GET INVOLVED
The Grind Pembroke values its volunteer base and always welcomes new applications from interested community members 18 years of age or over to assist us in providing compassionate services to Pembroke & Area’s marginalized and at-risk community members.
The Grind has been blessed over a number of years with dedicated and caring volunteers who have devoted many hours of service. Volunteers hours in 2024: 3,805.2, 2025: 1,400.5
The Grind follows health and safety guidelines of the Renfrew County District Health Unit, the Department of Labour and the Pembroke Fire Department related to fire protection, food safety and disease mitigation for the protection of both staff, volunteers, patrons and clients.
Volunteer Opportunities
The Grind Coffee House
Our Coffee House requires mature, dedicated adult volunteers to serve patrons on Monday from 8:00 am – 10:00 am (breakfast only) and from Tuesday – Friday 8:00 am – 1:30 pm. Shifts are available. Opportunities also exist to volunteer at after-hours special events during weekdays, on weeknights, weekends or statutory holidays, including off-site promotional activities.
The Grind Client Services Office
Our Client Services Office requires mature adult volunteers with administrative and/or social service skill-sets to support staff in various ways, such as client welcome and registration, telephone answering, data collection and record keeping. The office is open from Tuesday – Friday from 9:00am – 1:00pm
The Grind Youth Services
Our Youth Services sponsors the Valley Warriors Program for children with developmental and/or physical challenges. We require mature adults and older teens to assist with child-focused hockey every Saturday morning from 11:30 am – 12:30pm, September to the end of February. Successful candidates will preferably be individuals with experience and skill-sets in leading children’s activities in these sports, including coaching and administrative support.
The Grind Community Kitchen
Our Community Kitchen requires adult volunteers to assist the Cook/Food Services Coordinator in preparing and serving meals. We welcome applicants in particular who have food handling experience. The kitchen is open from Tuesday – Friday. Hours will vary depending on requirements but generally a typical shift would be scheduled between 8:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
APPLICATION PROCESS
If you are interested in joining our Grind Team, you must successfully complete the following steps:
- Complete a Grind Pembroke application form to provide information about yourself, including how we can contact you, your experience and skill-sets, how you want to be involved in our programs and services, and your time commitment. References from three individuals who are familiar with you are required (sorry, no family members or close relatives please).
- Once you have completed the application form, mail it or drop it off at the Grind Client Services Office, 273 Victoria Street, Pembroke, On K8A 4K5 or email it to thegrindpembroke@gmail.com Staff will then provide you with a letter of introduction to be included with an online application to the OPP for a Police Check.
- Complete and submit on-line an Ontario Provincial Police check application available at: OPP Records Check Web Page. Volunteer checks are free of charge. Results will be delivered directly to the applicant through a secure portal link.
- When the Police Check document is received from the OPP, the applicant must forward it to The Grind Administration office at thegrindpembroke@gmail.com, or bring it to The Grind in person.
- Upon receipt of all required forms, your application will be reviewed and, if all is in order, you will be advised and invited to visit the office for an interview.
- Successful applicants will be required to sign a “Confidentiality Agreement” Orientation and training will be provided at a later date. The nature of the training will be determined by the nature of the volunteer work assigned. We thank all prospective applicants for their interest in assisting us with The Grind’s mission.