Care for Children in the Casa Neighborhood

The AmeriCorps service year calendar is from September to August the following year. We cannot accept or process applications after June 30 for the current service year. For example, if you plan to join us for 2027-28, you must submit your application by June 30, 2027. However, we typically have all spots filled by mid- to late March.

We accept and process applications on a rolling basis. As such, qualified applicants who submit applications earlier are more likely to be offered a position.

The application process includes the following, in the following order:
• Completion of Casa’s application
• Collection of references
• Virtual interview
• Contingent offer pending background checks and other required documentation*
• Cleared pre-placement drug screen, clear random drug screens for duration of placement*
• Completion of TB Screening
• Annual vaccinations for influenza
**Casa de Esperanza will cover the cost of fingerprinting for background check and cost of drug screening

The benefits below are reflective of those provided by AmeriCorps for the 2026-2027 service year. We will update Volunteers when we know the updated budget information.

Living Allowance: $23,800.14. Education Award to be received upon successful completion of the program: $7,395.

Yes.

AmeriCorps Volunteers provide primary direct care, as well as assisting in taking children to doctor and therapy appointments, and transporting children to visits with their parents. AmeriCorps Volunteers engage their children in age-appropriate activities to help them make progress toward their developmental goals. Much of the day is spent playing with the children, both inside and outside, but also includes changing diapers, giving baths, making meals, feeding babies and cleaning up constantly to stay one step ahead of your very active children. As the children are in foster care, documentation of activities, appointments, and progress is an important part of the daily routine as well.

All Hands of Hope AmeriCorps Volunteers must commit for a 12-month period unless another agreement has been made between the candidate, Equal Heart, and Casa de Esperanza.

Yes! In fact, the majority of our AmeriCorps Volunteers come to us from other states.

Your Hands of Hope AmeriCorps Volunteer role and schedule must always come first in your scheduling. However, if you can engage in outside work and/or classes that do not impact the schedule provided to you by your supervisor, you are permitted to do so.

Unfortunately, this position is not compatible with those who have dependent children of their own, as you are required to live on-site and we do not allow other children in the Neighborhood. However, if you are interested in being involved with the work that Casa does, you may be interested in becoming a weekly volunteer or checking out our current employment opportunities.

We accept applicants from all different educational backgrounds into our program. While some majors occur more often in our program (Psychology, Pre-Med, Social Work, Early Childhood, etc.), we have had very successful Hands of Hope AmeriCorps Volunteers from a wide variety of majors. What is most important is that you are passionate about the work that we do and can work well with children and other AmeriCorps Volunteers. We are more interested in your attitude, work ethic, interest in social justice issues, and your love for children than we are interested in your major area of study.

On-site housing is provided to all Hands of Hope AmeriCorps Volunteers. There is no cost to the Volunteer for things such as rent, utilities, or Wi-Fi. All costs associated with caring for the children are paid for by the organization. AmeriCorps Volunteers’ personal expenses including, but not limited to, groceries, toiletries, etc. will be the responsibility of the AmeriCorps Volunteer.

Each house has an assigned vehicle to transport the children. Transportation not related to transporting or meeting the needs of the children (picking up prescriptions, etc.) will not be provided by the organization. While children can NEVER be transported in personal vehicles, you are permitted to bring a personal vehicle or use public transportation/ride-sharing for personal use should you decide not to bring a personal vehicle.

If you have questions that are not answered on this FAQ page, we welcome you to reach out to the Human Resources Coordinator, Darean Talmadge, at dtalmadge@casahope.org.