Staying involved and active: Where to volunteer to help others in the Springfield area
For those looking to maintain mental and physical health after retirement, getting involved with a local nonprofit can be a great way stay active and social.
The United Way of the Ozarks has identified a number of volunteer opportunities for those looking for ways to stay engaged in the community.
Become a part of the Burrell Be Well Community
The Be Well Community helps enhance the emotional health and well-being of individuals, organizations and communities. Virtual and live experiences, both public and private, are available. Each is rooted in brain science and is led by a team of experts. Participants learn about the benefits of self-care, mindfulness, connection and hope.
More info: https://www.burrellcenter.com/bewellcommunity
Contact: bewellcommunity@burrellcenter.com
More: How keeping involved and active improves these retirees’ physical, mental health
Find your passion in a Give 5 class
Springfield Give 5 is a “civic matchmaking” program that connects soon-to-be Greene County, Missouri, retirees and soon-to-be retirees ages 60 or better with meaningful volunteer opportunities that best fit their skill sets and passions. Participants learn about the most challenging problems facing their communities — and more importantly, learn ways they can help make a difference. Give 5’ers help in a variety of social impact areas, from education to health care to poverty.
Launch of Give 5 Class 17 has been delayed due to the COVID-19 surge. It begins April 6 and will meet each Wednesday through May 4.
More info: https://give5program.org/springfield/
Contact: give5info@gmail.com
Volunteer for the Red Cross
From serving meals to disaster victims to helping with blood drives, volunteers contribute throughout our community. Volunteers teach CPR and help soldiers arrange travel home for the birth of a child. They help us prepare for disaster and recover from the aftermath.
More info: https://www.redcross.org/local/missouri/volunteer.html
Contact: 417-832-9500
Join a program at the YMCA
The Ozarks Regional YMCA offers classes for all ages, all levels and all interests. From low-impact exercise and chair classes, stretching and strength training to indoor cycling, water exercise and yoga, you’ll find a group class that’s fun, supportive and keeps you moving.
More info: https://www.orymca.org/healthy-living
Contact: 417-881-1599
More: Find Your Cause: Staying active and engaged is route to well-being in the new year
Volunteer on Day of Caring
Make plans to take part in the largest community volunteer event in Southwest Missouri this summer.
Day of Caring will be held June 23 with numerous opportunities to be involved around the community. Volunteer as an individual or on a team and give back to the community by completing service projects at area nonprofit organizations to help benefit the clients they serve.
More info: https://www.uwozarks.org/day-of-caring/
Contact: 417-863-7700
Volunteer at the O’Reilly Center for Hope
The O’Reilly Center for Hope brings together multiple partner agencies in support of affordable housing and financial stability. The centralized location helps reduce transportation and other access barriers. O’Reilly Center for Hope relies upon volunteers to meet the needs of those in our community.
More info: https://cpozarks.org/programs/oreilly-center-for-hope/
Contact: 417-888-2020
Find opportunities using Volunteer Ozarks
Volunteer Ozarks connects volunteers with local nonprofits to meet the needs of our community. Whether you are looking for a one-time event, or an ongoing experience, Volunteer Ozarks will link you or your team to community engagement opportunities to meet your goals.
More info: https://volunteerozarks.com/
Volunteer with one of United Way of the Ozarks’ partner nonprofits
United Way of the Ozarks strives to connect people with quality opportunities to serve. Many of its 22 nonprofit partners host volunteer opportunities to become engaged and help serve your community.
More info: https://www.uwozarks.org/partners/
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Volunteer opportunities in Springfield for staying involved and active
