Welcome all New Volunteers!

By committing to prepare and bring a meal (Dinner), you can help 40 to 50 people fulfill their day with a comforting and warm meal. 

Our Meal Service Program is the largest and most effective program we have at Tender Mercies. Volunteers from all over the Tri-state help our organization by committing to become the leader of a meal service team that prepares a meal outside of our facility and then brings them to our residencies to serve a specific household of residents. Our Volunteer groups prepare these meals at home, at schools or their church, at community centers, businesses, or order catering from their favorite restaurants. They then bring those meals to serve one building or they can choose to serve more than one building at Tender Mercies.

If your group would like to serve more than one building on a specific day the team leader is the only person responsible for reserving both buildings. Once the Volunteer Services Coordinator has confirmed the details of your team reservation with the group leader, the Volunteer Services Coordindator will send the team leader a link for the rest of the team to sign waivers. Volunteers under the age of 18 do not need to fill out a waiver as they must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, or an adult leader from the teams affilliated organization. The adult leader must register and notify the Volunteer Services Coordinator how many additional youths will be joining the event.

Responsible Meal Service Volunteer Protocols:

1. Volunteers are required to register ahead of time so that they have reviewed and signed the electronic waiver.
2. Volunteers must check in with RSW or with Volunteer Services Coordinator.
3. Volunteers must wear gloves when handling food(s).
4. When volunteers are done serving, the remaining food(s) must be individual plated and covered with plastic wrap or foil, or in to-go containers so that residents can collect meals on their own without contamination. (Serve Safe)

Contact Info: 

If you have any further issues please call the Volunteer Services Coordinator at: 513-639-7027 or

The 821 Flats at 513-620-8964

Parking For the 821 Flats: Parking for the 821 Flats is located on site through the gate entrance on Ezzard Charles Drive. The building for the 821 Flats is located at 821 Ezzard Charles Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45203, just behind the Cincinnati Public Library and across the street from the Center for Addiction Treatment. Please press the intercom at the gate to gain access to our parking lot.

Your time, energy, and service is much appreciated, and we look forward to meeting you soon!

To find more available volunteer opportunities, click here.