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
Submit an Application: Includes a personal faith testimony and ministry reference.
Schedule an In-Person Interview: Meet with your assigned Program Manager(s).
Attend Facilitator Training: Required training on program curricula and child protection guidelines.
Policy Acknowledgment: Review and affirm Ministry Statements, Confidentiality Guidelines, Social Media Policy, and Technology Consent & Release.
Background Screening: Complete Child Protection Questionnaire and Background Check Authorization.
Co-Facilitate a Group: Co-lead one session of weekly support groups under supervision of a seasoned facilitator.
End-of-Session Review: Participate in a volunteer roundtable and schedule a post-session interview for feedback.
Attend Continuing Development Events: Fulfill obligations for continued facilitator education.
Available Volunteer Opportunities
Community-based Groups
Christ-Centered Curriculum
Our Community Groups provide Christ-centered, peer-supported spaces for children, youth, and adults 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:
Adult Program: Anchored in Hope curriculum provides adults with comfort and peer support in groups organized by type of loss. Focus groups include Brave Moms, Pregnancy & Infant Loss, Women’s Groups, Men’s Groups, Widows, Widowers, Virtual Caregivers (for those actively caring for a loved one), and Survivors of Suicide Loss.
Youth Program: Exploring My Feelings and Navigating This Maze of Emotions curricula used in BEST Groups provide children and youth with a safe space to explore their feelings and develop healthy coping skills. Biblical principles and scriptures are included for the community-based youth program.
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 Community Groups?
Email Kim Mendoza, Community Program manager at: kmendoza@heartofthecumberland.org
Call: (931) 525-2600 to schedule an in-person interview.
School-based Groups
Faith-Neutral Curriculum
BEST Groups in Putnam County Schools provide peer support for students in grades 2 through 12 who are experiencing loss beyond the death of a loved one, including divorce, parental abandonment, deportation, incarceration, deployment, or other loss situations. Referrals come from school counselors and teachers with parental/guardian consent, though parents and guardians may also refer their students directly.
Key Details for Volunteers:
Leadership & Curricula: BEST Groups are led by PCSS staff and are co-facilitated by Heart of the Cumberland volunteers. Our self-published curricula, Exploring My Feelings for children and Navigating This Maze of Emotions for youth, provide students with 11 lessons of hope and encouragement as they navigate their loss situations.
Faith-Neutral Environment: Volunteers express Christian love and compassion to students while respecting all Putnam County School System policies in this faith-neutral setting.
Interested in volunteering with BEST Groups?
Email Makayla Ramsey, BEST Groups Program Manager at: bestgroups@journeyofhopetn.org
Call: (931) 559-BEST (2378) to schedule an in-person interview.
Volunteer Trainings
We offer specialized training for those interested in co-facilitating for our Community Groups or BEST Groups. These trainings provide an introduction to our programs, materials, and tools, and are the first step toward becoming a co-facilitator.
Visit our Upcoming Events page to learn about the next available training session and to register.