It’s easy to believe that a busy schedule makes volunteering out of the question. But what better way to spend your time than contributing to a cause you care about, connecting to your community and advocating for the greater good? Read on for a list of local volunteer opportunities with time commitments that will match any schedule.
The National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI)
Image via Nami
NAMI is a non-profit organization that works tirelessly to improve the lives and well-being of those struggling with their metal health through education, support and advocacy. Currently, NAMI serves as the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organizations and has an affiliate location in Pomona Valley. Volunteering with NAMI allows you to get involved with your area of interest and expertise from public policy advocacy to fundraising to facilitating support groups. NAMI provides flexible volunteer hours that will allow those involved to contribute as little or as much as their schedules permit.
Location: Pomona, CA
How to get involved: Fill out an online volunteer form.
Image via Children’s Foundation of America
Foothill Family Shelter works hard to house families experiencing homelessness and provides extended and one-year transitional housing. In addition, this incredible non-profit hosts the Foothill Family Thrift Store, where proceeds are directly used to assist those in need. Foothill Family Shelter boasts a variety of volunteer opportunities in areas such as marketing/outreach, mentorship, childcare, fundraising and more, so there’s an opportunity for everyone. Flexible volunteer hours make this the ideal volunteer location for anyone with a busy schedule!
Location: Upland, CA
How to get involved: Fill out a volunteer or internship application.
Image via School On Wheels
Did you know there has been a 50% increase in students identified as experiencing homelessness? The mission of School on Wheels is “to enhance educational opportunities for children from kindergarten through twelfth grade who are experiencing homelessness,” by providing consistent support systems, scholarships, a learning center, one-on-one weekly tutoring and school supplies. Make an impact by becoming a volunteer tutor with School on Wheels where you can work directly with students in need. This volunteer opportunity is perfect if you are able to commit to a consistent volunteer schedule, with a time commitment of approximately one hour every week. If you have patience, persistence and a love of learning, this is the opportunity for you!
Location: Pomona, CA; Ontario, CA; Upland, CA; Chino, CA; Redlands, CA and Corona, CA
How to get involved: Fill out an online application.
Inland Valley Humane Society Facebook
Calling all animal lovers! Inland Valley Humane Society works hard to care for lost and abandoned animals by providing food, veterinary care and attention until a home is found. Inland Valley Humane Society relies heavily on volunteers to socialize with cats, walk dogs, participate in community events, assist with grooming and take photos of their furry friends. This opportunity is encouraged for those who are hoping to volunteer semi-regularly, but may not be available for a weekly commitment. Those interested in volunteering with Inland Valley Humane Society must commit to a minimum of six months of volunteering, with four hours per month.
Location: Pomona, CA
How to get involved: Fill out an online volunteer application.
Image via House Of Ruth Inc.
Located in Pomona, CA, House of Ruth is committed to the fight against domestic violence by providing free resources and services to those affected. Services offered include an emergency shelter, child abuse treatment programs, a transitional living program, counseling services and legal advocacy. Volunteer opportunities include working with their 24-hour emergency hotline, court accompaniment and administration work. This volunteer opportunity is recommended for those dedicated to supporting the initiatives of House of Ruth and involves the completion of a 40-hour training.
Location: Pomona, CA
How to get involved: Contact Ashley Spencer at aspencer@houseofruthinc.org for a volunteer application.
Image via Crossroads Inc. Facebook
Recidivism rates for women are at an all time high with 59% of women released from prison returning within three years (with even higher rates for women of color). Crossroads strives to empower and support previously incarcerated women in the journey to become self-sustaining through housing, counseling, education and employment training. Crossroads hosts various events and initiatives throughout the year and needs assistance with donation requests, coffee drives, newsletters and more. If you find your schedule a little too busy to lend your time but still want to give back, consider donating or starting a collection drive to purchase items off their wish list.
Location: Claremont, CA
How to get involved: Contact Vicki at vicki@crossroadswomen.org
Image via Just Do Good
Compton Initiative hosts quarterly volunteer days where volunteers from all over southern California come together to paint, re-store, beautify and re-build areas of the Compton, CA community. To date, Compton Initiative has beautified 573 homes, 30 schools, 35 church buildings, 31 public spaces, two medical spaces and 134 murals. This is the perfect volunteer event if you have a group that wants to give back together (friends, classmates, co-workers etc.).
Location: Compton, CA
How to get involved: Sign up solo or register a group for the next volunteer project.
What cause are you hoping to contribute to? Let us know using the hashtag #CampusCropChat on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Don’t forget to follow us on Snapchat @asicpp!
