SLS: Program Assistant & Member Engagement Volunteer with Maybelle Center (2026-27 school year)

Maybelle Center works to create inclusive opportunities to experience belonging that help reverse human isolation and its root causes, so people feel like they matter and play a role in our shared future.

This position is one of the options for Portland State's Student Leaders for Service program. Please apply to the Student Leaders for Service program to express interest in this opportunity. To access the application to apply for SLS for the the 2026-27 school year, please visit https://pdx.givepulse.com/event/864961

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Maybelle Center believes every person has dignity and inherent value, and no one is above another. For over 30 years, we have worked to address the root causes of social isolation and strengthen social health in Old Town and Downtown Portland. Our members identify as low-income and often experience barriers related to the social determinants of health, including income insecurity, mental health challenges, and systemic inequities.

We prioritize adults in downtown Portland who face stigma related to mental health and financial hardship, while welcoming all Portlanders in supporting belonging. Guided by the belief that we are all interconnected and learn from one another, we co-create social health interventions—through social visits, activities, and events—that foster connection, reduce isolation, and help people feel they matter and play a role in our shared future.

The Program Assistant & Member Engagement Volunteer plays a vital role in fostering
connection, creativity, and belonging within the Maybelle Center community. Through social
engagement, program support, and relationship-building, volunteers help create a welcoming and
vibrant environment for members in Old Town/Downtown Portland. This role offers a dynamic
opportunity to support both daily operations and meaningful member experiences.

The SLS Member will support program assistance and member engagement efforts at Maybelle Center, helping create a welcoming and connected community for individuals experiencing social isolation. This includes participating in Community Room activities, co-hosting games, supporting events and celebrations, preparing and writing cards for birthdays and holidays, and assisting with storytelling projects through informal interviews with members and volunteers. The SLS Member will also provide light tech support, assist with administrative tasks such as data entry and organization, and build meaningful relationships through consistent, compassionate engagement.

SLS Members will have opportunities to take ownership of projects such as coordinating card-making efforts, supporting and co-facilitating activities, and contributing to and helping to inform storytelling initiatives. You will be encouraged to bring ideas, shape engagement opportunities, and collaborate with staff and volunteers. Guidance and support will be provided through regular check-ins, feedback, and shared planning to ensure a balance of leadership development and mentorship.

This role directly supports Maybelle Center’s mission to reduce social isolation and foster belonging. By engaging members in social activities, uplifting their stories, and creating opportunities for connection, you help cultivate a community rooted in dignity, hospitality, and care. Your presence strengthens relationships and enhances access to meaningful engagement opportunities

Center Staff and the SLS Member will determine together the best weekly service activity along with periodic and/or project activities.

Modality: This opportunity has the potential for partially remote but are looking for a student who wants to join us on-site for the majority of the time throughout the year.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Compassionate, approachable, and relationship-oriented mindset
• Interest in community-building and reducing social isolation
• Comfort engaging with diverse and marginalized populations
• Adaptability and willingness to support a range of tasks with an openness to learn
• Basic technology skills (or willingness to learn)
• Reliability and ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Interest in trauma-informed care and the belief all are deserving of dignity and a sense of belonging

• Experience in community engagement, volunteering, or service work
• Interest in storytelling, communications, or social health outreach
• Comfort facilitating small group activities or conversations
• Basic administrative or organizational experience
• Experience maintaining personal and professional boundaries and the ability to remain physically/emotionally regulated in potentially overstimulating environments

Application, Onboarding, and Training process: The SLS Member will attend a new volunteer orientation covering Maybelle Center’s mission, values, and expectations. Training will include community engagement best practices, boundaries, and hospitality, as well as guidance on storytelling and program support tasks. Ongoing support will be provided by staff, along with optional opportunities to participate in additional training sessions, such as our quarterly Engage & Educate Volunteer Mixers and special training offerings.

Benefits of this Positions: SLS members have the opportunity to develop skills and experience in the following areas:

• community engagement
• volunteer coordination/administration
• relationships-building
• nonprofit program support
• communication
• facilitation and storytelling
• outreach
• adaptability while working with diverse populations

This role offers opportunities to build meaningful connections, deepen understanding of social isolation and community care, and contribute to a mission-driven organization making a tangible impact. The student will have the opportunity to identify and work towards their professional goals through this opportunity and strengthen their skills and explore career pathways.

Supervision: The SLS Member will report to the Program Manager and/or Volunteer Coordinator. They will receive initial training and ongoing support from these staff members, with regular check-ins to provide guidance, feedback, and collaborative planning.

Location & Transportation: Maybelle Center is located in Old Town, one mile from campus, at 121 NW 6th Ave. This will be the starting and ending point. We are located across the street from the Northbound MAX Station on 6th & Davis and the Orange/Yellow MAX lines. More than 15 busses are within a 2 block walk. It takes about 10 minutes on transit and about 20-25 minutes walking to get to Maybelle Center from PSU.

Schedule Available: The general timeframe the SLS member would be welcome to engage is 10am-3pm up until 5pm, depending on the type of engagement. Our weekly Community Room Hours are Mondays 1 - 3 pm, Tuesdays 10:30 am - 2:30 pm, Thursdays 10:30 am - 2:30 pm, and Fridays 10:30 am - 2:30 pm. This is when most of our programming and special events occur to engage alongside members. Ideally the student would be available to attend for an hour or two during these days and times.

From quarter to quarter, scheduling can remain flexible to accommodate the student’s availability and class schedule, with the hope of maintaining general consistency throughout the quarter when possible. Weekday engagement is strongly preferred; weekend opportunities may be considered if the student’s class schedule conflicts with all weekday options, though they are not guaranteed.