May I ask what you did for references when you first applied to volunteer, nailit?
I have a friend who hasn't worked for a very long time and has no references who is now looking for work.
hc, I had a care co-ordinator because I was under mental health services when I began volunteering so she gave me a reference and my other reference came from a retired pastor friend of mine.
Always difficult trying to get references when you want to work (paid or unpaid) when youve been 'out of action' for a while.