Because one person CAN make a difference!

Put your talents to work for the individuals, children, and families in your community!  Pathways, MI has many opportunities for individuals who would like to volunteer their time and skills to become actively involved including:

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate- Ottawa County

CASA Volunteers are strong child advocates helping children in the foster care system find safe permanent homes. They are needed to serve as the voice of abused and neglected children during court proceedings. Volunteers meet with children weekly in order to get to know the child and report what they believe is in the child's best interests, as well as what the child wants for their own life.

No experience required - just a strong desire to help children in need. All training is provided including information on the Child Welfare system, the court process, family dynamics, and child development. 

Training sessions are provided twice a year, in the spring and fall. 

Participation Requirements: Must be 21 years of age or older, High school diploma/ GED, strong written and/or verbal skills, clear a background check, 30 hours of initial training, 12-16 hours of volunteer work monthly, objectivity, and a commitment to the best interests of children. 

Contact: Laura Klassen at 616-396-2301 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 Parent Aide- Muskegon County

18 hours of required training is given prior to working with families. 

Participation Requirements: Must be 18 yrs or older, have reliable transportation w/proof of insurance & valid license, and clear a background check. 

Contact: Heather Wolf at 231-777-2222 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Total Trek Quest Coaches- Ottawa County

Total Trek Quest needs volunteer to be coaches to 4th and 5th grade boys for an after school running team at local schools. Coaches meet twice a week with students throughout the 10 week program. Program begins in March each year. Call for participating schools and schedule.

Free training is provided.

Participation Requirements: Must be at least 18 years old, pass a criminal background check, and central registry check, as well as become certified for CPR/First Aid provided by Pathways, MI.

Contact: Suzette Staal at 616-396-2301 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

 Project Charlie Facilitator- Ottawa & Allegan Counties

Lead 9 one-hour Project Charlie substance abuse prevention lessons for third and/or fifth grade students in participating schools offered in both Ottawa & Allegan Counties.

Third Grade: September - December

Fifth Grade: January - May

Four-hour training session is provided along with lesson plans, video tapes, and other materials. Scheduling is flexible, during school hours.

Participation Requirements: An interest in helping young people, lead 9 one-hour lessons, complete a pre-service interview, clear a criminal background check, be available during school day (after school for Holland Christian Schools), maintain confidentiality, arrange schedule with classroom teacher (teachers remain in classroom during Project Charlie), work cooperatively with regular classroom teacher, and gather materials and prepare for lesson (approx. 1.5 hours per lesson).

Contact: Lindell Herrick at 616-396-2301 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

 SLIC Volunteer Adult Advisor- Ottawa County

SLIC has opportunities for parents and community members to volunteer in an advisory capacity with the group. Advisors participate in meetings and larger events as well as help recruit youth. There may also be opportunities for advisors to help plan events.

Participation Requirements: Must be an Ottawa County resident, complete a volunteer application with two references, and clear a criminal background check and central registry check.

Contact: Leigh Moerdyke at 616-396-2301 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

 Foster Parents- Allegan, Muskegon & Ottawa Counties

Foster Parents are needed to provide short or long term care for children ages birth to 18 who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect.  Foster homes for teenagers are especially needed at this time.

Pathways provides: Assistance from case workers, 24 hour on-call assistance, bi-weekly reimbursement.

Participation Requirements: Must be at least 21 years old, can be married or single, may own a home or be a renter, must be able to pass medical and criminal background clearances.

Contact: In Holland/Allegan counties, contact Catherine Brink at (616) 396-2301 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  and in Muskegon county, contact Becci Radel at (231) 728-7152 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .   

 Ottawa County Stop Child Abuse and Neglect Council (SCAN)

• Join the SCAN Council Host a pinwheel garden
• Assist with mailings and general office work
• Join a Parent Support Group
• Have your faith community or another organization you are involved with host a Parent Support Group

For other opportunities, contact Leigh Moerdyke at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 616-396-2301.

 General Administrative Support- Allegan, Muskegon & Ottawa Counties

Basic data entry, filing, copying, and special projects as needed on a one time or ongoing basis.

Participation Requirements: Be at least 18 years old, have a High School Diploma/GED, be responsible, dependable, detail oriented, and must clear a criminal background check.

Contact: Tillie Cazares at 616-396-2301 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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