Volunteer with Your Group
At First Step, we welcome groups and organizations eager to roll up their sleeves and make a real impact. Through hands-on projects, creative activities, and meaningful support, your team can bring hope, comfort, and joy to the people who rely on us most. Every group volunteer project helps us continue our mission. Join us and experience the power of making a difference together!
What to Expect
Most group experiences include an introduction, hands-on service, and a chance to connect with our mission on-site.
Introduction & Impact
Start with a brief info session about who we are, our values, and the meaningful impact of our programs, plus simple ways your group can continue supporting First Step’s mission.
Hands-On Service
Jump into a meaningful project, which could include cleaning, sorting and organizing, gardening or grounds work, property maintenance, and more. Your efforts make a real difference!
Lunch & Team Time (if desired)
Bring your own lunch and enjoy a dedicated space on site to relax, connect, and celebrate your team’s hard work together.
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
Explore our offices, non-private shelter areas, playground (weather permitting), and the A.R.K. animal sanctuary to see firsthand how your contributions support our mission.
Group Celebration
Capture the moment with a group photo to commemorate your team’s time and effort.
Planning Your Group Volunteer Experience
Group volunteer opportunities are a great fit for teams who want hands-on ways to support First Step’s mission. Projects can range from outdoor and facilities work to organizing, sorting, event prep, to hosting memorable fun or educational activities and events for children, adults, and/or families at First Step! Use the details below to start planning, and reach out if you are unsure what type of project would be the best fit or have any other questions.
Deciding on a Project/Activity
Check out our Group Volunteer Catalog for ideas. You are also welcome to reach out to ask about current or seasonal needs, upcoming events that may need extra hands, or projects that match your group’s strengths.
Group Size
We typically can host 5–40 people, depending on the project.
Financial Contribution
Group volunteer opportunities require coordination, preparation, on-site coverage, and follow-up. We kindly ask for a donation in the range of $250–$1,000, depending on the size and scope of your project, to help cover logistical costs while also supporting our broader mission.
See Supplies and Contributions in the next section for more info.
Age & Participation
Volunteers under 18 may be allowed, depending on the types of volunteer tasks assigned. Contact communityservices@firststep-mi.org for guidance.
Volunteer Pre-Registration
All volunteers must complete an online profile via Volunteer Impact in advance and sign our Visitor Agreement (18+) or Minor Consent Form (under 18).
Location
Most group volunteering takes place at our Wayne Office (4400 Venoy Rd., Wayne, MI). For Plymouth opportunities at 44567 Pinetree Dr., please inquire.
Booking & Scheduling
Opportunities are first-come, first-served. Please plan to schedule at least one month in advance whenever possible.
Group Volunteer Guidelines
These guidelines help ensure group volunteer opportunities are safe, organized, and successful for everyone involved.
Diversity Matters
The people served by First Step come from many backgrounds, ages, cultures, and identities. We ask all volunteers to be mindful of this diversity and to help create a respectful environment.
Food & Snacks
You are always welcome to bring snacks, beverages, or meals for your group, regardless of the time of day. If you plan to eat on-site, we can often designate a space for your group to take a break and regroup.
Supplies and Contributions
If your group is unable to make the suggested donation, that is okay. However, your group may be asked to provide all supplies needed to complete the project successfully (for example: snacks/food for your group, paper products, lawn bags, bottled water, sunscreen, bug spray, and any project/activity-specific materials so everyone in your group can fully participate).
Flexibility
Group size, dates, project scope, and suggested donation can often be adjusted. We are happy to talk through options and find a plan that works.
Client-Facing Activities: Additional Considerations
Some group volunteer opportunities may include planned activities that involve program participants. These opportunities have additional expectations to support safety, privacy, and a positive experience for everyone involved.
Meals During Typical Eating Hours
Groups are welcome to bring snacks or meals for themselves at any time. However, if your group chooses an activity that includes program participants during typical meal times (12–2 PM for lunch or 5–7 PM for dinner), providing food for families is expected as part of the activity plan. We will share any allergy or dietary considerations in advance, and we ask that you include at least one meatless option for inclusivity.
Participation Is Always Voluntary
While we do our best to promote planned activities, clients' participation is always voluntary. Attendance may vary due to work or school obligations, court appearances, personal schedules, or the ongoing process of healing from trauma. We appreciate your flexibility and understanding. As a result, there may be times when only a few, or in rare occurrences, no clients able to attend an event. We understand this can be disappointing, and we truly appreciate your flexibility and understanding.
Planning Support
If you are interested in a client-facing activity, we will help plan the details, clarify expectations, and identify what supplies or materials are needed to make it successful.
Confidentiality reminder: No photos, videos, or sharing identifying details of program participants is permitted. Group photos are encouraged, but they may only include consenting volunteers and First Step staff.
Ready to Get Scheduled?
When you’re ready, you can submit a request for your group’s volunteer date below.
Other Ways to Volunteer
If coming to our site isn’t possible, your group can still make a difference:
Have More Questions?
For additional questions before completing the form, call 734-416-1111 and press 2 or email communityservices@firststep-mi.org. Please include any relevant information:- Group size and age range
- Type of volunteering activity you're interested in doing
- Timeframe you are looking to schedule
**PLEASE NOTE: We ask for 1 to 2 months notice to process a request and schedule a group activity. Submission of a request does not guarantee that the request can be fulfilled.
Learn More
Explore the many ways you can engage with First Step and help raise awareness, whether through speaking engagements, presentations, or trainings. To learn more about programs for youth, please visit this page.