Catholic Charities
Volunteering & Internships
Join Our Mission of Service in Southwestern Pennsylvania
We are proud of all the amazing work our volunteers and interns do to help those we serve. Whether it’s behind-the-scenes support or working directly with clients, our teams bring hope and help to families across southwestern PA.
Choose Your Area of Service
Explore the pathways below to learn how you can support Catholic Charities.
Free Health Care Center
Put your compassion into action by volunteering at the Catholic Charities Free Health Care Center and supporting our medical and dental team.
Internships
Gain valuable professional experience while serving individuals and families in our community. Learn more about internships and application information.
Volunteer Opportunities
Support our mission through meaningful volunteer opportunities for individuals and groups across southwestern Pennsylvania.
Serving Our Neighbors in Need
Catholic Charities provides compassionate support to individuals and families facing poverty and other challenges that impact their well-being. Our programs address immediate needs while helping people build stability and independence for the future.
Three Areas of Impact
Our work is centered around:
Immediate Crisis Relief
Providing help during times of urgent need
Health and Wellness
Supporting physical, emotional, and mental well-being
Long-Term Empowerment
Helping individuals and families achieve stability and self-sufficiency.
Services Across Southwestern Pennsylvania
Across our six-county service area, Catholic Charities offers services including:
Housing & homelessness support
Free medical & dental care
Support for babies & their parents
Food & basic needs assistance
Disaster relief services
Counseling & mental wellness
Case management resources
Services for older adults
Job training & support
Other essential services
Path to Volunteering
How to Become a CCPGH Volunteer
The volunteer experience may vary depending on the program, project, or event. However, most volunteer journeys begin with the following steps:
Explore
Review our current volunteer opportunities and identify areas that align with your interests and availability.Connect
Submit a volunteer application through POINT, our volunteer management system, or contact us email volunteer@ccpgh.org.Meet & Discuss
A Catholic Charities representative will follow up to learn more about your interests, answer questions, discuss any clearance requirements, and when appropriate, arrange a program tour.Orientation
Ongoing volunteers are asked to attend a Volunteer Orientation, offered monthly or by appointment. Orientation introduces volunteers to our mission, programs, volunteer policies, and provides helpful guidance for serving clients with compassion and respect.
For special events, groups, or one-time projects, orientation and instructions are typically provided before the event or on the day of service.
Volunteer Requirements
Safeguarding Those We Serve
The safety and well-being of our clients, volunteers, and staff are among our highest priorities. Many ongoing in-person volunteer opportunities require Pennsylvania background clearances for volunteers age 18 and older. Certain special projects and events may also require clearances based on the nature of the assignment.
Pennsylvania Clearances
If your volunteer role requires clearances, participation cannot begin until the required documentation has been received and approved.
PA Criminal History and Child Abuse clearances are available to volunteers at no cost.
For more information, visit our Volunteer Clearances Information Page or email volunteer@ccpgh.org.
Volunteer Resources
Managing Your Volunteer Experience Using POINT
Catholic Charities uses POINT to help volunteers manage their involvement and track their impact.
Getting Started
1. Download the POINT App or Submit an Application
Begin by downloading the POINT mobile app or completing a volunteer application.
2. Join Our Organization
- Search: Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Pittsburgh
- Select: Join Organization
3. Explore Opportunities
Once approved, you can:
- Update your volunteer profile
- Browse available opportunities
- Register for shifts and events
- Receive important updates and communications
4. Track Your Impact
Log and monitor your volunteer hours directly within the platform. Some volunteer hours may be recorded automatically when registering for designated events or shifts.
Understanding Point Terminology
Programs and Subprograms: Describe the various volunteer opportunities available throughout Catholic Charities.
Events: Volunteer opportunities with specific dates and scheduled shifts. Some events become visible only after volunteer approval and onboarding.
Need assistance?
Serving a Diverse Population with Dignity & Respect
100+ Years of Service
For more than a century, Catholic Charities has evolved from providing one-time assistance to delivering long-term solutions that help people build stability and independence.
A Holistic Approach to Care
We believe every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. This approach to care embodies our core vision: a relentless dedication to championing the dignity of the person, improving quality of life, and advocating for the social good. Through compassionate support and long-term solutions, we help people who are poor and vulnerable build stability, embrace opportunities, and realize their full potential.
Our Reach
Our work is local, direct, and deeply human. Across Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Greene, Lawrence and Washington counties, Catholic Charities meets people where they are – with practical help, personal care, and a commitment to preserving each person’s dignity through their journey.
Path to Volunteering
How to Become a Catholic Charities Volunteer
The volunteer experience may vary depending on the program, project, or event. However, most volunteer journeys begin with the following steps:
Explore
Review our current volunteer opportunities and identify areas that align with your interests and availability.Connect
Submit a volunteer application through POINT, our volunteer management system, or contact us email volunteer@ccpgh.org.Meet & Discuss
A Catholic Charities representative will follow up to learn more about your interests, answer questions, discuss any clearance requirements, and when appropriate, arrange a program tour.Orientation
Ongoing volunteers are asked to attend a Volunteer Orientation, offered monthly or by appointment. Orientation introduces volunteers to our mission, programs, volunteer policies, and provides helpful guidance for serving clients with compassion and respect.
For special events, groups, or one-time projects, orientation and instructions are typically provided before the event or on the day of service.
Volunteer Requirements
Safeguarding Those We Serve
The safety and well-being of our clients, volunteers, and staff are among our highest priorities. Many ongoing in-person volunteer opportunities require Pennsylvania background clearances for volunteers age 18 and older. Certain special projects and events may also require clearances based on the nature of the assignment.
Pennsylvania Clearances
If your volunteer role requires clearances, participation cannot begin until the required documentation has been received and approved.
PA Criminal History and Child Abuse clearances are available to volunteers at no cost.
For more information, visit our Volunteer Clearances Information Page or email volunteer@ccpgh.org.
Volunteer Resources
Managing Your Volunteer Experience Using POINT
Catholic Charities uses POINT to help volunteers manage their involvement and track their impact.
Getting Started
1. Download the POINT App or Submit an Application
Begin by downloading the POINT mobile app or completing a volunteer application.
2. Join Our Organization
- Search: Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Pittsburgh
- Select: Join Organization
3. Explore Opportunities
Once approved, you can:
- Update your volunteer profile
- Browse available opportunities
- Register for shifts and events
- Receive important updates and communications
4. Track Your Impact
Log and monitor your volunteer hours directly within the platform. Some volunteer hours may be recorded automatically when registering for designated events or shifts.
Understanding Point Terminology
Programs and Subprograms: Describe the various volunteer opportunities available throughout Catholic Charities.
Events: Volunteer opportunities with specific dates and scheduled shifts. Some events become visible only after volunteer approval and onboarding.
Need assistance?
Volunteer Opportunities
Our volunteers play a vital role in helping Catholic Charities serve those most in need. From administrative support to direct client assistance, each program offers a unique opportunity to share your time, talents, and compassion with communities across southwestern Pennsylvania. Explore the opportunities below to find your place to serve.
Note: Many of our volunteer opportunities require PA Criminal History, Child Abuse, and FBI clearances in accordance with state law. Volunteers must submit all required documentation before beginning service.
Join us for one-time and short-term volunteer opportunities that make an immediate impact. These flexible opportunities are a great way to get involved, explore a new area of service, or volunteer with friends, family, or coworkers.
Perfect for those looking to serve on their own. Individual volunteers can choose from a variety of flexible opportunities that match their interests, skills, and availability.
Designed for teams, coworkers, clubs, and community groups. These opportunities are ideal for building connection while making a meaningful impact together.
Great for families and young people who want to give back. These opportunities are age-appropriate and often encourage volunteering side-by-side with parents, guardians, or peers.
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Internship Opportunities
Learn, Grow, and Serve
Catholic Charities offers internship experiences that combine professional development with meaningful service to the community. Interns work alongside experienced professionals across a variety of disciplines and gain valuable hands-on experience serving individuals and families throughout southwestern Pennsylvania.
What Interns Can Expect
- Real-world professional experience
- Exposure to nonprofit and human service operations
- Meaningful client and community engagement
- Mentorship from experienced staff
- Opportunities to apply classroom knowledge in practice
Areas of Internship Placement
- Social work & human services
- Counseling & behavioral health
- Communications & marketing
- Community outreach
- Program administration
- Development & fundraising
- Other mission-related fields
Internships
Social Work (Allegheny County)
