Nazareth Home Cuddlers

Cuddler Ministry is an opportunity to provide love to infants and toddlers who are medically at risk or have special needs that reside in a foster home operated by the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ. As a Cuddler volunteer, your love is shared by cuddling, feeding, and engaging in play activities or reading books with infants and children up to age six.

Nazareth Home is located in East Chicago, Indiana within a residential neighborhood that is across the street from St. Catherine’s Hospital. The home is staffed with trained personnel 24 hours/ 7 days per week, therefore volunteers are never left alone with the children.

How to Volunteer

Complete an online application to volunteer. If you are interested in having a tour of the home or have any specific questions, please contact Deb Trelo, NH Volunteer Coordinator at the (219) 947-8500 or email her at debtrelo@sbcglobal.net.

Volunteer Orientation is conducted at the home by the Nazareth Home Volunteer Coordinator. During the two hour training, volunteers are provided information about Nazareth Home’s mission, volunteer expectations, along with being the provided opportunity to interact with the children. As a state-licensed foster care home, all volunteers are required to have a TB test, criminal background, and fingerprint check which the Nazareth Home Coordinator will provide instructions how to obtain.

Volunteer Schedules are arranged after completing the volunteer application and participating in Nazareth Home Orientation. Based on time slots available, your interested preference for day of the week, time of day, and frequency of volunteering will be matched.

Getting There

Driving Directions to Nazareth Home are easy: Drive north on Cline Avenue and take exit 6: US 12/ Columbus Drive. Turn left (west) onto Chicago Avenue and proceed to the third stop light (.9 miles). Turn left (south) on to Elm Street. Proceed two blocks (south on Elm St.) and Nazareth Home is on the left side of the street. (For confidentiality reasons the specific address of this foster home is provided to volunteers after the application process.)