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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 few hours of time on an as-needed basis to becoming a long-term mentor, there are many ways you can help make a difference in our programs and the community.
Brandon
“I volunteer at Oasis to give back to the youth. During my youth, plenty of individuals took time to mentor me and share life with me."
Brandon
Looking to reconnect with the community, Brandon joined Oasis Transitions as a mentor. Every Wednesday evening he shares his experiences with a group of teens, as they explore what it takes to succeed in college and in the workplace. But it’s not all business. It’s a time when Brandon helps youth find their passions, build confidence, explore new ideas, and have some fun. “The cool thing about Oasis Transitions is that the mentors grow closer and the youth grow closer. It’s a small family.”
Nissan
When it comes to lending a hand to Oasis, our friends at Nissan have just about done it all.
Nissan
When Oasis needed a truck to pull our new Mobile Bike Workshop around town and a van for doing Street Outreach, Nissan came through in the clutch. After a few too many long-distance trips with teens, Nissan wasn’t afraid to roll up their sleeves and whip these vehicles back into shape. But there’s more to Nissan than their vehicles. With a huge heart for service, they’ve given countless hours of expertise to help us build a data-driven culture and are an amazing host for our young people.
Sri Ganesha
After learning that teens in Nashville were experiencing homelessness, youth at Sri Ganesha Temple knew they had to do something about it.
Sri Ganesha Temple
After learning about youth homelessness, young people at the Temple collected backpacks and loaded them up with needed supplies like toiletries, socks, and gift cards. When they proudly dropped off their donations, the youth got to tour Oasis and learn even more about how they can help. In fact, in the two years since their first drive, these young change agents have been back a few more times, with each visit bringing more items than the last. We love when youth band together and take action!
Brandon
Looking to reconnect with the community, Brandon joined Oasis Transitions as a mentor. Every Wednesday evening he shares his experiences with a group of teens, as they explore what it takes to succeed in college and in the workplace. But it’s not all business. It’s a time when Brandon helps youth find their passions, build confidence, explore new ideas, and have some fun. “The cool thing about Oasis Transitions is that the mentors grow closer and the youth grow closer. It’s a small family.”
Nissan
When Oasis needed a truck to pull our new Mobile Bike Workshop around town and a van for doing Street Outreach, Nissan came through in the clutch. After a few too many long-distance trips with teens, Nissan wasn’t afraid to roll up their sleeves and whip these vehicles back into shape. But there’s more to Nissan than their vehicles. With a huge heart for service, they’ve given countless hours of expertise to help us build a data-driven culture and are an amazing host for our young people.
Sri Ganesha Temple
After learning about youth homelessness, young people at the Temple collected backpacks and loaded them up with needed supplies like toiletries, socks, and gift cards. When they proudly dropped off their donations, the youth got to tour Oasis and learn even more about how they can help. In fact, in the two years since their first drive, these young change agents have been back a few more times, with each visit bringing more items than the last. We love when youth band together and take action!
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
Building Bridges
Guiding youth to build cultural awareness, practice conflict mediation, and be leaders for inclusion
Details
Emergency Shelter
A two-week 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
Oasis Transitions
Comprehensive career readiness services supporting youth in their transition to a happy and productive adulthood
Details
Oasis Venture
Preparing young entrepreneurs to start viable businesses that address a social need
Details
Reaching Excellence As Leaders (REAL)
Helping youth involved in the juvenile justice system build stonger 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
Underground Art Studio at Oasis
Nurturing creative pathways for healing, self-exploration, and creating positive community change
Details
Donation Drives And Packs
Host a donation drive to collect items for our Street Outreach program, which works with homeless teens and adults
Details
Threads n’ Treads
Help organize and freshen up our clothing closet for young people experiencing homelessness
Details
Bike Builds
Using the exercise of bike building to create community and provide challenging group competition
Details
Physical Projects
From painting to simple organization, our building could use a bit of sprucing up from time to time.
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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How do I get court-ordered volunteer hours?
Unfortunately we do not offer court-ordered community service hours.
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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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Do you offer internships?
We sure do! We are currently accepting summer and fall internships. To apply, email Carlee your resume and cover letter to csmith@oasiscenter.org.
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I can only volunteer on the weekends. What can I do?
Unfortunately we have limited weekend volunteering, mostly with our Warming Shelters in the winter. Check out when each program meets to see if there is one that would fit your schedule.
Interested in Volunteering?
The Process
Ready to be put to work? Here's how to apply!
- Complete interest form. We will add you to our volunteer interest list to let you know about opportunities as they arise.
- 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.
- Volunteer orientation. (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.