Community Volunteer Corps - Employment Center

Community Volunteer Corps (CVC) is a volunteer program that supports individuals in CCC housing as they prepare to re-enter the workforce. Through group-based service, participants build confidence, develop essential soft skills, and gain experience that helps them take the next step in their employment journey.

CVC began in 2009 and expanded in 2024 with a second location at the Blackburn Center, increasing its reach by nearly fifty percent. In 2024 alone, 331 participants volunteered more than 15,000 hours to nonprofit partners across the Portland-metro area. Many participants go on to join CCC’s employment programs or find jobs in the community, continuing the momentum they built through CVC.

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Program Information

Services What to Expect How to Get Started Partners

Services

CVC connects participants with volunteer opportunities at nonprofit organizations throughout the Portland-metro area. These partnerships provide much-needed support to the community while offering participants a meaningful way to gain experience. Volunteers work in small teams on a variety of community-focused projects, including:

Beautifying local parks and green spaces.
Sorting and organizing food donations for families in need.
Assisting senior centers with newsletters and event coordination.
Supporting local charities with materials prep and other hands-on tasks.
Participating in city improvement efforts like graffiti cleanup and neighborhood revitalization.

By contributing to these projects, CVC participants strengthen their sense of purpose and build skills they can carry into future job opportunities.

What to Expect

Participants in CVC can expect the following:

Team-Based Experience: Work in small groups (6–12 people) on community-focused projects such as park cleanups, food sorting, and event prep.
- Transportation, tools, and uniforms are provided for each shift.
Scheduling Flexibility: Usually one five-hour shift per week, scheduled around other obligations like treatment, recovery meetings, or DHS appointments.
Hourly Requirements: Complete 80 hours of volunteer work over three to four months, helping to build a strong foundation for re-entering the workforce.
Support and Mentorship: Receive on-site supervision and mentorship from CVC staff, along with ongoing support to stay engaged and achieve personal goals throughout the program.
Skill Building: Gain confidence and build essential soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving through hands-on volunteer work.
Incentives and Recognition: Earn a small stipend, receive a letter of recommendation, and participate in a graduation ceremony to celebrate program completion.

How to Get Started

CVC is open to individuals currently receiving services through CCC. All participants must be referred by a CCC staff member. Please connect with your Case Manager, Mentor, or Peer Support Specialist if you’d like a referral.
Participants must commit to completing 80 hours of service and attending orientation at CCC’s Employment Access Center (2 NW 2nd Ave).
Please note: Individuals with sexual or arson offenses are not eligible to participate.

Partners

CVC collaborates with a wide range of nonprofits to provide meaningful volunteer experiences, including:

Sabin
Sunshine Division
Wildwood Retirement Community
Portland Parks and Recreation
Afrovillage
Ronald McDonald House Charities
Lions Foundation
Birch Community Services
Metro
Outgrowing Hunger

All participating organizations are 501(c)(3) nonprofits. There is no cost to host a CVC group.

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