Opportunities From: United Way of Central Illinois

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) are trained volunteers whose role is to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children in the Sangamon County juvenile court system. CASA strives to ensure that society is fulfilling its most fundamental obligation to children in need. CASA trains and supports qualified, compassionate adults that will fight for and protect a child's right to be safe, to be treated with dignity  and respect, and to learn and grow in the security of a loving family.

Lead a small 30-minute group 3 times per day with children aged 2-8 years old that includes art projects, science experiments, and gross motor activities.

The Annual Fishing Event for People with Disabilities takes place at the TRN Club in Chatham. Participants and their caregivers are welcomed with breakfast, fitted with life vests and are treated to a day of fishing on Lake Springfield. We are in need of volunteers to serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, help participants get fitted with life vests and board their boats. We also are need of people to welcome volunteer boats and their captains and prepare the boats with signs, safety checks and equipment.

To sign up, select the blue "respond" button, fill out your registration information (under where it says "initiative questions") and then select "submit opportunity response."

Please also join us for our Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon sponsored by PNC

When: Friday, 10/3/2025

Where: The Salvation Army (1600 E. Clear Lake, Springfield, IL 62703)

Time: 11:30am-12:30pm

RSVP by clicking the link below:

https://forms.office.com/r/F0qHMfrhfY

Become a Volunteer Tutor and Change Lives!

Help adult literacy and English learners improve their skills in reading, writing, math, and technology. Your support can lead them to high school diplomas, bridge programs, and entry-level jobs.

Why Volunteer?

For more information, contact Brittany Coggins, Adult Education Coordinator, at 217-786-3408 or brittany.coggins@llcc.edu. Your time and dedication can change lives!

Our residents love activities. We host Bingo, daily exercise, and worship services on a regular basis. However, our residents would love to have new people to meet and fun, unique activities to do. You're never too old to learn something new! Whether you would like to spend time one-on-one, or entertain a group, we have options for you! 

Volunteers must be 18 years and older. Are required to background checks but you can continue to volunteer without a background check filled.   

Requirements  I have some experience with working with children. Must be able to lift 25 lbs. Be willing to take constructive criticism. 

Volunteers Duties 

Assisting kids with homework

Assist with snacks 

Assist with crafts

Assist with projects/shelving books 

Assist with cleaning Answering the Door 

Summary  Volunteers are dedicated positive, influential role models. Volunteer are what makes Northside Children’s Community Library  What it is today! Are they loved and appreciated by the children, by me and the entire board.

Make a difference when life matters most. 

If you are searching for a way to make a difference in the lives of others, you belong here. Hospice volunteers are a valuable part of our care team. Based on your interested and preferences, receive specific volunteer training to help improve the quality of life for others. 

Volunteer Opportunities

From providing companionship at a patient's bedside to running errands, and from assisting with administrative duties to creating gifts for patients and their families, one of our volunteer coordinators will help you discover the best fit for you. 

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer please call 

Emily Robbins -  Volunteer Coordinator

618-210-1333

emily.robbins@heartlandhospice.com

If you are interested in improving our community by helping our children get a good scholastic start, we are seeking volunteers 55 and over for the SSCI Foster Grandparent Program. Income eligible volunteers earn a tax-free stipend to volunteer their time in local schools, preschools, after school programs, and special needs programs. If you can commit to at least 10 hours per week, please complete a Volunteer Application form. You can request a form from the front desk receptionist at the Springfield Senior Center, or by contacting Justin Yuroff, Foster Grandparent Director at (217) 528-4035, ext. 118, or Amy Shreve, Foster Grandparent Coordinator at (217) 528-4035, ext. 106.

The Illinois Senior Games is an annual competition that promotes physical activity and socialization for people 50 years of age and over. The Games include over 20 events, primarily held in Springfield, IL each September. Athletes have the opportunity to compete with themselves and their peers for an opportunity to qualify for the National Senior Games. In order for The Games to happen successfully, volunteers are needed. Volunteer opportunities for the Illinois Senior Games include serving on the Illinois Senior Games Advisory Committee, Chairing and ISG event, and/or providing assistance at individual events, such as registration, medal distribution, timing, counting, etc.

Daily Bread is a midday meal program for individuals 60 years of age and over, on a general diet. In addition to our seven congregate sites throughout Sangamon and Menard counties, volunteers are needed to deliver meals to our home-bound seniors. 

Daily Bread meal delivery volunteers deliver hot, nutritious meals to home-bound seniors. Meals are delivered Monday—Friday from 9:30—11:30.

Meal delivery volunteers are not expected to deliver meals daily, but once a week or even once a month would be a great help! Corporate Volunteer Programs are also invited to participate in meal delivery.

For more information, please contact Tessa French at t.french@ssoci.org or (217) 528-4035, ext. 299.

We are needing a couple of volunteers to shop at Walmart for our individuals on a weekly bases. For our residents basic needs.. food, snacks, personal care, and pet care 

Needing a person or a group to come in and do different activities with the residents. For example, Bingo, Card games, reading, writing, dice games, trivia, music exc....

A large variety of donations are received daily at the Mini O'Beirne Crisis Nursery. Items are examined for cleanliness, safety and necessity at the Nursery. If items cannot be used at the Nursery, they are processed to be passed along to clients who can put them to good use!

Key responsibilities include:

-Sort incoming donations and estimate value of donated items

-Document all incoming donations

-Evaluate needs at the Nursery and select items to retain

-Marking any packaged products with expiration date

-Reviewing recall lists for donated items

*As needed opportunity*

Please contact Rachel Wilkerson at rachel@miniobeirne.org or call (217)-525-6800 ext. 6 if interested!

Childcare volunteers at the Mini O'Beirne Crisis Nursery work hand in hand with Nursery staff. Together they provide a safe, nurturing and happy environment for children birth through age 6! When the Nursery has a volunteer on-site, our capacity can increase to accept two additional children!

Key responsibilities include:

-Engage in age appropriate activities with children during the shift (i.e. dress up, bubbles, blocks, art)

-Caring for the physical needs of children

-Feeding, dressing and preparing children for naps/bedtime

-Maintaining confidentiality

-Abide by mandated reporter status

*Multiple Background Checks Required*

Contact Rachel Wilkerson at rachel@miniobeirne.org if interested!

Elara Caring, one of the nation’s largest providers of home-based care, is looking for compassionate volunteers willing to donate their time to provide exceptional end-of-life care to local hospice patients and their families.

If you are compassionate and enjoy photography, you could become a Photography Volunteer. Volunteers might be asked to attend special events, such as Tea Parties and Veteran Pinnings to photograph the patients in attendance. Families of a patient might request that a volunteer capture a portrait of their loved one. We also host an event called Holding Hands, where we photograph patients holding the hands of their loved ones. The photograph is then given to the family as a memento.

All volunteers must have their own equipment, camera not provided. We ask that photographs be donated and HIPPA patient privacy rules apply to rights of prints.
Hours are very flexible, weekdays, evenings or weekends. Typically we ask that you visit your assigned patient 1-2 hours per week or offer 1-2 hours per week or work in the office.

For more information, contact Christian at crundblad@elara.com

Do you have a talent/skill that kids would have fun learning? We would love to hear from you!

This could be a one-time event or visit all five of our Club Compass sites throughout the year! In the past we have had dance teachers, art lessons, stem, policemen, firemen, chefs, service horses, and many more. 

Must be at least 14 y/o and in high school to volunteer.

Contact Shelly at shelly@compassforkids.org or call (217) 414-7940.

We serve students from kindergarten through fifth grade at Club Compass and sixth grade through high school at the Youth Leadership Development Program (YLDP).

Weekly volunteers will meet one day a week on either Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday from 3:00-6:00pm. The volunteers help with snack, social and emotional lessons, academic time, assist during enrichment time and stay for a family style dinner each night. There will be occasional field trips as well! Must be at least 14 y/o and in high school to volunteer.

Contact Shelly at shelly@compassforkids.org or call (217) 414-7940 if interested!

Provide dinner for approximately 40 people!

Great for a group activity!

Contact Shelly for more information and available dates at (217) 414-7940 or shelly@compassforkids.org

United Way of Central Illinois is seeking volunteers to serve on Vision Councils in the areas of Basic Needs, Education, Financial Stability, and Health.

Vision Councils are four separate teams of 8-11 community volunteers with knowledge/experience in the specific issue areas named above. Councils are convened by United Way of Central Illinois for the following purposes:
• To work with partners to solve crucial problems in the community
• To invest Community Fund dollars in programs with measurable results and outcomes
• To create documents necessary for an annual grant process
• To develop and continuously review the strategic investment plan of UWCIL

The ideal candidate for any of the Issue Area Vision Councils would meet the following criteria*:
• Knowledgeable about the issues children, individuals, and families face as it pertains to specific priorities and strategies in one of our issue areas: Basic Needs, Education, Financial Stability, or Health
• Ability to understand quality programs, quality improvement, and research in order to make informed decisions
• Available to meet at least monthly or as needed
• Committed to serve a three year term
• Team-Player capable of respecting the thoughts and opinions of others and the community in order to present a united voice on decisions of the Vision Council
• *Being a United Way donor is not a requirement of participation

Applicants will be asked to complete a simple application and attend an in-person meeting.

The diversity of candidates will be considered to ensure volunteers reflect the makeup of our community.

If you, or someone you know, meets the criteria described above please have them contact Karen Gedrose at kgedrose@uwcil.org.

We need your help in identifying the next class of amazing and talented volunteers. Please share this message and the attached flyers with individuals you believe would have an interest in helping United Way make an impact in the community.

As we say, to live better, we must LIVE UNITED.

Thank you for your support!

Edwards Place interpreters must complete a short training session conducted by the Curator. In addition, they must shadow no fewer than three tours, then must be shadowed by the Curator on at least three of their training tours. Upon completion of this training, volunteers are expected to commit to giving tours in at least one 2-hour volunteer slot per month, or as many as one slot per week. This volunteer position is great for someone who has a love of history and is comfortable interacting with visitors from many different places.

The Springfield Senior Center offer individuals a wide array of programs and activities such as fellowship, dance classes, exercise classes, art classes, entertainment, crafts, health programs, volunteer opportunities and more!

The SSCI Gift Ship offers a variety of items handcrafted by seniors who come to the Senior Center.

Volunteer opportunities are available for:

BINGO: Assist with setting up BINGO, popping popcorn, and other BINGO duties that may arise. Wednesdays from 9 am – 10:30 am

GIFT SHOP: Price and display gift shop items, wait on customers and ring up sales. Tuesday and Thursday shifts are available:
Tuesday 9 am – 1 pm
Thursday 9 am – 12 pm
Thursday 10 am – 1 pm

The Volunteer Money Management program is a protective service for limited income seniors who need help managing their finances.

Bill Payer volunteers provide assistance opening and organizing mail, budgeting, checkbook balancing, and bill paying services for seniors who remain in control of their finances, but need assistance keeping things in order.

Representative Payee volunteers are appointed by the Social Security Administration to manage monthly benefits of a client determined incapable of handling his or her own finances. A separate account is opened with checks automatically deposited. The representative payee manages and pays the client’s expenses from this account. 

Please contact Tessa French at t.french@ssoci.org or (217) 528-4035, ext. 299 for more information.

The Friendly Caller program provides social conversation to socially isolated seniors through brief phone calls or visits. These calls are suggested to last a minimum of 15 minutes once per week or once every other week. This program is meant to meet the needs of older adults as they age.

Please contact Tessa French at t.french@ssoci.org or (217) 528-4035, ext. 299 for more information.

Springfield Specialty Meals on Wheels is a home-delivered meal program focused on physician prescribed specialty dietary needs. Meal delivery is currently only available in Springfield.

Springfield Specialty Meals on Wheels volunteers deliver meals to homebound seniors on restrictive diets. Meals are delivered Monday—Friday from 11:15—1:00.

Meal delivery volunteers are not expected to deliver meals daily, but once a week or even once a month would be a great help! Corporate Volunteer Programs are also invited to participate in meal delivery.

For more information, please contact Tessa French at t.french@ssoci.org or (217) 528-4035, ext. 299.

Many variables can impact our blood inventories such as weather, holidays or tragic events.  Every day, patients who need blood are in crisis and you can help by volunteering to donate.  Less than 10% of the population gives blood, so donors that give on a regular basis are important to meet these needs. Schedule an appointment today!

Blood drives can be held in a conference room, gymnasium, classroom or similar location within your facility, or, if a suitable location can’t be found, we can bring a Donor Bus (a fully functioning donor-room-on-wheels) directly to you!

Our team of Account Managers will work with you to determine the logistics for your blood drive, and then we'll provide all the tools you need to help change the world one pint at a time!

4-H clubs are run by volunteer club leaders, and we are seeking volunteers to help establish new clubs in the Sangamon & Menard County area.  Clubs can be led by an individual volunteer or by a team of volunteers.

Community Clubs are traditional 4-H clubs.  Volunteer club leaders are responsible for organization and coordination of the club, but the goal is to have the youth members actively participate in group decision making.  During the meetings, members develop leadership, communication, and life skills while serving their community and making new friends.  Outside of club meetings, members explore their individual interests by working on projects independently.

All 4-H volunteers must complete an application and screening process before they can work with youth in the program.

4-H clubs are run by volunteer club leaders, and we are seeking volunteers to help establish new clubs in the Sangamon & Menard County area.  Clubs can be led by an individual volunteer or by a team of volunteers.

Cloverbud Clubs are for children ages 5-7 as of September 1.  Volunteer club leaders are responsible for planning and leading an activity that can be completed as a group.  Most Cloverbud Clubs are associated with a Community Club and meet at the same time.

All 4-H volunteers must complete an application and screening process before they can work with youth in the program.

4-H clubs are run by volunteer club leaders, and we are seeking volunteers to help establish new clubs in the Sangamon & Menard County area.  Clubs can be led by an individual volunteer or by a team of volunteers.

A SPIN (SPecial INterest) Club focuses on once specific project area, and club meetings are spent developing new skills in that area.  Typically, the leader of a SPIN Club has knowledge and experience in a particular area - such as sewing or robotics - that he or she can teach to members of the club, or the leader uses curriculum provided by 4-H to teach about a particular topic.

All 4-H volunteers must complete an application and screening process before they can work with youth in the program.

Do you think of yourself as a friendly, sociable person? Do you enjoy helping people?  The American Red Cross needs several more volunteers in the Springfield area who are eager to put their outstanding customer service skills to use!  We host several community blood drives each month in Springfield and need one or two volunteers at each.  Our Blood Donor Ambassadors welcome blood donors as they arrive, help them check in and complete their health questionnaire, and above all make them feel welcome, comfortable, and appreciated.  Every pint of blood donated has the potential to save up to three lives, and the need for blood is always urgent.  You can help us maintain the supply of life-saving blood by being your wonderful, friendly self!  Make every blood donor feel glad they came to our blood drives.  Most drives last 6 hours and we ask that you commit to roughly one shift per month (we understand you have your own life and plans.)  When you are busy, the time flies by.  When it's slow, you can read a book, work on homework assignments, play a game on your phone, get some steps in by walking laps around the rooms, after you've offered to help the busy phlebotomists. 

Responsibilities: Respond to local disasters (such as home fires) with the help and supervision of an experienced volunteer, while taking the free online classes required to become a fully qualified disaster responder.  Participate in occasional local team meetings and trainings and continue to learn while making a difference as a Red Cross disaster volunteer. 

Reports to: Emergency Services Manager and/or DAT Coordinator, Leader or Responder

Qualifications to become a DAT Trainee:

The Autism Clinic at Hope needs volunteers to help our staff with a big file organization project. The Autism Clinic provides services to families and children with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities. If you love to organize and know the alphabet, we want you!

Hope will provide a comfortable space with a chair for each volunteer. The Hope Cafe is just across the hall if you want a snack, lunch or breakfast.

All files will be for past clients who achieved their individual goals and 'graduated' from the program. You will sign an Observer Confidentiality Agreement agreeing to not disclose any confidential information you may see about client(s) or families, including name(s).

The Autism Clinic at Hope needs volunteers to help our staff clean and sanitize lots of toys! We will work indoors in the kitchen or other area with a sink. We will supply all needed materials except your helpful, willing hands. Each volunteer will need to sign an Observer Confidentiality Agreement in case you recognize our children or their families.

Elara Caring, one of the nation’s largest providers of home-based care, is looking for compassionate volunteers willing to donate their time to provide exceptional end-of-life care to local hospice patients and their families.

Volunteers are needed to visit with patients and engage them in activities such as playing music, singing, working on a craft project, sharing a special, or simply providing companionship through listening, talking or holding a hand. Volunteers can sometimes provide respite car, allowing family members to take a much-needed break.

There are also volunteer opportunities within the Elara Caring Hospice office, assisting staff with mailing, filing, data entry and other special projects.

Elara Caring is also looking for pet therapy volunteers. These volunteers, along with their trained pet companions, visit Hospice patients in facilities. Dogs must be certified in order to visit patients.

Hours are very flexible, weekdays, evenings or weekends. Typically we ask that you visit your assigned patient 1-2 hours per week or offer 1-2 hours per week or work in the office.

For more information, contact Christian at crundblad@elara.com

Elara Caring Hospice, a leading care provider in the Midwest, is looking for compassionate volunteers willing to donate their time to provide exceptional end-of-life care to local hospice patients and their families.

Elara Caring Hospice is looking for Companion Volunteers who will visit patients in local nursing facilities or in private homes. The Companion Volunteer will provide companionship, play cards/games, watch TV, take the patient out into the garden area for fresh air, read to the patient, etc. There is no physical care involved. Hours are very flexible, weekdays, evenings or weekends. Typically we ask that you visit your assigned patient 1-2 hours per week or offer 1-2 hours per week or work in the office.

For more information, contact Christian at crundblad@elara.com

Elara Caring, one of the nation’s largest providers of home-based care, is looking for compassionate volunteers willing to donate their time to provide exceptional end-of-life care to local hospice patients and their families.

If you love to sing or play an instrument, you can share music with a hospice patient in a local nursing facility or patient’s home. This opportunity is especially appealing to music lovers and music therapy students. Typically we ask that you visit your assigned patient 1-2 hours per week.

For more information, contact Christian at crundblad@elara.com

Elara Caring, one of the nation’s largest providers of home-based care, is looking for compassionate volunteers willing to donate their time to provide exceptional end-of-life care to local hospice patients and their families.

Elara Caring Hospice is looking for Pet Therapy volunteers (handlers with dogs only). A visit from a therapy dog can be so beneficial. Terminally ill patients enjoy the extra attention and unconditional love they feel from a four-legged companion. In order to volunteer and visit patients, you must have you own dog who is already certified through Therapy Dogs International, West Michigan Therapy Dogs, Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs.

Volunteer must have his/her own certified Therapy Dog. Handler must be able to provide dog’s health record (current DHLPP, Bordetella, Rabies, and fecal tests), therapy certification and certified of liability insurance policy.
Hours are very flexible, weekdays, evenings or weekends. Typically we ask that you visit your assigned patient 1-2 hours per week or offer 1-2 hours per week or work in the office.

For more information, contact Christian at crundblad@elara.com

Establish a cooperative working relationship with foster-care families through home visits; identifying needs and concerns. Evaluate client data and develop service plans.

Requirements:

Must have a BA/BS in social work or related human-services field. Child-welfare experience preferred. Must be eligible for or have a child-welfare license. You must be able to pass a DCFS-mandated background check. Apply online at LCFS.org/about/careers/. EOE

Central has offices in Springfield, Decatur, and Quincy.

Southern has offices in Mt. Vernon and Belleville.

(all require background check)

Case Aide – Full and Part time
Requirements: High School diploma, valid Driver’s license, and vehicle.

Child Welfare Specialist – full time
Requirements: Bachelor Degree in any field. 

Program Supervisors – Full time
Requirements: Master’s Degree in Social Work or related field.

View all our opportunities and apply at LCFS.org/about/careers/. 

If interested, please contact Sabrina Otken at sabrina_otken@lcfs.org.

Club Compass is a weekly program that takes place after school. Club Compass serves students referred by their school based on eligibility criteria, and the program is provided at no cost to families. Currently, Club Compass has five in-person sites. 

Each Club Compass site has the same major components: an evidence-based social-emotional curriculum lesson, enrichment, and a Backpack Feeding Program. A Site Coordinator (Compass for Kids staff member) oversees and manages the program site and acts as a liaison between the schools, students, volunteers, and families. They also ensure a structured, consistent, high-quality program experience. The program is otherwise staffed by dedicated, loving volunteers who serve as classroom helpers and mentors to the children.

We are looking for volunteers who would like to serve at one of our in-person sites. Can you spare a few hours on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays to mentor students in our community?  Please contact Shelly Kinner at 217-414-7940 or at shelly@compass4kids.org for more information or to get started! 

Pease visit our website www.compassforkids.org to learn more about Compass for Kids. 

The neighborhood association owns and maintains 75 vacant lots throughout the neighborhood, which requires a lot of volunteer labor, especially throughout the mowing season. We need to walk the lots to pick up trash and other debris so it doesn't damage the mower, pile branches at the curb for city pick up, and some lots have large limbs down that need to be cut up or overgrowth that needs to be cut back. Whether you're an individual willing to spend an hour working on one lot or a team that wants to organize a work day to tackle multiple lots, we have plenty of options! If you have experience operating a weed wacker, chainsaw or bush hog, that's great, but even if you don't there is still plenty that can be done. We are also willing to work with individuals who need to get community service hours. 

The Springfield Zoological Society is an entirely volunteer run organization based out of Springfield Illinois. The primary purpose is to act as a supportive funding source to expand the collection of animals and improve the facilities of the Henson Robinson Zoo. Board members are responsible for running fundraising projects, spreading the mission of the Society, attending monthly board meetings, and assisting with general needs of the Zoo and the Society. Board members should be passionate about animals and support the missions of the Henson Robinson Zoo and Springfield Zoological Society. 

Board members are not required to hold any qualifications in animal welfare as they will not interact with the zoo animals any more than the general public does. All board members must be in good standing with the Springfield Park District and Henson Robinson Zoo. 

If interested, please contact us at springfieldzoosociety@gmail.com