Addiction treatment programs in MA are typically designed to help addicts, but research suggests when addicts have the chance to serve others, it helps their recovery process! Volunteering may even prevent relapse. 2017 Doing Good Is Good for You Study says 75% of people who volunteered in the past 12 months reported feeling physically healthier. A whopping 93% of volunteers noticed an improvement in their mood, 88% felt improved self-esteem, and 79% reported lower stress levels. As if it weren’t great enough that volunteers experience physical and mental health benefits, they also have a newfound sense of purpose. Even small acts of service can improve your chances of staying sober! Take a look at volunteer opportunities in Worcester, MA. You’re sure to find something that feeds your needs.
Volunteer Opportunities in Worcester, MA
1. Seven Hills Foundation
About the Cause: For 67 years, Seven Hills Foundation has dedicated its efforts to children and adults with disabilities or other significant life challenges. With the help of gracious volunteers and donors, Seven Hills provides clinical, educational, and community-based support. How to Volunteer: Seven Hills is always looking for volunteers to help with:
- Arts and crafts
- Horticulture
- Digital photography
- Teen mentorship
- Music
- Technology
- Mechanical repairs (of adaptive equipment)
- Woodworking
- Special Olympics coaching
- Dance
- Community events
- Fitness programs
For more information, call Seven Hills Foundation at 508-983-2937 or scox@sevenhills.org.
2. StandUp For Kids
About the Cause: Founded in 2006 as a street-outreach program, StandUp For Kids now has an outreach center. The center was established to offer services for homeless youths, providing them with a safe space to rest and make connections with caring adults. Kids come to the center for food, clothing, personal hygiene items, and guidance/referrals for housing. They can also seek help to pay for their GED exams, Massachusetts state ID fees, and long-distance phone calls.
How to Volunteer: Volunteers with StandUp For Kids must go through a volunteer orientation, which is held every third Thursday of the month at 7 PM in Wesley United Methodist Church. For more information, email Donna at Worcester@standupforkids.org.
3. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Mass/Metrowest
About the Cause: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Mass/Metrowest is a mentorship program. Volunteers serve as “Bigs” (“Big Brothers” or “Big Sisters”) to children (“Littles”) facing adversity. Bigs and Littles meet weekly to:
- Do homework
- Practice sports
- Cook healthy meals
- Play games
- And more!
Big Brothers Big Sisters relies on help from community volunteers, schools, and local businesses. If you’re not ready to commit to mentoring, Big Brothers Big Sisters can always use short-term volunteers.
How to Volunteer: Becoming a Big: It’s a big commitment, so make sure you’re ready! Bigs are at least 18 years old and can dedicate a minimum of one year to the mentorship program. A background check and references are required for the application. Once approved, you’ll be matched with a Little. Donate your time: Big Brothers Big Sisters often need photography and graphic design services. Volunteering for general office work is another option. For more volunteer opportunities, email Angela at angela.martano@bbbscm.org.
4. VNA Care
About the Cause: VNA Care network offers home health and hospice care for millions of patients throughout Eastern and Central Massachusetts. For more than 130 years, their mission has been to transform care to improve lives. VNA Care is staffed with:
- Nurses
- Physical therapists
- Occupational therapists
- Speech therapists
- Social workers
- Registered nutritionists
- Home health aides
In addition to their great medical staff, volunteers are a crucial element of VNA’s hospice care. VNA relies on volunteers to provide an extra level of comfort during challenging times for patients and their families.
How to Volunteer: No special skills are required because VNA provides comprehensive training to all new volunteers. They ask that volunteers be available during the week and on weekends. Ideally, you can commit to one year of service. VNA hospice volunteers will:
- Serve as a companion
- Engage in lighthearted conversation to support the patient and family members
- Offer respite for caregivers
- Run errands for patients and/or caregivers
- Help with office projects and events
If you think VNA Care is a good fit, call Volunteer Services at 781-569-2811.
5. RSVP Worcester
About the cause: RSVP Worcester is for people aged 55 and over. As part of the Senior Corps program and the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), RSVP pairs senior adults with volunteer sites that best suit their interests. Primarily, RSVP serves as a middleman to connect senior volunteers with over 70 organizations in need. But RSVP does have volunteer programs, including Stealing Without a Gun. This is a task force of volunteers who travel throughout Worcester County, sharing information about scams targeting seniors.
How to Volunteer: Schedule an appointment with RSVP’s VolunTEAM to discuss your volunteer interests. They work with over 70 organizations, so you’re bound to find a match. They also offer volunteers mileage reimbursement, if applicable. Call them today at 508-791-7787 for more information.
6. NEADY Cats
About the Cause: NEADY Cats is a no-kill animal shelter in Sterling—about 20 minutes outside Worcester, Massachusetts. Their goal is to provide quality veterinary care to homeless cats and then place them in loving forever homes. They rely on donations and volunteers to maintain the best care for their cats.
How to Volunteer: The shelter always needs volunteers to help clean cages, empty litter boxes, and tidy up the cat room and kitten nursery. You can also volunteer your time to cuddle and groom the cats. Email Marilyn at neadycats@charter.net, or call 978-422-5116 for more information. There’s no shortage of volunteer opportunities in Worcester, Massachusetts. These organizations just scratch the surface of ways you can get involved in your community. For more programs that suit your interests and skillsets, use social media and sites like volunteermatch.org. You’ll find a volunteer opportunity, and you may find your purpose as well!
Volunteer Opportunities in Worcester MA
After completing drug or alcohol programs at Washburn House, volunteer opportunities in Worcester, MA include helping out with support groups. As clients continue relapse prevention and participation in peer groups, it presents a small step for volunteering. Contact Washburn House about volunteer opportunities in Worcester, MA during local support group meetings including:
- 12-Step program
- Non-12 step program
- Extended care program in MA
- Alumni volunteer meetings
Call 855.298.3104 today to speak with staff about volunteering during support group meetings.