Volunteer With Us

Make a Difference in the Lives of Children, Youth, and Adults

Join our mission in supporting those experiencing grief. Volunteers are at the heart of what we do, helping participants navigate difficult emotions in a safe and supportive environment.

Volunteers Are at the Heart of Our Mission

Heart of the Cumberland’s impact would not be possible without a team of trusted, trained volunteers who help create safe, supportive spaces for children, youth, and adults navigating grief and loss. Our volunteer facilitators serve in a uniquely meaningful role — guiding small groups, encouraging healing conversations, and walking alongside participants during some of life’s most difficult seasons.

Because this work is both rewarding and sensitive, we carefully select and prepare our facilitators to ensure the highest level of care and professionalism. We’re looking for individuals who feel called to listen with empathy, lead with compassion, and uphold our commitment to confidentiality and respect.

If you’re ready to make a deep, lasting difference in the lives of others and to grow personally in the process, we invite you to learn more about our volunteer opportunities and application process.

Volunteer Application Process

  1. Submit an Application: Includes personal faith testimony and ministry reference.

  2. In-Person Interview: Meet your assigned Program Manager(s).

  3. Facilitator Training: Required training on program curricula and child protection guidelines.

  4. Policy Acknowledgment: Review and affirm Ministry Statements, Confidentiality Guidelines, Social Media Policy, and Technology Consent & Release.

  5. Background Screening: Complete Child Protection Questionnaire and Background Check Authorization.

  6. Co-Facilitation: Lead or co-lead one semester of weekly group sessions under supervision.

  7. End-of-Semester Review: Participate in a volunteer roundtable and schedule a post-semester interview for feedback.

  8. Ongoing Development: Fulfill obligations for continued facilitator training.

Available Volunteer Opportunities

Heart of the Cumberland’s Community Groups - Christ-Centered Program

Our Community Groups provide Christ-centered, peer-supported spaces for adults, youth, and children to navigate grief and loss. These programs allow participants to share their experiences, find comfort, and develop tools for healing in a safe, supportive environment.

Key Details for Volunteers:

  • Group Offerings for Adults – Anchored in Hope: Volunteers help provide comfort and peer support in groups organized by type of loss. Current offerings include Brave Moms, Pregnancy & Infant Loss, Women’s Groups, Men’s Groups, Widows, Virtual Caregivers (for those actively caring for a loved one), and Survivors of Suicide Loss.

  • Youth Programs: Navigating This Maze of Emotions (grades 5–12) and Exploring My Feelings (grades 2–4) provide children and youth with a safe space to explore their feelings and develop healthy coping skills.

  • Volunteer Role: Volunteers co-facilitate alongside experienced leaders, help create a welcoming and compassionate environment, and support participants as they work through their grief journey.

Interested in volunteering with our Community Groups?
Email: info@heartofthecumberland.org
Call: (931) 525-2600 to schedule an in-person interview.

BEST Groups in Putnam County Schools - Faith-Neutral Program

BEST Groups provide peer support for students in the Putnam County School System who are experiencing loss beyond the death of a loved one — including divorce, parental abandonment, incarceration, deportation, deployment, or other loss situations. Referrals come from school counselors and teachers with parental/guardian consent, and parents/guardians may also refer their children directly.

Key Details for Volunteers:

  • Leadership & Curriculum: BEST Groups are led by PCSS staff and co-facilitated by our volunteers, using the same curricula as our community programs — Navigating This Maze of Emotions (NME) and Exploring My Feelings (EMF).

  • Faith-Neutral Environment: Volunteers express love and compassion to students while respecting all Putnam County School System policies in this faith-neutral setting.

  • Statement of Faith: All volunteers must sign our Statement of Faith as part of the application process, and agree to uphold the faith-neutral standard of BEST Groups when working in the schools.

Interested in volunteering with BEST Groups?
Email: bestgroups@journeyofhopetn.org
Call: (931) 559-BEST (2378) to schedule an in-person interview.