Opportunity Center
Looking for a way to help our neighbors visiting the Opportunity Center?
Donate needed items through our Amazon wish list! Click here to see the list of items.
Location and Hours
Location: ADVOCAP, 19 W. 1st Street, Fond du Lac
(entrance in back of building)
Center Hours: Monday - Thursday, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Closed on Fridays and weekends
oppcenter@advocap.org
920-922-7760
How does the Opportunity Center work?
Through a comprehensive intake process, ADVOCAP staff assess an individual’s needs and connect them with relevant organizations and resources. Staff help to break down barriers and navigate the system, finding long-term, holistic solutions. The Center currently offers support in these areas:
- Meeting basic needs: The Center connects each person with FoodShare, medical insurance, clothing, hygiene products, and cell phone and email registration.
- Shelter assistance: The Center helps individuals find temporary shelter, particularly for those with health concerns or those who face legal consequences by sleeping on public property.
- Employment support: Staff work with participants to improve resumes, search for better-paying job opportunities, prep for interviews, and build skills to achieve economic stability.
- Mental health and wellness: ADVOCAP connects individuals to specialized services, addressing areas including substance use disorders, trauma, and mental health needs.
Supporting the Opportunity Center
There are many ways you can help make a difference in our community.
The Opportunity Center’s transformative work has been fueled by the generosity of private donors, but the growing demand requires additional support to sustain its efforts. There are many ways you can help:
- Donate essential items: Consider donating and dropping off items from the Opportunity Center immediate needs list or Amazon list. Items can be dropped off or delivered to ADVOCAP: 19 W 1st Street, Fond du Lac 54935.
- Financial contributions: Monetary donations and gift cards (Amazon, Walmart) enable the Center to address immediate, personalized needs of individuals including clothing and personal care items.
- Donate meals: The Center provides food for breakfast and lunch for those in the Center. Donated meals are always welcome and appreciated. We would love to partner with restaurants to provide meals on a monthly basis. Learn about our Restaurant Partner Program here.
- Volunteer your time and/or skills: ADVOCAP welcomes individuals or groups who can lend their time to support operations at the Center, or who can volunteer specific skills that can benefit our participants.
- Spread the word: Share ADVOCAP’s mission to encourage community-wide support.
Volunteering at the Opportunity Center
See below for available volunteer opportunities and how to apply.
We’re currently seeking volunteers for two key roles — one focused on greeting and assistance, and another on hospitality and Center support. These roles work side-by-side, and in conjunction with ADVOCAP staff, to make sure everyone who walks through our doors feels welcome and cared for.
Location: 19 W. 1st Street, Fond du Lac
Schedule: Monday – Thursday, between 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Shift Details: Volunteers may serve 3-hour shifts based on their availability (9:00AM – 12:00 PM, or 12:00 – 3:00 PM). Volunteers will need to sign up in advance. If unable to attend a scheduled shift, volunteers are expected to provide at least 24 hours’ notice.
Age Requirement: 18+
Screening: Application screening and background check required prior to volunteering.
How to apply
To volunteer at the Opportunity Center, please contact John Larson, Opportunity Center Supervisor, at john.larson@advocap.org to receive an application.
After submitting a completed application, prospective volunteers will be contacted regarding a screening interview. If selected, applicants will be referred to Human Resources for a background check. If the background check is acceptable, volunteers will be scheduled and supervised by the Opportunity Center Supervisor.
Center Access Volunteer
Be the friendly face that greets each visitor and helps guide them through available resources and services. This volunteer ensures that everyone entering the Opportunity Center feels welcomed and supported while maintaining a calm, organized flow in the space.
Responsibilities:
- Greet participants and help them sign in
- Answer questions, orient on how the OC operates, and OC rules/guidelines.
- Connect participants with ADVOCAP staff for assistance
- Issue locker keys and maintain sign-in materials
- Assist with light organization and filing
- Support smooth traffic flow and maintain a clean, welcoming space
- Work as part of a team with the Center Hospitality Volunteer, Center Supervisor and other OC staff
- Attend volunteer training
Requirements:
- Warm, approachable communication style
- Comfortable interacting with people who may be facing difficult life circumstances
- Patience, empathy, and a passion for helping others
- Reliable, organized, and team-oriented
- Basic computer skills
- Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding participant information
- Attend volunteer training
- Application screening and background check required
Center Hospitality Volunteer
Support participants by keeping the Opportunity Center comfortable, inviting, and running smoothly. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys helping with center operations to ensure food, beverages, and the space is ready and functioning well.
Responsibilities:
- Prepare and maintain coffee and light refreshments
- Ensure food items are available, and the area remains clean and inviting
- Greet participants in a supportive capacity
- Monitor supplies and restock as needed
- Collaborate with the Center Access Volunteer, Center Supervisor, and other OC staff
- Attend volunteer training
- Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding participant information
Requirements:
- Friendly and compassionate personality
- Ability to stay calm and kind when interacting with individuals experiencing challenges
- Good communication and teamwork skills
- Assist with light cleaning
- Dependable and proactive
- Application screening and background check required