Do you want to get involved in your local community? Are you interested in making a difference? At Woodhaven, there are many different volunteer opportunities where everyone can find a way to pitch in!
1. One-on-one mentoring and friend
One-on-one mentoring is one of many great volunteer opportunities at Woodhaven. Activities can include going out to dinner, bowling, seeing a movie, or playing board games and are based on both the volunteer and the Woodhaven individual’s interests. Mentoring is scheduled based on the volunteer’s availability and the individual’s needs, and this activity can take place at a range of locations. This type of volunteering is very rewarding and of great value to our individuals. A one-on-one mentorship means that our volunteers and individuals are able to form a friendship that means so much to everyone involved.
2. Community connections volunteer
As a community connections volunteer, you can socialize and spend time with Woodhaven’s individuals at a variety of events on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Potential events in this role include bowling, bingo, and baking. The schedule will coordinate the interests and availability of the volunteer with the Community Connection program’s needs.
3. Service learning
If you’re a student at the University of Missouri, get involved with Woodhaven through MU’s Office of Service Learning! We are partnered with the office to help students complete service learning requirements by working with our residents. Activities include yard work, making cards, and other fun projects. Service learning volunteers must complete a background check before they can start.
4. Literacy coach
Being a literacy coach is a great option for volunteers looking to interact with Woodhaven individuals! As a literacy coach, you will work with enthusiastic Woodhaven community members eager to improve their literacy skills, especially to help their long-term goal of finding community-based employment. A curriculum will be created to meet the individual’s needs, and the schedule can be arranged based on the volunteer and individual’s availability.
5. Community Employment Services Volunteer
Volunteers can work with students in our Community Employment Services program, which offers classes for individuals with autism and other neurodiversities to learn important skills for the workforce. As a volunteer, you can work alongside our students as they take classes on topics like social skills, technology, and therapeutic recreation.
6. Development Volunteer
If you’re looking to get involved with planning fundraising and awareness-building events, being a development volunteer may be a great fit for you! In this role, you will help plan activities and also be part of other activities like direct mail campaigns and events.
7. Group volunteer opportunities
Groups can also volunteer by adopting a home, or group of homes, where group members can form meaningful relationships with the residents and assist them with tasks like gardening, home decorating, and other activities. Additionally, your group can sponsor a themed dance or other social event to provide Woodhaven’s community members a fun social outlet. Fundraisers of any kind are another great option for groups to support Woodhaven!
To learn more about Woodhaven’s volunteer opportunities visit https://www.woodhaventeam.org/howtohelp/volunteer/, and fill out a volunteer application here: https://www.woodhaventeam.org/volunteer-application/