volunteers must complete background checks.
  1. Criminal Background check (every 2 years)
  2. DHHS check (every 2 years)
  3. Provide a copy of valid State ID
  4. Finger Printing (to begin in January 2026)
  5. Proof of Auto Insurance and Drivers Record Check (for a select few types of volunteer opportunities)
•  Direct Service Volunteers must complete all components of our Core Skills Training (see below).
  1. A total of 6 hours of content to preview prior to attending the training.
  2. All 3.5 days of training must be attended.
  3. Any post-training content provided.
  4. Any necessary shadowing of staff liaison for desired placement.

If you have a particular skill, idea, or resources that you feel could benefit First Step but aren't sure they directly fit into one of our volunteer placements, please do not hesitate to reach out and share your ideas to communityservices@firststep-mi.org.

All Core Skills Training will be held in-person at our Wayne office located at 4400 Venoy, Wayne, MI 48184

Winter Session
January 2026 (Tentative Dates)
Jan. 15th, 5:30p-8:30p
Jan. 23rd, 9a-5p
Jan. 24th, 9a-5p
Jan. 25th, 9a-5p

Spring Session
May 2026 (Tentative Dates)
May 7th, 5:30p-8:30p
May 15th, 9a-5p
May 16th, 9a-5p
May 17th, 9a-5p

Fall Session
September 2026 (Dates TBD)

If you've read about our program and would like to further explore where you may fit in, use the contact form below to indicate your interest and availability! A staff member will reach out in 3-5 business days to discuss next steps.

If the upcoming training dates do not work for you or the current and available placements are not of interest to you, email communityservices@firststep-mi.org to be added to the waitlist.