Find the right opportunity for you PAGES 4, 5, 9-11
Tips & tricks to getting engaged PAGE 8
VOLUNTEER
GUIDE 2016
METRO VOLUNTEERS, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE DENVER POST, IS PROUD TO PRESENT THE ANNUAL VOLUNTEER GUIDE AS A RESOURCE FOR COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT. #GOVOLUNTEER
engage your company to volunteer PAGE 6
Metro Volunteers Learn About Us & Our Programs
We are Denver's leading source for volunteer engagement, volunteer leadership training and volunteer advocacy. Our mission is to mobilize and cultivate volunteers as a vital force in our communities.
We train candidates and nonprofits on effective board service through the Deb Brackney Board Leadership Institute
We partner with corporations year-round to bring volunteerism and days of service to the workplace
We prepare Colorado for disasters, and if one happens, we will be there to rebuild and help our communities recover
We have an online database with thousands of volunteer opportunities that you can search and register for directly
Board Leadership
Corporate Volunteerism
Disaster Preparedness
Volunteer Connections
Every year, we work with: VOLUNTEER
600+ nonprofits 3000+ volunteers 30+ businesses
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RECRUIT
TRAIN
CONNECT
We recruit volunteers from every walk of life to serve the community in meaningful and effective ways.
We train nonprofits and volunteers in Board Leadership, engaging volunteers effectively, and skilled volunteerism.
We connect thousands of volunteers, board candidates and corporations each year with the right opportunties.
The Importance of VOLUNTEERING Volunteers Get Things Done
Skilled volunteers such as pro bono professionals & volunteer firefighters deliver critical professional services to people in need.
Volunteers help keep our neighborhoods, parks, schools, streets, & public spaces clean & culturally rich for everyone.
Volunteers tutor, teach, mentor, coach & support others with everything from math homework to personal crises to athletics.
Volunteers build houses, repair infrastructure, dig wells, clean debris & shelter displaced individuals after disasters.
The Nonprofit Sector Needs Volunteers According to the National Center for Charitable Statistics, there are 18,445 registered nonprofits in Colorado. Almost 32% of the those organizations have an annual budget of less than $25,000.
What does this mean? Thousands of nonprofits in Colorado do not have full-time staff, and even nonprofits that do still rely heavily on volunteers to fulfill their missions.
In 2008, the economic value of volunteer work in Colorado was $4.05 Billion.
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ANIMAL WELFARE BUTTERFLY PAVILLION
DIVINE FELINE
FREEDOM SERVICE DOGS OF AMERICA
ROCKY MOUNTAIN FELINE RESCUE
The Butterfly Pavillion's mission is to foster an appreciation of invertebrates while educating the public about the importance of conservation of threatened habitats in the tropics.
The purpose of Divine Feline is to reduce the number of unwanted and homeless cats and to promote the health of all cats through quality and affordable spay and neuter services.
FSD is a nonprofit organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by rescuing dogs and custom training them for individual client needs.
Rocky Mountain Feline Rescue (formerly Animal Rescue and Adoption Society) is a non-profit, no-kill, cagefree cat shelter located in Denver, Colorado.
butterflies.org
thefelinefix.org
freedomservicedogs.org
rmfr-colorado.org
aleske@butterflies.org
marianne@thefelinefix.org
kstroupe@freedomservicedogs.org
help.rmfr@gmail.com
720.974.1868
303.202.3516
303.922.6231
303.669.3766
FOOTHILLS ANIMAL SHELTER
OUTPAWS
THE RIGHT STEP, INC.
THE SEA OTTER FNDN & TRUST
Foothills Animal Shelter cares for 9,000+ orphaned cats, kittens, dogs, puppies and critters every year with a compassionate team of staff and volunteers.
OutPaws is an animal rescue organization that provides a safe haven for homeless animals and gives a second chance to those left behind in overburdened shelter systems.
The Right Step is a therapeutic riding program where clients of all ages with a range of physical, emotional, behavioral & cognitive disabilities experience freedom they have never felt before.
The Sea Otter Foundation & Trust ensures the survival and recovery of sea otters (Enhydra lutris) in their habitats by building funds to support research, conservation and education.
foothillsanimalshelter.org
outpaws.org
therightstepinc.org
seaotterfoundationtrust.org
mthompson@fas4pets.org
carrie@outpaws.org
volunteercoordinator@therightstepinc.org
info@seaotterfoundationtrust.org
720.407.5216
303.803.2434
303.941.9737
303.475.1805
ARTS & CULTURE A CHILD'S SONG
COLORADO BALLET
HISTORY COLORADO
A Child’s Song, Inc. provides music education and appreciation for the entire family in order to fully develop the brain on individual, group, and community levels.
Colorado Ballet is a non-profit organization celebrating more than 50 years of presenting world-class classical ballet and innovative dance in Denver.
History Colorado's mission is to create an informed and engaged Colorado citizenry through exploring Colorado's past and relating it to this state's present and future.
We are committed to enhancing the city’s unique identity by telling the story of Molly Brown’s activism, philanthropy and passion through educational programs, exhibits and stewardship.
achildssong.com
coloradoballet.org
historycolorado.org
mollybrown.org
sandy@achildssong.com
heather.mccallin@coloradoballet.org
emily.dobish@state.co.us
kpopetz@mollybrown.org
303.460.7408
303.339.1618
303.866.2394
303.832.4092
SOAR! YOUTH & ADULT CHOIR SOAR!'s mission is to offer a unique opportunity for at-risk youth (especially those in the foster care and adoptive systems) to become involved in a safe community of mentoring adult performers. soarthechoir.org janine@adoptx.org 303.688.6215
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THE WOMEN'S FNDN OF CO The Women's Foundation's mission is to build resources and lead change so that every woman and girl in Colorado achieves her full potential. wfco.org jessicab@wfco.org 303.285.2960
MOLLY BROWN HOUSE MUSEUM
CHILDREN & YOUTH EDU ANCHOR CTR FOR BLIND CHILDREN Anchor Center teaches visually impaired infants, young children and their families, providing hope and a nurturing environment where children reach their highest potential.
CHILDREN'S LITERACY CTR
CLOTHES TO KIDS
Children's Literacy Center's mission is to "build a life of success through a foundation of literacy...ONE child at a time."
The mission of Clothes To Kids is to provide new and quality used clothing to school-age students from low-income or in-crisis families in the Denver Metro Area, free of charge.
Reading Partners is dedicated to unlocking the skills of students who struggle with reading.
clothestokidsdenver.org
carolina.neely@readingpartners.org
info@clothestokidsdenver.org
720.409.9909
childrensliteracycenter.org
anchorcenter.org
pamela@childrensliteracycenter.org
naitken@anchorcenter.org
719.471.8672
303.377.9732
READING PARTNERS
readingpartners.org
720.379.4630
CIVIC & COMMUNITY ADAMS COUNTY FAIR
AUDIO INFO NETWORK OF CO
BOOMERS LEADING CHANGE
CITY OF WESTMINSTER
The mission of the Adams County Fair is to provide a quality event for our guests and to enhance educational opportunities with emphasis on youth and agriculture while uniting urban and rural communities.
To provide Colorado’s blind, visually impaired and print disabled residents with audio access to news, information and otherwise inaccessible print materials utilizing existing and emerging technology.
Boomers' mission is to harness the experience, energy, and conviction of Adults 50+ to make a difference in the lives of individuals and families across the seven-county Metro Denver area.
The City of Westminster Volunteer Program provides opportunities for residents and non-residents to enhance services provided by the city, to learn new skills and to use their talents while helping others.
adamscountyfair.com
aincolorado.org
ccox@adcogov.org
kat@aincolorado.org
303.637.8000
303.786.7777
blcih.org abell@blcih.org 303.426.6637
JEFFERSON CNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
MOTHERS AGAINST DRUNK DRIVING
METRO DENVER PARTNERS
The public library's mission is to enrich the quality of life for all people in Jefferson County by providing resources for information, education and recreation.
The mission of Mothers Against Drunk Driving is to stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime and prevent underage drinking.
Metro Denver Partners inspires community involvement, empowers youth to realize their potential, and creates hope for their future.
madd.org/co
metrodenverpartners.org
ilana.kurtzig@madd.org
info@metrodenverpartners.org
303.425.5902
303.777.7000
jefferson.lib.co.us jennifer.hand@jeffcolibrary.org 303.275.2212
ci.westminster.co.us mcmiller@cityofwestminster.us 303.658.2159
ROCKY MTN PBS The mission of RM PBS is to enrich the lives of Coloradans through engaging and essential programs, services and community partnerships that inform, enlighten and entertain. rmpbs.org susanbarber@rmpbs.org 303.620.5717
THE ARAPAHOE COUNTY
THE GLBT CENTER OF COLORADO
The Arapahoe County Volunteer Connections helps citizens find volunteer opportunities that enrich their communities.
The mission of the GLBT Community Center of Colorado is to engage, enrich, empower and advance the LGBT Community of Colorado.
arapahoegov.com/volunteer
glbtcolorado.org
nduvan@arapahoegov.com
jgerman@glbtcolorado.org
303.738.7938
303.733.7743
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We train candidates & nonprofits in effective board leadership Candidate training
Nonprofit traning
Learn the ins and outs of effective board service from industry experts. Our 2-hour training covers everything from legalities to finances to finding the right board for you.
Managing an effective board is crucial to your nonprofit's longterm success. Whether you are forming a new board or developing an existing one, we can help you grow.
$59 /class
$50 for annual boardmatch membership
"
join a nonprofit board today & make a difference
Everybody can be great because everybody can serve.
Connection Events
" - Martin Luther King, Jr.
We host happy hour networking events for board candidates and nonprofits. Come enjoy drinks and bites as you mingle with organizations looking for potential board members and/or skilled volunteers. Free for all candidates & boardmatch nonprofits
visit metrovolunteers.org/board-match for training schedules & event dates
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TIPS & TRICKS TO VOLUNTEERING Making Volunteerism Smarter
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do your research What are the causes you care about the most? Make sure the organization you volunteer with has a mission that speaks to you.
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visit our online database Metro Volunteers has an online database with thousands of volunteer opportunities and info on hundreds of nonprofits.
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don't overcommit Balance your life (family, work, volunteering) so that you can be the best volunteer that you can be.
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learn something new Volunteering can be a great opportunity to step outside your comfort zone and learn a new skill or meet new people.
Plan Ahead
2
Opportunities can go fast, especially during the holidays, so plan your volunteerism efforts weeks/months ahead.
consider your skills
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What can you offer? Think about what skills you have and how they can translate to helping a nonprofit.
find a group
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Volunteering with your family, school group, company, religious center, etc. are all great ways to get involved.
have fun! Volunteering can be quite rewarding. Remember to have fun, and if you find something you enjoy, volunteer again!
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ENVIRONMENT GROUNDWORK DENVER
KEEP DENVER BEAUTIFUL
Our mission is to bring about the sustained improvement of the physical environment and promote health and well-being through community-based partnerships and action.
Keep Denver Beautiful is a program of the City and County of Denver to enhance the visual appearance of Denver by addressing graffiti and litter through volunteer projects.
groundworkcolorado.org
denvergov.org/kdb
dele@groundworkcolorado.org
neddra.niblet@denvergov.org
303.455.5600
720.913.1311
THE PARK PEOPLE
VOLUNTEERS FOR OUTDOOR CO
The Park People works to preserve, enhance, and advocate for Denver's parks, recreation resources, open space, and urban forest.
VOC is a leading statewide nonprofit dedicated to motivating and enabling people to become active stewards of Colorado’s natural resources.
theparkpeople.org
voc.org
kim@theparkpeople.org
alice@voc.org
303.722.6262
303.715.1010
Keep Denver Beautiful Denver Solid Waste Management
Keep Denver Beautiful encourages and empowers individuals to maintain livable, clean, and beautiful communities. You can help us! Become a Keep Denver Beautiful Volunteer. Contact us to find out how easy it is to help keep Denver clean and beautiful. You Can Make a Difference:
We're Looking For:
Opportunities for Everyone:
Cleanup & Beautification Projects
Litter & Graffiti busters
Annual events Earth Day Projects Great Denver Cleanup Graffiti Brush Off Challenge Great Colfax Cleanup
Event day assistants Team leaders
Individuals/Families Community & faith-based groups Companies Schools Court-ordered
Program Ambassadors
www.denvergov.org/kdb
Adopt-A-Spot Adopt-A-School
Litter & Graffiti Auditors
neddra.niblet@denvergov.org 311 (720-913-1311)
HEALTH AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY
AMERICAN LUNG ASSOCIATION
The 9Health Fair is Colorado's largest community event. We promote health awareness and encourage individuals to assume responsibility for their own health.
ARTHRITIS FOUNDATION
The ACS is the nationwide, communitybased, voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem.
The ALA is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy & research.
The Arthritis Fndn is the largest and most trusted nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing the needs and challenges of those living with arthritis, the nation’s leading cause of disability.
9healthfair.org
cancer.org
lungcolorado.org
arthritis.org
alex.andrews@9healthfair.org
jen.briggs@cancer.org
chuber@lungs.org
303.698.4450
720.524.5405
303.847.0274
CO VISITING NURSE ASSOCIATION
LIFESPARK CANCER RESOURCES
9HEALTH FAIR
pbonman@arthritis.org 720.644.4406
ROCKY MTN CARES
MARION DOWNS CENTER
VNA is committed to a continuum of health care in the home and community supporting optimal well-being, independence, and dignity.
Lifespark provides next generation Reiki and Healing Touch wellness therapies that transform the healing experience.
RMC facilitates high quality centralized medical care, supportive services and rich educational resources to a diverse and inclusive HIV/AIDS community.
The Center for Hearing, Speech and Language offers health care services of the highest quality to the people who live in Denver and Colorado Springs.
vnacolorado.org
lifesparknow.org
rockymountaincares.org
chsl.org
sanchezkantorc@vnacolorado.org
volunteers.lifespark@gmail.com
ssouthall@rockymountaincares.org
contact@mariondowns.org
303.698.6387
303.425.5670
303.951.3694
303.322.1871
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HUMAN SERVICES DENVER RESCUE MISSION
DEVELOPMENTAL PATHWAYS
FAMILY TREE, INC
HOPE CENTER, INC
Denver Rescue Mission is changing lives in the name of Christ by meeting people at their physical and spiritual points of need, with the goal of returning them to society as productive, self-sufficient citizens.
The purpose of Developmental Pathways is to enrich the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities by providing opportunities to lead a meaningful life.
The mission of Family Tree is to help people overcome child abuse, domestic violence and homelessness to become safe, strong and self-reliant.
HOPE CENTER is a community based agency dedicated to serving individuals in need of specialized educational or vocational services.
thefamilytree.org
hopecenterinc.org
jwilmot@thefamilytree.org
gghope@comcast.net
303.422.2133
303.388.4801
DenverRescueMission.org/volunteer maronhalt@denrescue.org 303.953.3956
JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE OF CO The mission of Jewish Family Service is to restore well-being to the vulnerable throughout the greater Denver community by delivering services based on Jewish values. jewishfamilyservice.org nbenyamin@jewishfamilyservice.org 303.597.5000
developmentalpathways.org k.marek@dpcolo.org 303.360.6600
OUR FAMILY ORPHAN COM
THE BIKE DEPOT
THE SALVATION ARMY
The mission of Our Family Orphan Communities is to assist citizens of urban slums to build new, small selfsustaining communities which create opportunities for them and their families to have a decent quality of life.
The mission of the Bike Depot is to foster the growth of bicyclists and bicycle communities through programs, education and access.
The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.
orphancommunities.org
ryne@thebikedepot.org
bobm@orphancommunities.org
303.393.1963
303.514.6858
WARREN VILLAGE
YMCA OF METRO DENVER
Warren Village exists to help low income single parent families achieve personal and economic self-sufficiency —and to sustain it.
The Y is a powerful association of men, women, and children of all ages and from all walks of life joined together by a shared passion to strengthen the foundations of community.
warrenvillage.org bcook@warrenvillage.org 303.320.5032
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denverymca.org jweimer@denverymca.org 720.524.2713
thebikedepot.org
usw.salvationarmy.org ana.turner@usw.salvationarmy.org 303.866.9219
HUNGER & HOMELESSNESS DENVER FOOD RESCUE The Denver Food Rescue is a 501(c)3 non-profit focused on improving health equity outcomes by increasing access to healthy foods in low income areas. denverfoodrescue.org brittnilaura@denverfoodrescue.org 720.675.7337
FOOD BANK OF THE ROCKIES Food Bank of the Rockies (FBR) is the largest private hunger-relief organization in the state of Colorado. foodbankrockies.org legan@foodbankrockies.org 303.375.5835
METRO CARING
THIRD WAY CENTER
Metro Caring meets people’s immediate need for food while also addressing the root causes of hunger and poverty.
Third Way Center offers truth and hope to high risk, mentally ill, disadvantaged and often homeless adolescents and their families.
metrocaring.org
thirdwaycenter.org
mmaes@metrocaring.org
emartin@thirdwaycenter.org
303.350.3699
378.091.9103
RESTORATION AMERICAN RED CROSS We help individuals and communities prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters; teach lifesaving skills to thousands of individuals; provide transportation for the critically ill and elderly and; offer support to U.S. service members and their families. coloradoredcross.org kristen.gietzen@redcross.org 303.722.7474
BROTHERS REDEVELOPMENT
EXTREME COM MAKEOVER
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Brothers Redevelopment is a Denverbased nonprofit organization that provides housing and a variety of housing-related services for the region’s low-income, elderly and disabled residents.
Extreme Community Makeover coordinates volunteer teams to partner with under-served people to improve their own homes and neighborhoods.
Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver is a non-profit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry.Together, homeowner candidates and volunteers build simple, decent homes.
brothersredevelopment.org
angela@extremecommunitymakeover.org
chad@brothersredevelopment.org
720.235.8847
extremecommunitymakeover.org
303.202.6340
habitatmetrodenver.org trisha@habitatmetrodenver.org 303.534.2929
SENIOR SERVICES C. ROCK SENIOR ACTIVITY CTR
INNOVAGE HOME CARE COM
The mission of the Castle Rock Senior Activity Center is to provide educational, social, healthful and recreational programs. Seniors from South Douglas County come together to meet each other, learn to know each other and help each other.
The mission of InnovAge Home Care Community and Volunteer Programs is to sustain and enhance the independence and quality of life for those we serve, on their terms.
castlerockseniorcenter.org
morem@myinnovage.org
sschroeder@crgov.com
303.300.6933
myinnovage.org
303.688.9498
visit metrovolunteers.org for more 11
303.282.1234 Give us a call
KJUDD@ Metrovolunteers.org
Send us an email
@MetroVolunteers Follow us on social media
Visit us online at
MetroVolunteers.org
and search through dozens of volunteer opportunities based on location, time, impact area, etc.
Questions?
contact us.
METRO VOLUNTEERS' MISSION IS TO MOBILIZE & CULTIVATE VOLUNTEERS AS A VITAL RESOURCE IN OUR COMMUNITIES. THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR MISSION. #GOVOLUNTEER