First Presbyterian Church of Berkeley, CA


Faith Network

Our mission is to give hope to disadvantaged children by showing them God's unconditional love and guiding them into becoming whole persons—socially, intellectually, physically, and spiritually. Listed below are opportunities to get involved. To ensure the safety of the children we hope to serve, all volunteers go through a screening process; get started today by filling out an application to volunteer in either the Berkeley or Oakland schools. For more information about any of the projects below, please contact Natasha Hicks at (510) 836-5100 or at natasha@faith-network.com, or visit www.faith-network.com.

Emerson Elementary School
4803 Lawton Avenue, Oakland

Invest your time and energy into the students of Emerson. The following are ways you can get involved:

  • Reading Tutor (1+ hours/week during or after school)
    Help a child become a successful reader. Work on helping a student learn his/her sounds and decoding strategies. Training is available. 
  • Math Tutor (1+ hours/week during or after school)
    Help a child with basic math skills. Work on helping a student with math assignments.
  • Teacher Appreciation (flexible time commitment)
    Put a little wind in the sails of teachers and staff by providing periodic luncheons, snacks, and gift bags. 
  • Library Helper (1+ hours/week during or after school)
    Help with cataloging books, checking books out to students, or reading to the children. 
  • Classroom Assistant (1+ hours/week during school)
    Provide support to the teacher in the classroom by completing general tasks, including occasionally working with students. 
  • Playground Monitor (1+ hours/week before school or during lunch recess)
    Build relationships with kids while helping to ensure campus safety and respect for self and others. 


Health4Kids
Alameda County Food Bank, 7900 Edgewater Drive, Oakland

Come bag nutritious food for children in our community who may otherwise not have food over the weekend. Every other week during the school year, in partnership with the Alameda County Food Bank, volunteers prepare and deliver over 1,800 child-friendly bags of food to students in Oakland and Berkeley.


Longfellow Middle School
1500 Derby Street, Berkeley

Make a difference in our community by coming alongside the next generation. The following are ways you can become involved at Longfellow Middle School:

  • Writer Coach (1.5 hours/week during school)
    Volunteer coaches work with students one-on-one, helping students become confident writers and critical thinkers.
  • Extended Day Program (flexible time commitment, after school)
    Tutoring and mentoring opportunities are available in a variety of capacities, from music to math, from kickball to dance. 
  • School Concerts (flexible time commitment)
    Help out backstage with lighting or sound, or simply come and be a presence to help orient students and guests at student concerts.