1.   At all times, volunteers are required to honor the absolute confidentiality of our clients.

2.      Be faithful in fulfilling your commitment.   If you cannot make the time for which you are scheduled, please call the contact person listed on your confirmation letter or the Volunteer Services Department as far ahead as possible.

3.      If the number of volunteers in your group changes, we must know prior to your arrival.  All projects are scheduled in advance for a specific number of volunteers.  If you bring extra volunteers, we will not have staff available to provide additional, unscheduled projects.

4.   Children younger than high school age are not allowed to volunteer or accompany volunteers – even if they are with a parent.  Please make other arrangements for younger children.

5.      Do not give rides or money to clients.

6.      Do not take pictures of the clients without their permission. Star of Hope children must have a photo release signed by a parent.  If permission is granted, we ask the photos remain only for your personal use.  Please do not publicize photos in newsletters, papers, etc.  However, always feel free to take pictures of your group or the facility and use as needed.

7.       Please dress comfortably, but conservatively.  Jeans, T-shirts and tennis shoes are appropriate for most volunteer activities.  Shoes must have closed-in toes and heels.  Shirts must have sleeves.  Walking shorts are acceptable for some outdoor work projects or activities with the children.  Shorts cannot be worn less than 2 inches from the top of the knee.  Regardless of the length, no shorts are allowed at the Men’s Development Center or in any of our kitchens.

8.       If you are scheduled to volunteer in any Star of Hope kitchen, please bring a hairnet or baseball cap.  If possible, please bring your own apron.  Due to City of Houston Health Department regulations, we will strictly enforce the dress code.  Inappropriately dressed volunteers may not be able to participate in the project.   If even one volunteer is not in compliance with the dress code, Star of Hope is in violation of City ordinances and can be cited.

9.   Please sign-in at the front desk when you arrive and be sure to sign-out when you leave.  Also, please indicate on the sign-in sheet the number of hours you spent in planning your project.

10.   Please report any inappropriate behavior or anything that causes you to feel uncomfortable to the staff person on duty.