Community Partners and Agencies

Animal Care and Control aims to create partnerships within the community in order to promote responsible pet ownership, decrease the overpopulation of domestic pets through spay-neuter programs, and to place adoptable animals in good homes.

• Service opportunities: in-house shelter care, adoption fairs and events
• Volunteer requirements:
  • background check
  • complete application
• Contact: David Shrewbury, 704.336.8006, ext. 42952, dshrewbury@cmpd.org

The Carolina Raptor Center, located in Huntersville, is dedicated to environmental education and the conservation of birds of prey through public education, the rehabilitation of injured and orphaned raptors, and research.

• Service opportunities: ground maintenance and special projects
• Volunteer requirements: complete volunteer application from website
• Contact: Audrey Blackburn, 704.875.6521, ext. 209, ablackburn@carolinaraptorcenter.org

Companion Parrots Re-Homed, located in Pineville, strives to rescue companion parrots from harmful or unwanted situations, to accept surrendered, found or injured parrots, and to adopt these birds to qualified homes.

• Service opportunities: help with general maintenance, care for the birds
• Volunteer requirements: attend volunteer orientation
• Contact: Jim Alexander, 704.889.2325, jima@companionparrots.org

The Humane Society of Charlotte works to improve our community by creating new, loving families, and by building a world where there are no more homeless or unwanted animals.

• Service opportunities:
  • new volunteers: most urgently-needed jobs, such as cleaning and administrative tasks like filing and phone calls
  • more experienced volunteers: additional training available to allow for animal interaction, training, and care
• Volunteer requirements:
  • must be at least 16 years old
  • background check
  • commit to six hours a month for six months
  • attend volunteer orientation (one-time cost of $20)
• Contact: volunteer@humanecharlotte.org

A Child's Place works in collaboration with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools to provide education and support services and to advocate for children and their families who are homeless or at-risk of being homeless.

• Service opportunities: lunch buddy, tutor, or classroom assistant in one of 15 area schools
• Volunteer requirements:
  • background and reference check
  • attend orientation
  • one-year commitment required for those who want to work one-on-one with children
  • complete volunteer application on website
  • register as a volunteer with CMS
• Contact: Karen Pierce, 704.343.3790, ext. 9551, kpierce@achildsplace.org

Children's Theatre of Charlotte creates exceptional theatre experiences, inspiring generations to explore the wonder of their world.

• Service opportunities: serve as ushers for Children's Theatre shows and for special events at ImaginOn
• Volunteer requirements: complete volunteer application
• Contact: Louise Lawson, 704.973.2832, louisel@ctcharlotte.org

The mission of Firm Foundations Youth & Family Outreach is to education, expose, and empower youth and families to become self-sufficient and confident of succeeding in society.

• Service opportunities: event coordination and marketing
• Volunteer requirements: vary based on role selected/applied for
• Contact: Kim Roseboro, kroseboro@firmfoundationsinc.org

Girl Scouts, Hornets’ Nest Council is the premiere leadership organization that creates a variety of fun, transformational experiences for girls grades k-12, volunteers, staff members, and community stakeholders. We provide an opportunity for every girl to maximize her own potential and become a leader in her own life.

• Service opportunities: Troop Leader, weekly sessions for the Girls Go Beyond program, administrative needs
• Volunteer requirements: attend general GSHNC volunteer orientation; some volunteer activities require registration
• Contact: customercare@hngirlscouts.org, 704.731.6500

Greater Charlotte Let Me Run inspires boys through the power of running to build courage, support a healthy relationship to being active, and create a balance between confidence and humility.

• Service opportunities: season coaches and assistant coaches
• Volunteer requirements: attend training (do not have to be male or a trained runner)
• Contact: Jay Seago, 540.818.8162, jays@letmerun.org

Dedicated to our community for over 30 years, the Harris YMCA provides diverse and dynamic programs.

• Service opportunities: assist with youth programs, such as sports leagues, Y Readers, Level Up, Safety, and Campus Blue Skies
• Volunteer requirements:
  • must be at least 15 years old
  • complete volunteer registration
  • background check
  • attend training
• Contact: Sarah Morabito, 704.716.6832, harrisvolunteers@ymcacharlotte.org

Right Moves for Youth, available at multiple locations, provides resources and guidance to help youth graduation from high school.

• Service opportunities: create a positive peer support environment and help facilitate the life skills-building curriculum
• Volunteer requirements: must be at least 21 years old
• Contact: Lauren Celaya, 704.377.4425, ext. 100, lcelaya@rightmovesforyouth.org

Trips for Kids provides transformative cycling experiences for under-served youth.

• Service opportunities: ride buddy, help clean and make adjustments to bikes in the re-cyclery
• Contact: Anna Glodowski, 704.236.8257, anna@tripsforkidscharlotte.org

Junior Achievement of the Carolinas is made up of passionate people who seek to educate and inspire young people to succeed in a global economy.

• Service opportunities: teach financial literacy in an in-classroom environment
• Volunteer requirements: attend hour-long training session
• Contact: Amy Korb, 704.536.9668, akorb@jacarolinas.org

Guardian ad Litem recruits, screens, trains, and supervises volunteer advocates to protect and promote the best interest of abused and neglected children in the state's custody.

• Service opportunities: advocate for children in core, help with office work, group opportunities
• Volunteer requirements:
  • complete application
  • background check
  • commit to at least one year with the program
• Contact: Rhonda McGuire, 704.686.0090, gal.district26@nccourts.org

The Center for Community Transitions works to reintegrate offenders with their family and community, help them find employment, and support them with any issues they encounter.

• Service opportunities: marketing, office help, event planning
• Contact: Myra Clark, 704.494.0001, ext. 23, mclark@centerforcommunitytransitions.org

Alexander Youth Network's mission is to provide quality professional treatment to children with serious emotional and behavioral problems.

• Service opportunities: tutoring, lunch or dinner buddy, recreational volunteers
• Volunteer requirements:
  • typically must be at least 21 years old
  • background check
• Contact: Ashley Nieves, 704.227.9115, anieves@alexanderyouthnetwork.org

Allegro Foundation is a champion for children with disabilities.

• Service opportunities: work one-on-one with Allegro students
• Volunteer requirements: commit to 30 min to two hours a week
• Contact: Karah Huntsinger, 704.364.4063, karahh@allegrofoundation.net

Child and Family Development provides comprehensive, integrated, and quality service to children, adolescents, young adults, and families through occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, education, and psychological assessment and support.

• Service opportunities: participate in and support clinical services, marketing, graphic design, information technology, and business administration
• Volunteer requirements: background check (some projects)
• Contact: Cori Beard, 704.940.0619, cbeard@childandfamilydevelopment.com

FSN of Trusted Parents provides support to families with children who have developmental, mental health, and other special healthcare needs. It is a nonprofit, parent-driven organization dedicated to empowering families by providing parent-to-parent support, information, and referral to local, state, and national resources.

• Service opportunities: office work, event planning, NICU outreach, Sibshops, networking
• Contact: Nikia Bye, 980.314.7066, nikiafsntp@trustedparents.org

Horse N Around, located in Lancaster, SC, aims to improve the quality of life of children with developmental and physical disabilities with the help of equine assisted activities and therapies.

• Service opportunities: farm and facility help, lesson volunteers, horse leading
• Volunteer requirements:
  • must be at least 16 years old
  • commit to volunteer at least one semester, once per week
  • attend volunteer orientation
• Contact: Marcus, 704.309.3191, horsenaroundtrc@yahoo.com

LifeSpan provides services to infants six weeks of age to senior adults with disabilities.

• Service opportunities: become a buddy to accompany a group during a visit to the museum or movie, participate in art classes, help plant seeds, teach a class on a skill you have, general maintenance
• Volunteer requirements:
  • must be at least 16 years old
  • complete online application
• Contact: Aubrae Collins, 704.944.5112, acollins@lifespanservices.org

Shining Hope Farms provides Hippotherapy, therapeutic horseback riding, Special Olympics, and other equine assisted activities to children and adults with disabilities.

• Service opportunities: take an active part in sessions, help with stable work or special events
• Volunteer requirements:
  • must be at least 13 years old
  • weekly commitment
  • online sign ups available on website

Special Olympics North Carolina, available in multiple locations, has training and events throughout the state year round.

• Service opportunities: coach, work to raise funds for the Special Olympics, sports development team member, sports official
• Volunteer requirements: individual applications based on interest are available; if unsure how to get involved, complete an interest form (a volunteer coordinator will contact you)
• Contact: Greg Morrill, 919.719.7662, ext. 162, mecklenburg@sonc.net

Thompson Child and Family Focus, available at multiple locations, provides mental heath care and prevention services to children and families.

• Service opportunities: assist in sorting the donation room (particularly around Christmas), child care, assist at front desk
• Contact: 704.536.0375

The Carolina Aviation Museum, located by Charlotte-Douglas Airport, offers educational exhibits and programs for individuals and groups of all ages and backgrounds to inspire future generations of aviation enthusiasts.

• Service opportunities: become consistent volunteers or help with special events  
• Volunteer requirements: students volunteering for more than a one-time event must complete a volunteer application and background check
• Contact: Molly Kinyon, 704.997.3770, ext. 3782, volunteer@carolinasaviation.org

The University City Regional Branch of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library creates a community of readers and empower individuals with free access to information and the universe of ideas.

• Service opportunities: tutor children, reading buddy, help adults with technology  
• Volunteer requirements: background check, complete online application
• Contact: Cameron Smith, 704.416.7200, csmith@cmlibrary.org

Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) provide quality educational experiences so every child of school age acquires the knowledge and skills to enable them to be a successful student now and productive citizen in the future.

• Service opportunities: tutor children, lunch buddy, mentor, chaperone, test proctor
• Volunteer requirements: register as a volunteer with CMS
• Contact: Ana Brown or Phyllis Croutch, 980.343.0474, ana.brown@cms.k12.nc.us

Citizen Schools, located at MLK Jr. and Quail Hollow Middle Schools, is a leading national educational initiative that uniquely mobilizes thousands of volunteers to help improve student achievement by teaching skill-building and apprenticeships after school. Our programs blend these real-world learning projects with vigorous academic and leadership development activities, preparing students in middle grades for success in high school, college, the workforce, and civic life.

• Service opportunities:
  • teach 10-week courses on a topic about which you are knowledgeable and passionate and that can reinforce 21st century skills necessary for success in college and the workforce.
  • drop-in mentor/tutor weekdays between 3:30 and 4:30 p.m.
• Volunteer requirements: background check, sign up online
• Contact: Patricia Corbett, 804.779.5055, patriciacorbett@citizenschools.org

Classroom Central equips students in need to effectively learn by collecting and distributing free school supplies to their teachers.

• Service opportunities: help with sorting in warehouse, shopping days with teachers  
• Volunteer requirements:
  • must be at least 16 years old
  • sign up online
• Contact: Risa Brandon, 704.377.1740, risa@classroomcentral.org

Discovery Place aims to ignite wonder as a preeminent science education center providing extraordinary experience that engage people in the active exploration of science and nature.

• Service opportunities: host exhibitions for larger events, collect and sort items, help with general exhibit operations
• Volunteer requirements: must understand and maintain the professional environment of the museum
• Contact: Susan Dhonau, 704.372.6261, ext. susand@discoveryplace.org

Dream Center Academy, located in Gastonia, works to build generations of students who become college graduates and productive citizens of our community. Their program guides our students to own their education by developing the academic and social skills necessary to succeed in college and beyond.

• Service opportunities: serve as role model, work with our students after school between the hours of 3:30 and 5:30 p.m. through activities such as joining in recreation, helping with homework, reading with a student or a group of students, assisting with technology
• Volunteer requirements: complete volunteer application on website
• Contact: Roxann Jimison, 704.671.2254, rjimison@dreamcentergastoncounty.com

Elizabeth Traditional Elementary provides a well-rounded “traditional” education to our students, wherein the basics of literacy, math, and citizenship are emphasized in a structured, caring environment.

• Service opportunities: tutor k-12 math and reading comprehension
• Volunteer requirements: register as a volunteer with CMS
• Contact: Ashely Sheaffer, 980.343.5475, ashley.sheaffer@cms.k12.nc.us

Garinger High School prepares students to be proficient learners and global thinkers through a rigorous academic program that impact their lives.

• Service opportunities: tutoring in math and English, career or college exploration activities, help with senior exit projects
• Volunteer requirements: register as a volunteer with CMS
• Contact: Jennifer Geyer, 980.343.6450, jennifer1.geyer@cms.k12.nc.us

Heart Math Tutoring, available at multiple locations, aims to ensure that all elementary students develop the strong foundation in math and enthusiasm for academics needed for long-term success, by helping schools use volunteers as tutors.

• Service opportunities: provide basic math skills tutoring
• Volunteer requirements: commit to one academic year of 30—60 minutes per week, register as a volunteer with CMS
• Contact: Kelsey Ripley, 678.327.9109, kelsey.ripley@hearttutoring.org

Matthews Elementary (located in Matthews)

• Service opportunities: classroom assistance
• Volunteer requirements: register as a volunteer with CMS
• Contact: Veronica Terana, 980.343.3940, veronica.terrana@cms.k12.nc.us

Promising Pages provides under-served children with book and inspire a lifelong love of reading through literacy programs and partnerships.

• Service opportunities: help in warehouse or at book fairs
• Contact: Dana Barber, 704.399.1934, dana@promising-pages.org

The National Alliance of Black School Educators/Greater Alliance of Black School Educators, located at various CMS locations, is a coalition of educators from diverse fields committed to providing professional support to improve student achievements, specifically for African American youth.

• Service opportunities: help students with reading and math at CMS sites
• Volunteer requirements: register as a volunteer with CMS, background check
• Contact: Dr. Betty Howell, 704.817.9341, bettyhg@msn.com

Faith Soldiers Word Ministries aims to build up the whole man and the whole family.

• Service opportunities: assist in various projects on outreach events for the community, Children's Church volunteer assistant, projects that help the elderly, volunteer and learn audio video skills
• Contact: Ashley Hughes, 704.567.2128, ahughes@faithsoldiers.org

The mission of Reedy Creek Elementary is to provide high quality learning experiences for all students in order to provide them with strong academic and social foundations so they can develop into adults who contribute positively to their community.

• Service opportunities: provide one-on-one support to individual students as a reading tutor or role model and motivator, help with Fall Festival and Spring Festival
• Volunteer requirements: register as a volunteer with CMS
• Contact: Nicki Dudley, 980.343.6480, nicki.dudley@cms.k12.nc.us

The mission of Renaissance West is to promote a collaborative community centered on quality housing, education, health, wellness, and opportunity.

• Service opportunities: wraparound services such as health, after school, academic support, recreation, and job training programs
• Volunteer requirements: must be enrolled in college
• Contact: Sherri Zimmermann, 704.943.9721, szimmermann@rwci.org volunteer@rwci.org

SMART Start/Reach out and READ aims to ensure all children in Mecklenburg County are prepared for kindergarten. Smart Start funds local programs managed by other agencies in the community in the areas of health, family support, and early care and education.

• Service opportunities: assist with programs
• Contact: Cory Pharr, 704-943-9408, cpharr@smartstartofmeck.org

Anne Springs Close Greenway provides stewardship and works to protect the cultural, ecological, and scientific features of the land, while offering recreational and educational opportunities that promote the health and wellness of the community.

• Service opportunities: review the "Volunteer Portal" listed under the "Support" tab on the website for a list of all current opportunities
• Volunteer requirements:
  • must be at least 16 years old
  • background check ($10 fee)
• Contact: Kaleb Langmeyer, 803.547.1009, kaleblangmeyer@ASCgreenway.org

Carolina Thread Trail is a regional network of trails that connect 2.9 million people in 15 counties in North and South Carolina. The Thread Trail is an example of unprecedented regional collaboration that works to connect people and communities to nature and each other through its 1,610 miles of trails, greenways, and blueways.

• Service opportunities: help with special events, trail maintenance
• Volunteer requirements:
  • must be at least 16 years old
  • create an account online and view sign up for available opportunities
• Contact: Vanessa Covington, vanessa@carolinathreadtrail.org

Catawba Riverkeepers educates and advocates to protect the Catawba-Wateree River Basin's lakes, rivers, and streams for everyone who depends on and enjoys them.

• Service opportunities: one-time events and on-going opportunities to clean streams and rivers
• Volunteer requirements:
  • must be at least 16 years old
  • complete an online volunteer profile to start signing up for events
• Contact: Hillary Zorman, 704.679.9494, hillary@catawbariverkeeper.org

At Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation, volunteers play a huge role in making our parks, nature preserves, greenways, and recreation centers our community’s favorite places to play, relax, rejuvenate, and recreate.

• Service opportunities: single-day projects, such as projects in the parks, senior centers, and nature centers, are open for public registration on the site
• Contact: Karen Howard, 980.314.1046, karen.howard@mecknc.gov

Wing Haven's mission is to cultivate sanctuary in nature, environmental stewardship, and the legacy of southern horticulture. Their vision is to inspire passion in the natural world.

• Service opportunities: manning craft stations at children's events, assisting gardeners with their current needs
• Volunteer requirements:
  • must be 16 or older to volunteer without a guardian present
  • fill out volunteer form on website
• Contact: Stefanie Myer, 704.331.0664, ext. 109; roots@winghavengardens.org

As a resource provider, America's ToothFairy: National Children's Oral Health Foundation increases access to oral health care by supporting non-profit clinics and partners delivering education, prevention, and treatment for under-served children.

• Service opportunities: lead drives to collect oral care products, get trained to lead presentations to teach children fundamental oral health instruction
• Contact: Kelleigh White, 704.981.2773, outreach@ncohf.org

The American Red Cross provides relief to victims of disaster and help people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies.

• Service opportunities: blood center, financial development, health and safety, disaster services, transportation needs and communications
• Volunteer requirements: background check, interview, complete training
• Contact: Rose Brown, 704.632.5581, angelica.brown@redcross.org

Created in honor of Isabella Santos, who fought Neuroblastoma for over five years, the goal of the Isabella Santos Foundation is to raise money and awareness for Neuroblastoma research, provide financial assistance to families with children who are suffering from cancer, as well as to provide financial support for organizations that support children with cancer.

• Service opportunities: volunteer at 5k/10k races, other event preparation and management assistance
• Volunteer requirements: must be at least 16 years old
• Contact: Kristine Sniegocki, 704.975.5017, kristine@isabellasantosfoundation.com

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society aims to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's Disease, and Myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Funds lifesaving blood cancer research.

• Service opportunities: assist with special events and fundraisers
• Volunteer requirements: must be at least 16 years old
• Contact: Melanie Owen, 704.705.1815, melanie.owen@lls.org

The National Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society Mid-Atlantic Chapter aims to create a world free of MS and provide services to people living with MS.

• Service opportunities: event preparation and participation
• Volunteer requirements:
  • must be at least 16 years old
  • complete online registration on website
• Contact: Alicia Hyatt, 704.612.2705, nct@nmss.org

Novant Health Hospice provides patients with holistic care during the transition of their end of life journey.

• Service opportunities: be a companion for a patient, help create flower bouquets and deliver them to patients, offer music programs
• Contact: Misty Stroupe, 704.384.3524, mestroupe@novanthealth.org

Men’s Shelter of Charlotte provides safe emergency shelter while working to end homelessness for each man.

• Service opportunities: work the front desk, sort and pass out items in the commissary, prepare and serve breakfast and lunch, work in the Housing & Employment Resource Center, clerical work
• Volunteer requirements:
  • commit to 10 hours of volunteer training
  • attend orientation
  • first-time volunteers must arrive 15 minutes before scheduled shift
• Contact: Elane Fleming-Stinson, 704.334.3187, ext. 230, elane.stinson@mensshelterofcharlotte.org

One7 Ministries serves refugee, immigrant, and inner-city youth/families within the Charlotte area through soccer, academic support, transitional housing, and community outreach.

• Service opportunities: after school programming (tutoring, classroom assistance, ESL lessons, activity leader, reading buddy), property upkeep/maintenance, apartment renovations
• Volunteer requirements: must be at least 18 years old
• Contact: Syndey Newell, 812.447.2062, syndey@one7.org

Project Outpour provides mobile shower access to persons moving through homelessness, alleviating suffering and promoting holistic health and dignity.

• Volunteer requirements:
  • must be 18 years and older
  • volunteers aged 14–17 must be accompanied by an adult or guardian; volunteers under age 14 not allowed
  • complete basic paperwork (media consent, release of liability, code of conduct, and confidentiality agreement)
  • shadow staff during a shift to determine fit
• Contact: Laureen Jenkins, 704.290.3050, laureen@projectoutpour.org

Samaritan House is a not-for-profit recuperative care place for people who are homeless and in need of short term care following a hospital or emergency room stay.

• Service opportunities: yard work and landscaping, inside chores, prepare and serve meals
• Volunteer requirements: sign up for a volunteer position (the Volunteer Coordinator will contact you to confirm your request)
• Contact: Gregg Chapman, 704.333.0110, greggchapman1@gmail.com

Supportive Housing Communities provides affordable housing to alleviate homelessness and human suffering.

• Service opportunities: opportunities can be scheduled on weekdays or weekends between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. for an average of two to four hours per volunteer duty
• Volunteer requirements:
  • must be at least 12 years old
  • complete the volunteer application
  • attend training and orientation
• Contact: Linda Miller, 704.335.9380, ext. 138, linda@aplacetoliveagain.org

The Harvest Center of Charlotte, available at multiple locations, provides transformational housing, children and youth programming, and food assistance.

• Service opportunities: review website for available opportunities
• Contact: Matt Daniels, 704.335.1616, ext. 104, mdaniels@theharvestcenter.org

The Relatives/Journey Place strives to help youth and young adults transition from crisis to safety, stability, and independence.

• Service opportunities: host an event or a workshop, sign up to bring a meal
• Volunteer requirements: register for volunteer orientation, complete contact information (the resource manager will then contact you)
• Contact: Christina Nunez, 704.344.1111, cnunez@therealitives.org

The Union County Community Shelter, located in Monroe, works to end hunger and homelessness in Union County.

• Service opportunities: host a meal, help in the pantry or kitchen
• Volunteer requirements:
  • must be at least 16 years old
  • complete online registration and orientation
• Contact: Victoria May, 704.289.5300, volunteer@unionshelter.org

Ada Jenkins Center, located in Davidson, exists to help people in our community create lasting solutions for health, education, and economic stability.

• Service opportunities: on-call/as-needed volunteers, special events, community awareness, food pantry
• Volunteer requirements: background check
• Contact: Melissa Scott, 704.896.0471, ext. 131, melissa.scott@adajenkins.org

Angels and Sparrows Soup Kitchen, located in Huntersville, starts with a nourishing meal served with dignity. Angels and Sparrows fosters community and a path to hope for those facing hunger in their daily lives through programs, celebrations, and experiences — transforming daily interactions into personal connections and a sense of belonging.

• Service opportunities: assist with meal prep, serve meals, clean up after meals, help with annual 5k program
• Volunteer requirements:
  • must be at least 18 years old
  • follow Angels and Sparrows on Facebook for updates on available volunteer dates and times
• Contact: Jessika Tucker, 704.918.0122, jessika@angelsandsparrows.org

The mission of Beds for Kids is to provide beds and essential furniture to children and their families in need.

• Service opportunities: clean furniture, move and stage furniture, organize and pack bed linens
• Volunteer requirements:
  • must be at least 15 years old
  • reach out directly to schedule volunteering
• Contact: Kevin Warren, 980.422.1192, info@bedsforkids.org

Bright Blessings, located in Matthews, works to bring joy, care, and hope to homeless and impoverished children by mobilizing community volunteers of all ages. Our services impact over 4,000 local children every year through our Bless-a-Birthday, Bless-a-Baby, Gift of Literacy, and Gift of Care programs.

• Service opportunities: put together hygiene kits, wrap gifts, make birthday cards for children living in shelters
• Volunteer requirements:
  • must be at least 14 years old
  • complete event registration on website
• Contact: Jason Hairston, 704.846.2329, jason@brightblessingsusa.org

Charlotte Rescue Mission works to transform lives by serving people impacted by addiction to equip them to thrive in the community.

• Service opportunities: create profile on website to review events and opportunities
• Volunteer requirements:
  • must be at least 16 years old
  • create online volunteer profile
• Contact: Liz Foster, 704.333.4673, liz.foster@charlotterescuemission.org

The mission of Crisis Assistance Ministries is to provide assistance and advocacy for people in financial crisis, helping them move toward self-sufficiency.

• Service opportunities: review website for descriptions and sign ups
• Contact: 704.371.3001, volunteer@crisisassistance.org

Crossroads Corporation for Affordable Housing and Community Development, Inc. works to transform the Grier Heights community through economic and residential improvement and youth development.

• Service opportunities: mentor and tutor at-risk middle school students
• Contact: Rebekah Bowen, 704.365.3555

Dilworth Soup Kitchen provides a different approach to a soup kitchen by preparing a "Sunday's best" meal and serving it to our neighbors.

• Service opportunities: prepare, serve, or clean after Monday lunch service
• Contact: Mary Andujar, info@dilworthsoupkitchen.org

Friendship Trays prepares and delivers nutritious meals to those in the Charlotte Mecklenburg area who cannot prepare meals on their own because of age or infirmity.

• Service opportunities: kitchen and food preparation
• Volunteer requirements: contact Lani Lawrence or complete application online to get started
• Contact: Lani Lawrence, 704-333-9229

Goodwill believes that all people in our region have the opportunity to develop their fullest potential through the power of work.

• Service opportunities: facilitate workshops; assist with projects related to customer service, job readiness, technology training, visual arts, health and wellness, hospitality
• Contact: Kilby Watson, 704.332.0316, kilby.watson2goodwillsp.org

Habitat for Humanity - Charlotte

Through faith, innovation, and passion, and thanks to the support of countless community partners, volunteers, donors, and advocates, Habitat Charlotte has made a significant impact in Charlotte since its founding.

• Service opportunities: ReStore and build site
• Volunteer requirements: must be at least 16 years old; check website for more information
• Contact: Rachel Eldridge, 704.376.2054, volunteer@habitatcharlotte.org

Habitat for Humanity - Matthews

Habitat for Humanity - Matthews partners and builds homes for qualifying low-income families in need of affordable housing in our community.

• Service opportunities: ReStore
• Volunteer requirements:
  • must be at least 16 years old
  • must sign up at least 48 hours before the shift to complete the online orientation
• Contact: Kristen Fuller, 704.845.2760, kristen@habitatmatthews.org

Loaves & Fishes' mission is to provide a week's worth of nutritious groceries to people within the community facing economic hardships.

• Service opportunities: work at phone center, food pantries, with a delivery crew, or in the warehouse sorting food; help with special events
• Volunteer requirements: review the open volunteer warehouse schedule on the website
• Contact: Danielle Moore, 704.523.4333, danielle@loavesandfishes.org

The vision of Matthews HELP Center in Matthews is to be the central location in the community where help and resources are provided for those in need.

• Service opportunities: thrift store, food pantry, pick up perishable food  
• Volunteer requirements: must be at least 15 years old
• Contact: Sandra Conway, 704.847.8383, sandra@matthewshelpcenter.org

Samaritan's Feet serves and inspires hope in children by providing shoes as the foundation to a spiritual and healthy life, resulting in the advancement of education and economic opportunities.

• Service opportunities: warehouse, distribution
• Volunteer requirements:
  • all groups and individuals must be scheduled in advance; contact the volunteer coordinator to schedule a time to serve
  • volunteers are asked for a suggested donation of $20 per person (we gladly accept any donation amount) or a new pair of children's athletic shoes and socks as part of your volunteer experience
  • children under 8 not allowed in the warehouse
• Contact: Robyn Janneh, 704.200.2205, rjanneh@samaritansfeet.org

Second Harvest Food Bank works to end hunger in 16 counties by distributing food to over 500 agencies, such as soup kitchens, emergency shelters, group homes, food pantries, and low income day cares.

• Service opportunities: help sort and distribute food items in warehouse or other locations
• Volunteer requirements:
  • must be at least 17 years old
  • complete online registration
  • commit to stay the entire length of volunteer shift
• Contact: Nancy Hagerman, 704.805.1712, nhagerman@secondharvest.org

Speak Up Magazine exists to develop transformative lifelong skills in homeless people while giving them a voice, income, and dignity.

Service opportunities: coach homeless clients, develop and edit magazine content, create digital content

St. Mark's Soup Kitchen offers lunch to all people, free of requirement or charge.

• Service opportunities: assist with preparation, serving, and cleaning for lunch service
• Volunteer requirements: complete volunteer form on website

International House promotes international understanding and help immigrants integrate fully into our community.

• Service opportunities: help with one-time projects and events, tutor in ESL, become a home host
• Contact: Samantha Williams, 704.333.8099, swilliams@ihclt.org

Latin American Coalition serves Hispanic families to help them overcome linguistic, economic, educational, and cultural barriers.

• Service opportunities: instructor's aid, citizenship classes, voter registration, ESL instructor
• Volunteer requirements:
  • must be at least 16 years old
  • Spanish/English-speaking  
• Contact: German Barriga, 704.941.2552,dbarriga@mylac.org

Latin Americans Working for Achievement works to support the education advancement of Hispanic youth and women.

• Service opportunities: tutor children and women with reading using basic skills 
• Volunteer requirements: register as a volunteer with CMS

Leah's House of Refuge Community Center provides a safe haven through outreach programs to be a resource which meets the ever-growing needs of the whole man and the whole family through education, health and wellness, helping to eliminate hunger, and addressing the challenges of the high-risk population in the inner city of east Charlotte.

• Service opportunities:
  • stock, prepare, or serve food in food pantry
  • clothing closet assistant
  • GED class instructor
  • workforce assistance
  • health and wellness
  • counseling
  • outreach
  • receptionist
• Contact: 704-272-7885

Adult Care and Share Center provides a safe and healthy environment in which senior and disabled adults can experience social activities that are mentally and physically stimulating, provides respite for caregivers, and provides a way to keep these family members at home.

• Service opportunities: work with individuals with music, crafts, cooking; lead activities; garden, decorate, and organize
• Contact: Beth Sharpe, 704.567.2700, bgsharpe@bellsouth.net

The Alzheimer's Association works to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support for all affected, and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.

• Service opportunities: assist with large events; other opportunities available based on student and organizational needs
• Volunteer requirements:
  • must be at least 16 years old
  • complete registration forms
  • attend orientation
• Contact: Luanne Kirkland, 980.498.7723, lkirkland@alz.org

Brookdale Weddington Park, located in Matthews, is an assisted living community with a special combination of housing and supportive services for seniors who are unable to live alone, but do not need full time nursing care.

• Service opportunities: set up an appointment to learn about all volunteer opportunities  
• Volunteer requirements:
  • must be at least 16 years old
  • background check
  • TB test
• Contact: email Joanne Boles, 704.847.9477

Elmcroft of Little Avenue is an assisted living and memory care community. Our residents receive personalized services and opportunities for meaningful social interaction in a “bed and breakfast” style environment.

• Service opportunities: crafts, walks, games, music, one-on-one visits
• Volunteer requirements:
  • fill out application at the location
  • background check
  • TB test
• Contact: email Tina Pritchard, 704.541.9333

Hospice and Palliative Care Charlotte region's promise is to provide exceptional care, to guide patients and their families on their journey, and to respect their choices.

• Service opportunities: provide companionship to patients in their homes, skilled nursing facilities, and assisted living communities; help patients cope with life's daily tasks, offer breaks for tired caregivers
• Volunteer requirements: complete eight hours of NVT online and four hours in-person/on-site
• Contact: email Anita Gluodenis, 704.602.0890 

Eagle Rock Camp, available at multiple locations, works to bring military families together to heal, reconnect in their communities, restore their hope, and emerge as an empowered, purpose-driven unit.

• Service opportunities: assist with activities during retreats

Community Area Resource Team for Troops (CARTT), available at multiple locations, works to unite military and civilian communities by bringing together our local resource providers, referral sources, and supporters to enhance the quality of care for our military population.

• Service opportunities: social media and marketing management, database management
• Contact: email Kati Toney, 704.477.1913

Central Piedmont's Military Families and Veterans' Services provides the bridge between education, life-long education, and career development for those who have served and their family members.

• Service opportunities: office assistance
• Contact: email Richard Bartell

Carolina Breast Friends serves the breast cancer community in a positive environment built to provide education, encouragement, and friendship during any stage of the journey.

• Service opportunities: stewardship, help at the Pink House to provide a comforting environment for survivors and guests, assist with special event preparation, promote the organization
• Contact: Leslie Verner, 704.370.7773, lverner@carolinabreastfriends.org

Girl Talk's mission is to empower every girl to find her voice and to develop teenage girls socially, emotionally, and physically to become civically-engaged community citizens and professionally-competent individuals.

• Service opportunities: help co-facilitate group programs, assist in the middle school classroom, assemble workbooks, help with organization of programming
• Volunteer requirements: attend an orientation, background check
• Contact: Katisha, 704.999.8520, katishan@girltalkfoundationinc.com

Girls on the Run, available at multiple locations, is a positive youth development program for 3rd—8th grade girls. We inspire girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running. Through interactive activities and games, participants learn to set goals, pace themselves, and cross the 5k finish line with a sense of accomplishment with their team.

• Service opportunities: coach, assist with large event preparation and management  
• Volunteer requirements:
  • must be at least 16 years old
  • complete registration forms on website
• Contact: Clarissa Finley, 704.837.0088, cfinley@girlsontherun.org

Healing Vine Harbor provides life skills for women aged 17—30 who are displaced or homeless.

• Service opportunities: clerical tasks, research donors, event planning, assist with workshops
• Contact: Tracey Questell, 704.561.1128, healingvineharbor@gmail.com

Safe Alliance provides hope and healing for those impacted by domestic violence and sexual assault.

• Service opportunities: shelter operations, child care, rape crisis companions, resource center, crisis volunteers
• Volunteer requirements:
  • attend orientation
  • complete training
  • background checks
  • complete form on website for more information
• Contact: 704.332.9034, info@safealliance.org

The Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Foundation works to save lives by meeting the most critical needs in our communities and investing in breakthrough research to prevent and cure breast cancer.

• Service opportunities: assist with special events, fundraising
• Volunteer requirements: complete online application; other requirements can vary based on desired position
• Contact: Amy Dzura, 704.347.8181, a.dzura@komencharlotte.org