Resources: 15 Ways to Give Back

15 WAYS TO GIVE BACK

Central Ohio organizations offer multiple opportunities for those looking to improve their communities.

Beyond the emotional and physical satisfaction that comes from assisting those in need, volunteer work provides a sense of purpose and community, as well as an opportunity to acquire a new set of skills. The Columbus Region is home to an abundance of volunteer possibilities; below are a handful to get you started.

Mothers Helping Mothers

Numerous adolescents may be coping with early pregnancy or other concerns. Mothers Helping Mothers empowers young mothers between the ages of 12 and 24 and provides compassionate care to those with nowhere else to turn. Staff members with expertise in case management, counseling, personal finance, public relations, social work and legal concerns supervise personalized programs for individuals committed to their futures. mhmteen.org all-that.org

All THAT

All THAT seeks devoted Columbus residents who can build a long-term connection with teenagers to help them identify future successes. Mentors aid students academically and offer career and life guidance through individual and group meetings, as well as activities and community service excursions. all-that.org

The Columbus Urban League

The Columbus Urban League, part of the National Urban League, was founded in 1918 with the goal of advancing African Americans and other marginalized groups economically, educationally and socially to increase their level of self-determination. Individuals may donate their time in dozens of areas, including employment coaching, business resource organizations and intervention, and summer youth and rehabilitation programs. cul.org

LEON

LEON was founded in 2002 as a network committed to fostering a healthy Latino community in Central Ohio through the creation and funding of education and empowerment programs. The efforts of LEON—or the Latino Empowerment Outreach Network— concentrate on health, education, advocacy and communication. leongroup.org

ECDI Women's Business Center

Calling all experienced professionals: ECDI Women’s Business Centers is looking for individuals to use their expertise and abilities to benefit female business owners. Volunteers will strengthen their professional network while assisting local small businesses, helping women achieve their goals and building communities. wbcohio.org

Home for Familiies

Home for Families believes education is the most important factor in preventing homelessness. HFF education services include programs that assist academic advancement, youth development and healthy families. The organization is particularly in need of volunteers on Tuesdays, when material goods are prepared for distribution. homeforfamilies.org

Dreams on Horseback

Dreams on Horseback offers a wide range of programs that are suitable for participants of all ages. Initiatives include therapeutic riding, equine-assisted learning, sensory experiences for those with Alzheimer’s disease, vocational training, military programs, field excursions and team-building. No prior experience with horses is required. dreamsonhorseback.org

Image Credit: Brooke LaValley

Freedom a la Cart

Freedom a la Cart empowers survivors of human trafficking to live free and autonomous lives. The organization established a rehabilitation facility where survivors may recover, improve and prepare for sustained employment and reintegration into society. Volunteers are sought in the catering kitchen, café and transportation departments, as well as mentorship roles. freedomalacart.org

The Period Pantry Project

Eradicating “period poverty” is a group effort. The Period Pantry Project seeks to guarantee that everyone in the Columbus area who needs menstruation products has access to them, despite cost barriers, lack of transportation or other obstacles. Anyone can volunteer in the comfort of their own home by creating packaged period supply kits or hosting virtual fundraisers. Delivery drivers are also needed. theperiodpantryproject.org

Ohio Wildlife Center

As Ohio’s largest donation-supported wildlife hospital with on-site veterinary care for wildlife rehabilitation, Ohio Wildlife Center serves all of the state’s 88 counties and admits more than 7,500 animals annually. Volunteer opportunities include landscaping, grounds maintenance and animal transportation. ohiowildlifecenter.org

Mid-Ohio Food Collective

More than 170,000 daily meals are provided by the Mid-Ohio Food Collective to needy individuals in Central and Eastern Ohio. The great bulk of healthy food handled annually by the collective is distributed directly through its network of 680 member organizations. Volunteer duties include checking for expired food, opened packages and spoilage; marking cans; and packaging food and household products. mofc.org

Colony Cats

Colony Cats is a volunteer-run organization whose main objective is to combat cat overpopulation in Central Ohio through education and spay/ neuter initiatives. Since 2002, the organization has put over 15,000 animals in homes. Volunteer possibilities include aiding the adoption center, assisting with events, feeding feral cats in controlled colonies and transporting animals to veterinarian clinics. colonycats.org

Open Door Columbus

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities receive support from Open Door Columbus, which encourages its members to get in touch with their creative sides. There are many different ways to become involved, some of which include serving as a mentor, helping out with creative programming, contributing to the garden, providing instruction in music and dance or taking part in collaborative art and craft projects. opendoorcolumbus.org

Highland Youth Garden

The Highland Youth Garden provides children with a comprehensive, interactive learning environment, as well as the space and instruction necessary to grow their own food. Working with over 350 children each year, the half-acre garden annually produces over 3,000 pounds of fruits and vegetables. Volunteers can assist with garden workshops; planting, seeding and weeding; building structures and signage in the garden; and digital fundraising and marketing projects. highlandyouthgarden.org

Kaleidoscope Youth Center Inc.

Kaleidoscope Youth Center Inc., founded by and for youths, employs a varied, experienced team that partners with LGBTQ+ young people in Columbus and around Ohio to offer free programming, housing and support services. Volunteer options include assisting with events, such as Other Prom, Pride Open House & Celebration, BarBQue and the Unity Soiree, the major autumn fundraiser. kycohio.org