Volunteer Opportunities | Worcester County

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Community Engagement Committee
Community Organization Spotlight: Volunteer Opportunities

Rotary Club. Rotary members have been addressing challenges around the world for over 110 years. Rotary links 1.2 million members to form an organization of international scope. It started with the vision of one man — Paul Harris. The Chicago attorney formed the Rotary Club of Chicago on 23 February 1905, so professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas, form meaningful, lifelong friendships, and give back to their communities. Rotary’s name came from the group’s early practice of rotating meetings among the offices of its members. Locally, the Wachusett Area Rotary Club serves West Boylston, Holden, Sterling, Princeton, Rutland, and Paxton and brings together a network of volunteers who dedicate their time and talent to identify areas of need and then apply expertise and diverse perspectives to the problem. Rotary members feed the hungry, tutor children, maintain parks, and more. You can help change your community by volunteering on a local project. For more information, visit https://wachusettarearotaryclub.org/page/volunteer-with-us.

The Mission of the Center of Hope Foundation, Inc., is to provide people with disabilities and their families from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds with the resources, services, and opportunities to be contributing members of their communities and to achieve the most fulfilling and meaningful lives possible. The organization fosters the acquisition of those skills necessary for obtaining a viable standard of living; assists individuals with severe disabilities to develop and acquire those services and resources which will allow them to meet their goals for meaningful and productive living; facilitates the development of each person’s confidence and self-esteem crucial for one’s growth, development and independence; and assists with the development and nurturing of fulfilling relationships. How can you help? Use the agency’s small businesses! The Center of Hope’s small businesses are designed as training facilities and work experience opportunities for program members. These businesses offer services directly to the local community and provide additional funding for programs. Every business is staffed by experienced workers who are licensed, certified, and/or trained in the business. Core employees ensure a high-quality product or service, which provides an important set of affordable resources for our community. For more information about the businesses, visit https://thecenterofhope.org/agency-businesses.

Worcester Historical Museum. In 1875, Samuel E. Staples, a successful grocer and bookkeeper, invited four history devotees, Daniel Seagrave, Richard O’Flynn, John Smith, and Franklin Rice, to his home at 1 Lincoln Place in Worcester and proposed to form a Society for the purpose of increasing an interest in Archaeological Science, and to rescue from oblivion such historical matter as would otherwise be lost. That meeting established the society that would become the Worcester Historical Museum. Many opportunities are available for volunteers of all ages who wish to share their time, talents, experience, and knowledge with the staff and visitors of the Worcester Historical Museum. Volunteers can work on: Collection Research and Cataloging, Manuscripts and Archives, Becoming a Docent, Museum Programs and Education, Exhibition Research, Development and Fundraising, Oral histories, and Public Programs. Volunteer positions are tailored to suite the needs of the individual and the Museum. For more information on volunteering, please visit https://www.worcesterhistory.org/joingive/volunteer.

Pawsitively 4 Pink is a nonprofit organization established in 2018 that provides financial assistance for low-income, underserved women diagnosed with breast cancer in Massachusetts. Every two minutes, a woman in the U.S. is diagnosed with breast cancer. These members of our community need our support. Making a financial donation is not the only way you can make a difference; you can donate your time by volunteering to provide childcare support, drive someone to her appointments, help at fundraising events, and anything else you can think of. If you are interested in getting involved, complete the form at https://pawsitively4pink.org/volunteer to be contacted by a member of the team.

Andy’s Attic. Andrew Reese was a kind, 16-year old Shrewsbury High School student who sadly passed away December 7, 2010 as a result of a tragic car accident. In honor of their son, Darrell and Lisa Reese created Andy’s Attic—running it right out of their own home. Their goal was to provide clothing to young teens in Worcester County. In 2013, Andy’s Attic was relocated and adopted by South High Community School under the direction of Christine Foley and Maureen Binienda. Today, Andy’s Attic is run completely by students at South High. With the hard work and dedication of South High students and charitable donations, the organization provides new socks, new undergarments, gently used clothing, and even new sneakers to teenagers and their families. Each day South High students volunteer their time during free periods and after school. Students and volunteers sort and put donations on shelves, fill orders, write thank you cards, track orders that have been sent out, write letters to organizations for donations, and make phone calls to organizations to let them know their orders are ready for pick up. For information on how to volunteer, please e-mail contact@andysattic.org.

CASA Project Worcester County is a nonprofit organization committed to advocating for the best interests of abused, neglected, and vulnerable children, amplifying their voices in the Worcester County Courts, and supporting them on their paths to permanent homes. A member of the National CASA Association, CASA recruits, screens, and trains community volunteers to become Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs). Appointed by judges to serve on the most heart-breaking cases in the foster care system, CASAs help vulnerable children navigate the Worcester County Juvenile Courts, one child or sibling group at a time. CASAs communicate the best interests of the children directly to the judges, who use the reports in their evaluations and decisions on each case. CASA Volunteers have many different backgrounds and come from all walks of life. To be a successful volunteer, all you need is to share CASA’s passion and commitment to advocating for the best interest of children. Email volunteer@thecasaproject.org with any questions and for more information about the application and training process.

Why Me is a Worcester Based non-profit organization created to help Central New England families cope with childhood cancer. While a childhood cancer diagnosis may be the most difficult challenge a family can face, with tangible support, guidance and friendship, Why Me tries to make this difficult time a little easier. Through family fun events, dinners, group outings, summer camp and other programs, families forge enduring bonds of friendship through the power of a shared common experience. From support groups, to logistical and financial support, as well as staff visits – whether at home, hospital or clinic – families receive support to address the specific ways their families’ lives have been disrupted. Why Me strives to meet the unique and increased needs of every family with ever-expanding programming that benefits each child and each family when they need it most. All support and services Why Me provides are free of charge. If you have time and are enthusiastic about helping kids and their families, Why Me has various opportunities for you to become a member of the Why Me Volunteer team: Childcare Assistance, Meal Assistance, Fundraising Events, Family Fun Events, Housekeeping, Office Support, Errand Runner, and Patient Transportation. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Why Me volunteer team, start the application process here: https://whyme.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/WM-Volunteer-Application-08_23.pdf.

Lupus Foundation. The mission of the Lupus Foundation New England is to educate and support people with lupus, promote awareness, and fund scientific research that will lead to better treatments and ultimately a cure. The Foundation provides help and hope to those touched by this disease while increasing awareness and funding for vital medical research. It relies on community support to make this happen. You can share your time and volunteer at its office, at an educational program, support group, health fair or a special event. If you are interested in volunteering or learning more, complete the volunteer application at https://lupusne.org/get-involved/volunteer.

Dismas House. For over 30 years, Dismas House has been a beacon of hope for former prisoners in greater Worcester, providing an important platform for healthy reentry from prison to those most in need of recovery, decent work, and housing. Dismas’ family-style atmosphere creates an environment for former prisoners to successfully become whole with our communities. A small but dedicated staff, interns from area colleges, and committed community volunteers join with former prisoners as they work to rebuild their lives. Dismas welcomes volunteers from the community to share meals at its programs, volunteer as a mentor, and help in fundraising and awareness efforts. For more information, call (508) 799-9389 or email cmdismashouse@aol.com.

Girls on the Run has fun, evidence-based programs that inspire all girls to build their confidence, kindness and decision making skills. Dynamic lessons instill valuable life skills including the important connection between physical and emotional health. The impact Girls on the Run makes is dependent on dedicated volunteers who are committed and passionate about the mission and vision. Not a runner? Not a problem! Check out ways to volunteer by going to https://www.gotr-worc.org/volunteer.

The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. No matter your interests, skills or schedule, you can make a significant contribution to your community and help people in their moments of greatest need. Whether it’s assisting individuals and families displaced by disaster, providing emergency food supplies to fight hunger in the community, bolstering local blood supply, or providing care and comfort to service members and support to their families, vital work is made possible by volunteers. Volunteer opportunities include Administrative Support, Blood Services, Disaster Services, Food and Nutrition, Health Care Job Training Assessment, Health and Safety Services, International Services, Service to the Armed Forces, Youth Programs, and Communications. Volunteers carry out 90% of the humanitarian work of the Red Cross. For more information, email MAvolunteers@redcross.org.

The American Cancer Society is a leading cancer-fighting organization with a vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. The ACS improves the lives of people with cancer and their families as the only organization combating cancer through advocacy, research, and patient support, to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. As an American Cancer Society volunteer, you can honor a survivor or a loved one lost to cancer, help save the lives of people in your local community, and around the world. The ACS also offers flexible, virtual opportunities you can do from home. To explore the range of options, visit https://www.cancer.org/involved/volunteer/virtual.html and click on the “Search for Volunteer Opportunities” box.

The Alzheimer Association. Upwards of 130,000 in Massachusetts alone have Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. The number is projected to increase to 150,000 by 2025. The Alzheimer Association’s mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. The Massachusetts/New Hampshire Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association welcomes volunteers and the work they do to keep the mission moving forward. Between family support programs, fundraising events, public policy, internships, and general office and administrative needs, there are many ways in which you can volunteer your time! Please visit https://www.alz.org/manh/volunteer for a full list of opportunities and ways to get involved.

The Massachusetts Chapter of the ALS Association was founded on January 27, 1990, to serve the needs of those living with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and their caregivers. The Chapter provides no-cost services to ALS families including support groups, home visits, insurance counseling, referrals to community resources, durable medical equipment loans, the Care Connection program, education, and support. Volunteers help support the mission by assisting with events, projects, and activities – helping to raise awareness and funding for the ALS community in Massachusetts. Recognizing the vital role volunteers play in helping with the mission, the organization is committed to ensuring involvement is positive, effective, and meaningful and offers many different types of opportunities to get involved around the state. For more information, email NewEnglandVolunteer@als.org.

Advocates champions people who face developmental, mental health, or other life challenges, partnering with individuals and families to shape creative solutions to even the greatest obstacles. The organization provides a broad range of services for people facing life challenges such as addiction, aging, autism, brain injury, intellectual disabilities, and mental health challenges. At Advocates, thousands of individuals and families living in Massachusetts find the supports they need to lead healthy, productive, and rewarding lives. Volunteers take an active role in the lives of people supported, with opportunities including weekly check in calls, taking someone bowling once a month, helping someone to pack up their apartment for a move, and more—the list is endless and would be decided between the volunteer and the participant. If you are interested in volunteering or learning more, email Maryellen Killeen at MKilleen@Advocates.org.

Abby’s House (Abby Kelley Foster House, Inc.) was founded in Worcester in 1976. It provides shelter and affordable housing, as well as advocacy and support services, to homeless, battered, and low-income women, with or without children. Over the years, it has helped more than 15,000 women and their children reclaim and rebuild their lives, empowering them to lead self-directed lives filled with dignity and hope. Volunteers vary in age (18-90+!). Some are retirees and some are in the workforce, while others are in college. Individual volunteers provide overnight coverage at the shelter, work in the Thrift Shop, teach classes and hold workshops in the Women’s Center, serve as receptionists, and help prepare and serve meals. Corporate and community groups prepare and serve meals and help with larger projects. For more information how volunteering at Abby’s House, contact Volunteer Coordinator Kathleen Suchenski at (508) 756-5486, x227, or kathleen@abbyshouse.org.

The Center for Women & Enterprise is a nationally known nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people start and grow their businesses. CWE has worked with more than 65,000 Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and Vermont entrepreneurs since 1995. CWE also operates the Veterans Business Outreach Center of New England that focuses on assisting veterans, active-duty service members, and their families with starting and growing their business. How can you help women (and men) realize their dreams of starting and growing their businesses? Share your time and talent by volunteering with CWE. CWE offers workshops on topics of interest to entrepreneurs in all stages of business, including those in transition. Because many of these workshops are free to attend, CWE relies heavily on volunteers for content and instruction. You can also volunteer to be a Business Consultant, providing technical assistance in all areas of small business management including market research, marketing strategy, human resources, and operational and financial management to women entrepreneurs seeking to stabilize or grow their businesses (an MBA or entrepreneurial experience is required). Additionally, CWE holds several fundraisers per year that are vital to support its programs and goals. Events are fun to participate in and volunteers often assist with planning, fundraising, marketing and client relations. If you are interested in volunteering, email info.EasternMA@CWEonline.org.

The Worcester Public Library serves as a gathering place that actively promotes the free exchange of ideas. The Library makes information and services available to all people while fostering intellectual freedom, protecting privacy, encouraging personal growth and enrichment, and celebrating our diverse community heritage. The Friends of the Library welcomes donations of books, CDs, DVDs, and jigsaw puzzles. To donate, bring no more than four bags or boxes of sellable items to the Friends Bookstore during store hours. Desirable items are clean and in good condition: unbroken, not torn or tattered; no highlighting, underlining, or margin notes; no mold, dust, crumbs, etc.; and no textbooks or encyclopedias. Interested in volunteering at the library? Volunteers help with a variety of tasks ranging from shelving and shelf-reading to administrative work and assisting with programs, special events, and short-term projects. The Friends also host volunteers who help run the Food for Thought Book Store and host semi-annual book sales, as well as assist with sorting donated materials. For more information, email volunteer@mywpl.org.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Mass & Metrowest helps children realize their potential and build their futures. Volunteers serve as mentors (Bigs) to children (Littles) who are living in poverty, come from single-parent households, or face other types of adversity. Bigs and Littles meet weekly for activities that might include working on homework, attending a sporting event, taking a hike or walk, cooking a healthy meal, doing a science experiment, and so much more. The essential activity is quality, uninterrupted time between a reliable, caring mentor and a child in need of additional adult support. Mentors are a consistent adult presence in the lives of mentees celebrating their successes, facing challenges with them and helping them reach their full potential. To volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Mass & Metrowest, visit https://bbbscm.org/become-a-big or call the office at 508-752-7868.

Net of Compassion is a Worcester non-profit that serves the community. There are many opportunities to support NOC and the community. NOC has 4 major programs that need volunteers. There is Hotel Grace, a homeless shelter where volunteers are needed to cook dinner and help serve guests. There is Grace’s pantry where volunteers can sign up for shifts to sort food and help guests shop for their grocery needs. In addition, Grace’s Closet also needs volunteers to arrange clothing and distribute clothes. And finally, volunteers are needed for the Meals on Main Street program which serves a hot meal right on the side walk of 674 Main St. in Worcester and also provides groceries for guests to take home every Saturday regardless of weather. If you want to volunteer sign up directly with the easy online portal at https://www.netofcompassion.org/howtohelp.html.

Second Chance Animal Services, Inc. is a nonprofit animal welfare organization serving over 40,000 pets per year. They focus on providing access to affordable veterinary care through full service hospitals and community vaccines clinics, and also offer educational outreach programs, a pet food pantry, community programs, and more. Second Chance welcomes volunteers of all abilities to help care for pets at their adoption center, help with events and fundraisers, clerical tasks, and more, as well as donations and supplies to help their mission. To learn more about how you can help and about the programs and services they offer, please visit www.secondchanceanimals.org or email developement@secondchanceanimals.org.

The Boys & Girls Club of Worcester is one of the largest youth development agencies in Massachusetts, serving 8,000 youth annually through programs such as homework help, college prep, job readiness, healthy habits, recreation, the arts, and social and emotional support, all for just a $25 annual membership. In addition, we serve 300 kids a free dinner every night and support 150 families per week through our community food pantry. Our community partners play an integral role in the success of our organization, volunteering their time to make a direct impact on our youth who need us most. Volunteer opportunities vary, but we collaborate with our volunteers to make sure they are placed in the most impactful role based on their interests and strengths. Activities include hosting career nights, helping with homework and tutoring, becoming a mentor through our Mentor Connection program, serving dinner in Kid’s Café, hosting financial literacy workshops, assisting with college prep, participating on a board committee and more. If you would like to get involved or learn more, please contact Board Member Andrew Bartholomew at abartholomew@bowditch.com.

If you are a WCBA member and are involved with a community organization you would like to see spotlighted in this section, please contact Lynette Paczkowski at lpaczkowski@bowditch.com or (508) 926-3435.