Neighbors At The Table: Women and Families Shift

SPECIAL NOTE: WE NO LONGER ACCEPT COURT APPOINTED VOLUNTEERISM. Please note that all volunteers must be at least 14 years of age to participate.

The Sweet Dreams and Sweet Dreams Expansion Shelters, located at 1623 Convention Street in Baton Rouge, provide shelter for women, children, and families in need of a safe place while working toward independence.

Neighbors at the Table are the lifeblood of the shelters. We are deeply grateful to the individuals and groups who dedicate their valuable time and resources to purchase or prepare delicious meals for shelter participants. Participants are heartened to know that strangers are willing to go to great lengths to support them in such a generous and compassionate way.

Meal Guidelines

• Meals should include one meat, one vegetable, and one starch

• Desserts and beverages are optional

• Paper goods are provided

• Please prepare for up to 50 neighbors

• Please label all meals: “Women and Families Shift”

We encourage our Neighbors at the Table volunteers to stay, serve the meal, and enjoy fellowship with participants. If you choose to stay, please bring enough food for your volunteers as well.

Arrival Time
We ask that Neighbors at the Table volunteers arrive at the St. Vincent de Paul dining hall with the meal ready to serve by 5:00 p.m. Dinner will be served between 5:15 p.m. and 5:45 p.m.

Directions & Parking
Please enter from Florida Boulevard and St. Vincent de Paul Place. Park in the dining room parking lot, which faces Florida Boulevard and is enclosed by a black wrought iron fence. Use the only door accessible from this parking lot, which leads directly into the dining room where male participants receive their evening meal.

This protocol applies whether you are dropping off the meal or staying to serve. The Guest Advocate is available to assist with retrieving the meal from your vehicle using a cart.

Volunteer Guidelines

• Volunteer groups are limited to 10 people

• Minors must be at least 14 years old and accompanied by an adult. No more than 6 minor volunteers per adult chaperone.

• A Minor Volunteer Waiver must be printed, signed, and brought on the day of service

• Waiver: https://svdpbr.galaxydigital.com/files/dl/ec8fc9332d3aec8773b40273c6e495ff/

Dress Code (Required)

• Long pants (capris are acceptable for women)

• Shirt with sleeves

• Closed-toed shoes

Health & Safety
Please do not enter the shelter if you are feeling unwell. The safety of our volunteers, staff, and participants is our highest priority.

Thank you for considering being a Manna Giver at St. Vincent de Paul. Your generosity is a true gift to the families we serve. For questions about this opportunity, please contact us at 225-383-7837 ext. 207.