KEEN St. Louis



	contact us \| donate

“A KEEN parent once told me that the time I spend with his child is a gift to his child, but the truth is I am the one getting a gift!” – KEEN coach

Volunteers

Volunteers are the backbone of KEEN. We could not exist without their support and dedication. In addition to working with some great kids and young adults with disabilities, KEEN volunteers, or “coaches,” meet a variety of interesting community-minded people. Volunteering for KEEN is fun and offers opportunities for occasional participation, regular involvement, and leadership on our coaches committee. Volunteers don't need any prior experience working with individuals with disabilities – KEEN provides training prior to each session. Coaches don't need to be athletic, either. Our athletes will love you just as you are!

KEEN’s programs are structured so that each volunteer is assigned one program participant, or “athlete.” A coach’s job is to help athletes take part in different sports activities and to have a good time. Just before the athletes arrive and the session begins, coaches receive a profile with details about their athlete’s abilities as well as helpful coaching hints for that particular athlete.

current volunteer opportunities

Who are KEEN's volunteers?

KEEN draws volunteers from 3 main groups:

Community Individuals
Students
Corporate/University/Community groups

Individuals from St. Louis and surrounding areas are the core of KEEN’s volunteer base. KEEN understands the demands on these dedicated coaches, and does not ask them to make a formal commitment of time – they are welcome to show up when they can. But the rewards from interaction with their athlete and the other volunteers make them want to come back, time and again.

Middle School and High School volunteers over the age of 13 years old are welcome and KEEN provides student service hours. Coaches who are 13 and 14 years old must volunteer with a parent. Coaches over the age of 15 may volunteer on their own.

Corporate/University/Community Groups are welcome to volunteer at KEEN. Groups wishing to volunteer are asked to contact KEEN’s Executive Director, Dave Welborn, to reserve a program and a date, at info@keenstlouis.org.

How can I become a volunteer?

Volunteers need to be at least 13 years of age and to provide three references at their first session. Volunteers ages 13 and 14 must volunteer with a parent.

Becoming a volunteer coach for KEEN is easy:

Contact the Executive Director, Dave Welborn, at info@keenstlouis.org. She will provide you with a session schedule and registration form.
Decide which KEEN program date fits your schedule and confirm with the Director your attendance on that date.
Attend the New Volunteer Orientation held at 1:00 pm prior to each session, and bring your completed registration form with you.
Wear comfortable clothes.
Show up and have fun!

current volunteer opportunities

Kids Enjoy Exercise Now (KEEN) - P.O. Box 69010 St. Louis, Missouri 63169 - info@keenstlouis.org