Kitchen Support; age + Referral

Bring comfort and good food to residents and their families.

Hopewell House is a licensed residential care facility dedicated to providing compassionate end-of-life care for all people, embracing diversity across generations, cultures, identities, and traditions. Our mission is to honor each resident’s journey with dignity, presence, and love, while supporting families through both grief and moments of joy. Volunteers play a vital role in this mission by offering companionship, comfort, and practical support that create a peaceful environment.

Their presence ensures residents and families feel cared for, respected, and never alone during this important transition.

Kitchen Volunteers work alongside the cook of the day as part of a two-person team, helping to prepare and serve nourishing meals that bring comfort to residents and their families. Volunteers are needed every day of the week, with flexible two-hour shifts available in the morning, afternoon, and evening. This role makes an enormous contribution behind the scenes, ensuring that Hopewell House continues its tradition of providing fresh baked goods and home-style meals.

Volunteers who enjoy cooking or baking, or simply have a passion for food and hospitality, will find this a rewarding opportunity. Orientation to the kitchen and role is provided, so no prior experience is necessary.

• Wash dishes and maintain a clean, organized kitchen space
• Assist with meal preparation, including chopping vegetables, mixing ingredients, and plating food
• Bake breads, cookies, and other fresh goods to share with residents and families
• Help set up and serve meals in a welcoming, supportive manner
• Restock supplies and ensure the kitchen is ready for the next shift
• Collaborate with the cook of the day to complete daily tasks efficiently
• Maintain food safety and hygiene standards at all times
• Offer warmth and hospitality through food, contributing to the comfort of residents and their loved ones

Volunteers in this role gain a rich blend of practical skills, hospitality experience, and personal growth. By working closely with the cook of the day, volunteers develop hands‑on kitchen abilities such as meal preparation, baking, safe food handling, and maintaining an organized workspace. They also learn how to operate efficiently within a small team, strengthening communication, collaboration, and time‑management skills.

Beyond technical skills, volunteers gain a deeper understanding of the role that food plays in creating comfort, dignity, and connection for residents and their families. This opportunity offers insight into compassionate care environments and the importance of hospitality in supporting individuals at sensitive moments in life. Many volunteers find the experience deeply rewarding, as it allows them to contribute meaningfully behind the scenes while building confidence, empathy, and a strong sense of community.

• Age:
  Volunteers must be 21+
• Must wear closed‑toe shoes
• Volunteers needed for 2‑hour shifts throughout the week: 9:00-11:00 am; 11 am-2 pm; and 6-8 pm.

Referral Opportunity:
This opportunity is run directly by one of our nonprofit partners. After you express interest, the partner will contact you with next steps and confirmation details.

Hands On Greater Portland

Hours:

Your hours may not appear in your Hands On account because this is a partner‑managed opportunity.

Population Served:
Families, People with Health-based Concerns

Activity Type:
Food Preparation & Meal Services, Caring for People

Requirements:
Age Minimum (with Adult): 21+, Minimum Age: 21+

After expressing interest, the Opportunity Leader will contact you to confirm participation and provide directions for this opportunity.

In order to register for this opportunity you must log in to an existing account or register to create a new account.

This link allows you to participate in this opportunity with a team. A team can be a family team, corporate team, or any kind of organized group. When you click on the link you will have the option to:

• Choose an existing team you’re already a member or captain of, or
• Create a new team to sign up.

Please respond to the following questions in order to signup for this opportunity: