CDS Family & Behavioral Health Services, Inc. is constantly looking for good people to volunteer their time, efforts, and talents to aid in the prevention of substance abuse. Whether it's filing volunteer logs or counseling a young person in crisis, volunteers make up a large portion of the efforts of CDS. We also provide interns with needed experience in their major field of study.

If you wish to volunteer, please contact Radha Selvester at (352) 244-0628 ext 3865 or by email. The requirements to volunteer are you be a high school graduate, pass a Department of Juvenile Justice Background Screening, and pass a local law enforcement screening. The training requirements vary depending on the program you are volunteering for. For interns and practicums, the requirements are set by the institution. Some requirements are set by the CDS program, please call for more information. Some positions have limited availability.

Programs that need volunteers include:

Interface Youth Program

Interface is a temporary shelter for runaway, truant and troubled youth. It acts as a crisis stabilization center where kids and their parents can take a break from one another in order to begin working on family issues. Volunteers are always needed to help out and interact with the children. Since Interface is open 24/7 volunteer hours can be flexible. No special skills are required although counseling interns are also welcome.

Public Relations / Office Help / Events

Volunteers and interns are needed to aid in resource development, marketing and various office tasks. In addition, people are needed to help coordinate Project Safe Place by doing site visits, Safe Place recruitment and speaking engagements at local schools.

Alpha & Beta Programs

These programs are designed to help children who show signs of future problems. Alpha is located at Williston Elementary School and Beta is located at Williston Middle School. Volunteers are needed for any period of time from 8 AM until 2 PM on school days to assist with academics.

Outpatient Services

The outpatient department provides treatment for persons addicted to drugs and alcohol. One or two counseling interns are needed per semester. Office work volunteers are also needed.

Reichert House

Reichert House provides youth from high risk communities with supervised after-school activities. Volunteers are needed from 3:30 PM until 8 PM to provide mentoring, homework assistance and serve as positive role models.