Explore volunteer opportunities with Women’s Lunch Place in Boston.

We rely on the hard work, dedication, and spirit of volunteers who contribute to every aspect of WLP’s programs. If you are interested in volunteering, we’d love to hear from you!

how to become a WLP volunteer (Groups):

If you are a corporate or community group looking to volunteer, please contact Allegra. You do not need to attend an orientation first. We have opportunities for groups of 5 to help prepare and serve meals in our kitchen.

How to Become a WLP Volunteer (individuals):

  • If you are interested in volunteering, the first step is to review our “Current Volunteer Opportunities” below to see what best fits your interests.

  • The next step is to fill out our Volunteer Application. Our Volunteer Coordinator will contact you within two weeks if your availability and our current volunteer needs match up.

  • We will then invite you to an orientation session in person at the shelter before you begin volunteering.

Volunteers must be 16 years or older. Contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Lena, if you have any questions about the process.

Current Volunteer opportunities:

Please note that we have limited Saturday openings and are primarily looking for weekday help.

MEAL DELIVERY

  • Pick up meals from the shelter and deliver them to community partners. Drivers are needed Monday-Friday, at multiple times. Volunteers must have access to a vehicle and a valid driver’s license.

MEAL PROGRAM ASSISTANT

  • Meal Program Assistants help kitchen staff with food preparation, serving meals, and clean-up, enabling WLP to provide healthy and delicious breakfasts and lunches to our guests. Volunteers must be able to attend shifts Monday-Saturday, 7am-2pm.

WELCOME CENTER

  • The Welcome Center is an information hub. Guests sign up for showers, laundry, and medical services, and individuals drop off donations for the shelter here. Welcome Center Volunteers help guests access shelter resources, direct new volunteers, record incoming donations, and assist staff in maintaining a calm and happy atmosphere in the dining room. Volunteers must be able to attend shifts Monday-Saturday, 7am-2pm.

RESOURCE CENTER

  • In the Resource Center guests can use computers, make telephone calls, receive mail, and learn about community resources. The Resource Center also seeks to provide women with information related to legal issues, employment, housing, medical care, food banks, and education. Resource Center Volunteers support these activities, respond to various requests, facilitate access to community resources, and maintain a calm and pleasant atmosphere in the space. Volunteers must be able to attend shifts Monday-Friday, 8am-1:30pm.

Other ways to help:

IN-KIND NEEDS

FUNDRAISE

  • Host a Facebook Fundraiser  or send an email to your friends and family.

  • Tell your community about WLP, explain why you support our mission, and ask them to join you in helping us get through these challenging times.

  • Donations can be made online, over the phone (617) 449-7200, or by mail to P.O. Box 170900, Boston, MA 02117.

Please email allegra@womenslunchplace.org if you are looking for other ways to help.

 

Volunteer Resources

 
 

Training Video:

Dress Code:

Please wear comfortable, closed­ toed shoes (no sandals or flip ­flops), pants are strongly preferred (shorts or capris must fall below the knee), and a shirt with sleeves (no tank tops). You will also need to wear either a hat or hairnet­­ – you may bring your own, or we can provide. Long hair should be secured in a tight bun (no loose ponytails). Please refrain from wearing any bracelets, rings or watches while working in the kitchen. Masks are optional.

For safety and health reasons, Chef Inna cannot allow anyone to work in the kitchen if they are not dressed appropriately.