Volunteers
Uncommon Grounds Cafe runs on volunteers. As a 501(c)3 organization, our mission is only accomplishable with the consistent and committed time of our volunteers. Whether you’re in need of community service hours, have time to spare, or simply looking to connect further with our team and ministry, volunteering is for you!
We have three ways to get involved and multiple opportunities to serve in shop and around Aliquippa:
Ambassador Volunteers
As representatives of Uncommon Grounds Cafe and Church Army USA, Ambassador Volunteers serve on our events team to provide UGC presence at various community and ministry events.
Family Volunteers
Family Volunteers support daily operations & recurring events at the cafe such as non-cooking kitchen tasks, general Cafe upkeep, Open Mic Night, Vet’s Breakfast, etc.
Commissioned Volunteers
From serving as Family to representing as Ambassadors, Commissioned Volunteers exemplify the community and service culture of Uncommon Grounds Cafe in every way. These volunteers support our programs, events, and trainings in director and management capacities.
You’re a part of the family and, around here, it’s all hands on deck to keep the house in order.
Volunteer Today!
Family Volunteers
Family Volunteers support daily operations & recurring events at the cafe such as non-cooking kitchen tasks, general Cafe upkeep, Open Mic Night, Vet’s Breakfast, etc. Volunteers are asked to serve according to their availability each month – preferably during busy hours throughout the week and at recurring events.
To start as a Family Volunteer, submit the Volunteer Application. Once reviewed, you’ll be invited to a volunteer interview to review your preferences for service and orientation availability. From there, applicants will be scheduled for orientation and training with a staff supervisor. All Family Volunteers are required to complete the Foundations of Ministry training within 6 months of starting as a volunteer.
Ambassador Volunteers are representatives of Christ before they are representatives of Cafe ministry.
Start as Family – Become Ambassador!
Ambassador Volunteers
As representatives of Uncommon Grounds Cafe and Church Army USA, Ambassador Volunteers serve on our events team to provide UGC presence at various community and ministry events. This can mean everything from manning a table at a conference or ministry vendor event to supporting the facilitation of UGC training throughout the community. Ambassadors are expected to confidently and comfortably relay UGC and CAUSA’s missions and means of accomplishing them. They are familiar with UGC culture, goals, and relational evangelism strategy. Ambassador Volunteers are representatives of Christ before they are representatives of Cafe ministry.
Ambassador Volunteers are asked to serve at varying events both inside and outside of the Cafe throughout the year.
Exemplary Family Volunteers, with at least 6 months of volunteer experience, are invited to the Ambassador Volunteer Cohort Program. This 6-session, 3-month training program provides interpersonal discipleship and training to encourage and equip volunteers in their personal and spiritual growth as well as prepare them to serve with the UGC Events Team.
Commissioned Volunteers
Commissioned Volunteers have demonstrated consistent excellence in execution around the Cafe. From serving as Family to representing as Ambassadors, Commissioned Volunteers exemplify the community and service culture of Uncommon Grounds Cafe in every way. These volunteers support our programs, events, and trainings in director and management capacities. Such volunteers may be interns, artists in residence, or training facilitators. They commit a generous portion of their time and energy towards specific Cafe programs to ensure our teams are equipped and covered as they serve in every corner of our community!
Commissioned Volunteers have served at both Family and Ambassador Volunteer levels. Volunteers are invited into Commission level service according to their prior service and current Cafe needs. Many Commissioned volunteers are former Cafe staff who continue to join us in mission in a lesser capacity or long term volunteers who serve in additional ministries as pastors, small group leaders, evangelists, and more. Commissioned Volunteers actively participate in discipling relationships inside and outside of the Cafe as well as participate in required and recommended training when presented.