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Why Volunteer?
We couldn’t fulfill our mission without volunteers. You’re the reason we’re able to do what we do. Continual engagement with the community is one of the vital ways that Oasis Center and our youth grow, thrive, and create positive change.
From providing a skill or service on an as-needed basis to becoming a long-term volunteer, there are many ways you can help make a difference to youth and the community.
Coach Greg
"I keep coming back because it works. The participants gain skills, confidence, joy, resilience, and a bike!"
Coach Greg
Greg, a ten-year volunteer, is the co-founder and coach for the Mountain Biking (MTB) Team. “I signed up initially because I love commuting by bike, exercising by bike, making friends by bike—all of it! I really wanted to find a way to share this passion with students and kids who would also love it. I keep coming back because it works...Dan’s vision for transformational change through empowerment, teaching, and hands-on learning is one of the best things happening in Nashville.”
AllianceBernstein
Our friends at AllianceBerstein have donated to fund our therapist for LGBTQ+ youth, completed a build-a-bike fundraiser in our Bike Workshop, and have also donated their time to help make our Just Us prom a successful day! All year, their ERG continues to support youth at Oasis through fundraising and donation drives.
NBA Interns
As part of their summer internship, Nashville Bar Association interns assembled snack packs!
Nashville Bar Association
Learning about Oasis and the programs that support youth was one part of the summer internship for youth at the Nashville Bar Association. After a virtual tour, they worked together to assemble and donate snack packs for the Outreach Center, a daytime drop-in center for young adults between 18 - 24 who are experiencing homelessness.
Coach Greg
Greg, a ten-year volunteer, is the co-founder and coach for the Mountain Biking (MTB) Team. “I signed up initially because I love commuting by bike, exercising by bike, making friends by bike—all of it! I really wanted to find a way to share this passion with students and kids who would also love it. I keep coming back because it works...Dan’s vision for transformational change through empowerment, teaching, and hands-on learning is one of the best things happening in Nashville.”
AllianceBernstein
Our friends at AllianceBerstein have donated to fund our therapist for LGBTQ+ youth, completed a build-a-bike fundraiser in our Bike Workshop, and have also donated their time to help make our Just Us prom a successful day! All year, their ERG continues to support youth at Oasis through fundraising and donation drives.
Nashville Bar Association
Learning about Oasis and the programs that support youth was one part of the summer internship for youth at the Nashville Bar Association. After a virtual tour, they worked together to assemble and donate snack packs for the Outreach Center, a daytime drop-in center for young adults between 18 - 24 who are experiencing homelessness.
Our Programs
The lives of our young people are complex. Supporting a healthy transition to adulthood can’t happen through singular support, which is why we value the role of positive adult relationships in their lives. Many of our programs have opportunities for engagement.
Bike Workshop
Youth not only build their own bike – they build the confidence and ability to explore beyond their neighborhood
Details
Emergency Shelter
A short-term residential program helping youth ages 13–17 and their families address crisis situations
Details
Just Us
Dedicated to helping LGBTQ+ teens be their authentic selves in environments of safety and acceptance
Details
Oasis College Connection
Dedicated to improving college access and success outcomes for young people across Nashville
Details
Reaching Excellence As Leaders (REAL)
Helping youth build stronger communities and a positive future
Details
Street Outreach Program
Providing a wide range of support for youth ages 18-24 who are experiencing homelessness
Details
College Student Group Volunteer Opportunities
Host a donation drive to collect items for our Street Outreach program, which works with homeless teens and adults
Details
Corporate & Community Volunteer Opportunities
Donate snacks or lunches for young people experiencing homelessness
Details
Bike Builds
Using the exercise of bike building to create community and provide challenging group competition
Details
Food Packs
Help provide food packs for our young people on days we don't have volunteers to cook meals
DetailsFrequently Asked Questions
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How old do you have to be to volunteer?
Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, with some programs requiring older volunteers.
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Do you offer internships?
In summer '24, we are recruiting Emergency Shelter interns. For fall, we are recruiting Shelter and Mayor's Youth Council interns. Email volunteers@oasiscenter.org for details!
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I need community service hours for a class. Can I volunteer at Oasis?
Due to the long-term commitment our volunteers make, we unfortunately do not offer minimal academic community service hours.
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How do I get court-ordered volunteer hours?
Unfortunately, we do not offer court-ordered community service hours.
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I can only volunteer in the evening or on weekends. What can I do?
We have limited evening and weekend volunteering. Check out when each program meets to see if there is one that would fit your schedule.
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Can I use my skills to volunteer at Oasis?
Yes! We are currently recruiting professional photographers, as well as web designers familiar with WordPress. Email Felisha at volunteers@oasiscenter.org for more info!
Interested in Volunteering?
The Process
Ready to volunteer? Here's how to apply!
- Fill out the interest form at right. We will reach out if your availablity and interests align. We'll also add you to our bimonthly volunteer newsletter. For questions, email Felisha Baquera.
- Interview: At Oasis Center, we absolutely believe that forming positive, supportive connections with adults is a huge building block for our young people’s future success. It is extremely important to us that our volunteers are placed in the right volunteer roles in order to utilize their own passions and strengths. Once you apply, you will be contacted for an interview.
- Background and reference check: We are required by law (TCA 14-40-129) to complete background checks on all volunteers. Fingerprinting may be required for some roles.
- Volunteer orientation and online training. (Additional training may be required in some programs.)
Please note: Our programs accept volunteers based on program needs and the program calendar. Even if we do not need volunteers for a certain program at the moment, we’d still love to accept your information so that we can be in touch when we have an opening.
Volunteer Interest Form
If you are interested in volunteer opportunities, please complete the interest form below to sign up for our newsletter.