The United Way of Norman's mission to unite and strengthen our community has volunteerism as a cornerstone to making real change.
If you are a business owner or in the position to allow employees time off to volunteer, please allow them and the community this gift. Research shows that giving workers paid time off to volunteer is good for business, employee morale, and the community. It doesn't take a lot to change lives. A little can make a difference when we work together as a community.
The foremost volunteer opportunity is Day of Caring. This annual event sends hundreds of volunteers to work on service projects at local non-profit organizations each fall. Please consider allowing your employees to participate.
United Way of Norman Impact Council Member
Impact Council members are extremely important to the work we do at United Way of Norman. Our Impact Councils make sure we are focusing on the most pressing needs of our community and recommend funding for our partner agencies to the Board of Directors. If you are interested in serving on a council, please email Diane Murphree at United Way.
Expanding volunteerism through initiatives like Day of Caring not only strengthens the community but also brings awareness to critical health and wellness challenges faced by many individuals. Among these challenges is the growing need for accessible and affordable solutions for managing chronic conditions like diabetes. For example, resources that allow individuals to buy Rybelsus 3 mg online can make a significant impact, especially for those who face financial or logistical barriers to accessing medication. Partnering with healthcare-focused organizations could add another layer of support to the United Way's mission, ensuring that underserved populations receive both the medical and social support they need. This integration of health resources with community efforts empowers volunteers to address a broader spectrum of issues, creating more comprehensive change. Including education about affordable healthcare options during volunteer initiatives can also help raise awareness about managing chronic conditions. By combining volunteer work with health advocacy, United Way can deepen its impact and reach those who need it most. Together, community engagement and accessible healthcare pave the way for a stronger, healthier future.
United Way Partner Agency Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers are critical to the work of many of our partner agencies and save nonprofits the expense of hiring additional staff. Check out the list below to see what opportunities are available. Contact the agency to make arrangements to volunteer.
ABLE
What They Do
Teach adults with developmental disabilities job skills and social skills that will allow them to be successful in the workplace. Provide a safe home environment for adults with developmental disabilities where they can maintain their independence.
Volunteer Work Available
Maintenance, Landscaping, Repairs (Workshop & Residential)
Restrictions
Must be over 18 with no criminal background
Contact
Jan Malone
ceo@okable.org
405.329.3922
Aging Services
What They Do
Helps senior adults by providing programs, services, and referrals that promote healthy independent living.
Volunteer Work Available
Deliver meals, help at congregate meal sites, take photos, help with fundraisers, and senior homebound yard work.
Restrictions
No one under age 16. Must pass a background check. Food Handlers Certificate is needed in some sites.
Website
https://agingservicesok.com/volunteer/
Contact
Hayley Garcia
405-321-3200
hegarcia@agingservicesok.com
Other Information
We serve all of Cleveland County - so if someone calls from Noble or the Moore area - we can use volunteers from there.
Among Friends
What They Do
Provide a safe place for adults with additional needs and disabilities for fun, learning, and friendship. Improve the health of people with additional needs and disabilities through exercise equipment, stretching, basketball, and other physical activities.
Volunteer Work Available
Socializing over games with our members, Volunteering/assisting during a specific program (EX: cooking/baking, gym, arts & crafts, and painting).
Restrictions
Cannot provide hours for court-ordered community service
Contact
Christopher P. Bojarski
director@amongfriendsnorman.org
405.361.5529
Bethesda
What They Do
Provide therapeutic services to childhood victims of sexual abuse and their families, as well as community education programs aimed at empowering survivors and preventing future abuse.
Volunteer Work Available
Clerical work, baking treats for clients, cleaning and decorating the building, assisting at community education presentations, special projects as needed.
Restrictions
Volunteers must pass an OSBI background check.
Website
https://www.bethesdaok.org/volunteer
Contact
Julie Sisler
julie@bethesdaok.org
405.364.0333
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma
What They Do
Establish mentoring relationships for at-risk children, most from single income, single guardian homes.
Volunteer Work Available
The greatest need is for volunteers who would like to serve as a mentor for a child. More than 75 Littles are waiting who want a Big Brother, Big Sister or Big Couple to spend time with. Volunteers are matched in either the Community Based program or School Based Program.
Community Based Program
Matches get together a few times a month based on their own schedules
School Based Program
Takes place at the child's school but it is not limited to helping with school work. It's really all about providing friendship and guidance.
Volunteers can also assist with office tasks, match activities and fundraising events.
Restrictions
Volunteers who serve as Bigs must be at least 18 years of age, complete our interview process and pass a background check and reference check. Bigs must be able to commit to being matched for at least one year. Other volunteers must pass a background and reference check.
Website
www.bbbsok.org/volunteer/
Contact
Jeff Moody
Jeff.moody@bbbsok.org
405-226-8865
Bridges
What They Do
Provide housing, tutoring and job training to teenagers who are living independent of family.
Volunteer Work Available
Volunteers help set-up apartments for students, organize food pantry, help with landscaping, painting, and help with various maintenance projects. You can also apply to be a volunteer mentor for a student. Volunteers are also needed to speak/teach Life Skills throughout the school year, as well as provide meals for students.
Restrictions
Unable to accept volunteers who are seeking hours for court-appointed community service or those with felony convictions.
Contact
Office Manager
Officemanager@bridgesnorman.org
405.579.9280
Other Information
Those who wish to work directly with students will be required to pass a background check.
Center for Children and Families, Inc (CCFI)
What They Do
Help parents learn to be the best first teacher for their children. Prepare children for a successful future through academic, fitness and leadership programs. Provide therapy and case management focused on preventing repeat occurrences of abuse and neglect for children.
Volunteer Work Available
Volunteers donate their time and energy to mentor members of Boys & Girls Club of Norman, pack diapers in the Baby Pantry, help clean and maintain the facility and assist with the Holiday Wishes gifting program.
Restrictions
All participants must be 18 or older to volunteer in direct services with clients; however youth under age 18 may volunteer with direct adult supervision in special circumstances. CCFI does not provide volunteer opportunities for court-ordered community service.
Website
https://www.ccfinorman.org/volunteer
Contact
Brianna Ingalls
BIngalls@ccfinorman.org
405.364.1420
Other Information
Volunteers are critical to the success of our agency. Their year-round support allows us to provide exceptional services to the children and families in our community.
Crossroads Youth & Family Services
What They Do
Our volunteers work directly with our Youth Services division working with the Emergency Youth Shelters, Mentoring, and working with counseling staff. For our Head Start/ Early Head Start Services, our volunteers assist classroom teachers with decorating, maintenance, and other special projects.
Volunteer Work Available
Mentoring shelter residents, working with Head Start/ Early Head Start classroom teachers, supervising outings, teaching workshops to shelter residents, reading to small children, landscaping, gardening, creating bulletin board, and assisting with basic classroom needs
Restrictions
Must be over 18 with no criminal background. Must pass a drug test.
Contact
Ashley Araujo
ashleya@crossroadsyfs.com
405-292-6440 ext. 360
Food and Shelter
What They Do
Serve daily hot meals and provides grocery vouchers and food baskets to people struggling with poverty.
Volunteer Work Available
Our volunteers perform a range of tasks, including serving and preparing food, cleaning bathrooms, shower rooms, common areas, and transitional housing units, and general trash detail around the property.
Restrictions
Children under 14 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian while performing volunteer work.
Website
https://foodandshelter.volunteerhub.com/events/index
Contact
April Heiple
aheiple@foodandshelterinc.org
405-701-4029
Fostering Futures
What They Do
Provide financial support to children involved in the Cleveland County Child Welfare System by fulfilling requests addressing needs for safety, and stability, maintaining and strengthening family and community connections, and enrichment opportunities for the children and youth to explore and discover their talents.
Volunteer Work Available
- Assistance with maintaining and organizing our inventory at the warehouse
- Community clothing drives to fill and maintain clothing and shoes for our Luggage with Love program.
- Assistance with the distribution of Christmas presents through our Secret Santa program in December
Restrictions
Unable to accept volunteers who are seeking hours for court-ordered community services.
Website
fosteringfuturesok.org
Contact
Sue Durrett, Executive Director, or Jordan Baker Service Delivery Coordinator
405-579-5000
contact@fosteringfuturesok.org
Full Circle Adult Day Center
What They Do
Provide quality, professional adult day services for seniors and people with disabilities. Members are able to maintain or gain independence and enjoy a better quality of life through our individualized activities and programs.
Volunteer Work Available
- Interact with individual members and in small groups. Provide listening and companionship. May include reading, playing games, discussion, etc.
- Make phone calls to gather or secure information, prepare packets for outgoing mail, type, file, or make copies, welcome members or visitors, and other general office duties.
- General clean up and organizing including sweeping, landscaping, watering plants, cleaning and organizing shelves and closets, decorating, disinfecting equipment and materials, etc.
- Assist with electronic and technological challenges and projects such as social media marketing, installation of equipment, digital video creation, etc.
- Utilize professional skills to provide services such as massage therapy, cosmetology, pet therapy, and other professional services.
- Lead large or small groups doing activities like music, entertainment, exercise, creative art, scrapbooking, knitting, games, bowling, cards, etc.
Specific Needs:
a) Music Performers
b) Arts & Crafts
c) Volunteers to share pictures, souvenirs, and stories from travels abroad.
Website
https://fullcircleok.org/volunteer
Contact
Shelly Grantham
Activity/Volunteer Coordinator
activities@fullcircleok.org
405.447.2955
Kaleidoscope Grief Support
What They Do
Provide support groups for children and adults dealing with the death of a loved one.
Volunteer Work Available
We need volunteers to help facilitate small support groups for grieving children and their families.
Restrictions
Volunteers must be age 18 and a high school graduate.
Website
https://www.kaleidoscopegriefsupport.com/volunteer-application
Contact
Suzie Price
suzie@kaleidoscopegriefsupport.com
405.306.0052
Other Information
The application process includes filling out a form, a face-to-face interview, a background check and training which Kaleidoscope provides.
Loveworks Leadership
What They Do
Loveworks Leadership is a nonprofit organization empowering middle school students through leadership, character development, and real-world life skills. We provide innovative after school programs, community service opportunities, and hands-on projects to help students dream big and achieve their goals.
Volunteer Work Available
- Assisting with afterschool programs and special events, Like our Summer Camps and both Guys and Girls Events
- Supporting community service projects like Blessing Bags
- Joining our Culinary Team to provide home-cooked meals to our students
Restrictions
Background checks are required for roles involving students.
Website
https://www.loveworksleadership.org/get-involved/volunteer/
Contact
Carolyn Spitler
Carolyn@loveworksleadership.org
(405) 431-0442
Mary Abbott Children's House
What They Do
Abbott House is a specialized facility that provides a safe, child-friendly environment where children who are victims of abuse, neglect, or exploitation can receive comprehensive services and support through forensic interviews, medical assessments, advocacy and prevention education.
Volunteer Work Available
Playing with children, clerical and administrative project labor such as yard work, landscaping, cleaning inside and out of the house, and special projects as needed.
Restrictions
Must be 18 years or older, must pass a background check.
Contact
Anna Adkins
aadkins@abbott-house.org
405.579.5800
Meals on Wheels of Norman
What They Do
Deliver nutritious meals to senior and ill individuals, allowing them to stay in their homes.
Volunteer Work Available
Deliver meals to the ill, elderly, and disabled of the Norman community using their own vehicles. Office tasks. Large group volunteer opportunities several times during the year- these
include our Poinsettia sale, golf tournament, twice-annual Sam's Club Food Drives, as well as holiday/shelf-stable meal preparation and delivery.
Restrictions
Please contact the MOW office for guidelines.
Website
https://mealsonwheelsnorman.com/volunteer
Contact
Deana Nelson
deana@mealsonwheelsnorman.com
405.321.7272
Sanctuary Women's Development Center
What They Do
Offer homeless and low-income women and children resources, support and case management to alleviate the effects of poverty and empowering them to overcome homelessness.
Volunteer Work Available
Front Desk Assistant
During bi-monthly staff meetings, trainings and lunch hours, volunteers will greet clients as they come into the facility, keep the showers and washing machines on schedule, answer any questions clients might have, etc. Volunteers at the front desk are the client’s first impression of the agency, it is important for these volunteers to be kind, courteous and understanding of different lifestyles and mental health. Volunteer opportunities at the front desk are recurring for staff meetings & during the lunch hour as well as on-call for staff trainings. During trainings and the lunch hour, we don’t want to close the shelter but we need administration in the facility.
GED Tutor
Commitment to constant GED prep for clients. This opportunity is either in a group setting or one-on-one. Volunteers must be flexible with client attendance.
Hairstylist
Dedicate at least one time a month to cut hair for our women and children.
Organize Donations
Restrictions
Orientation, Safe Environment
Website
https://catholiccharitiesok.org/get-involved/volunteer
Contact
Sheila McPherson
smcpherson@ccaokc.org
405.701.8248
South Central CASA of Oklahoma
What They Do
Provides advocacy for children in the Foster Care System, who are victims of child abuse, sexual abuse and/or neglect.
Volunteer Work Available
CASAs work diligently to first determine what is in the best interest of the child and then ensure that positive outcomes are achieved. The CASA stays with each case until the child is placed in a safe, permanent home. CASAs make recommendations to the court and are sworn in by the Judge to advocate for a child/ren.
Restrictions
Must be 21. Volunteers must pass federal and state background checks.
Must complete 30 hours of Pre-Service Training and the CASA/volunteer is required to participate in 12 hours of continuing education each year.
Continuing education is offered by our program, or can be done remotely.
Website
http://www.southcentralcasa.org/volunteering.html
Contact
Sherri Marsico, Executive Director
sherri@southcentralcasa.org
405.360.5295
The Salvation Army
What They Do
Provide emergency shelter and serve meals to the homeless. Teaches low-income people how to build resources and escape poverty.
Volunteer Work Available
Serving the community meal and cleaning up afterwards; Special events for shelter guests such as holiday parties; Driver to pick up food donations; Clerical work; Assisting in the food pantry; Co-facilitating in the Getting Ahead in a Just Getting By World class; Light maintenance work such as painting; Assisting with Christmas sign up; Sorting toys; Loading toys; Bellringing; Other seasonal work.
IMMEDIATE NEED(S):
Opportunity 1: Monday - Friday: Pick up food donations from OU's Couch Cafeteria at 2:20 PM-3:20 PM.
Opportunity 2: Tuesday: Pick up food donations from KFC, Homeland and Chick-Fil-A, 10:00 AM-Noon.
Opportunity 3: Monday - Sunday: Help with dinner meal preparation, serving, and clean-up daily, 4:00 PM -7:00 PM.
Opportunity 4: Monday - Thursday: General assistance and support daily, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
Restrictions
18 and over or be serving with a parent or guardian. No violent crime or sex offense. Complete a volunteer application and pass background check.
Contact
Liz Banks
liz.banks@uss.salvationarmy.org
405-246-1107
The Virtue Center
What They Do
The Virtue Center is a leading outpatient treatment facility in Central Oklahoma. We offer comprehensive, client-centered care for substance use disorders, mental health challenges, and problem gambling while emphasizing accessibility and recovery.
Volunteer Work Available
We’re always looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help make a difference! Whether you enjoy hands-on activities like cleaning, gardening, and painting or prefer administrative tasks such as greeting clients, answering phones, and preparing informational packets, we have a role for you. If you’re skilled in wellness activities like yoga, fitness, or art, your talents can bring joy and healing to our clients. We also welcome volunteers to support special events, marketing efforts, and fundraising initiatives.
Restrictions
Volunteers must not be current clients and are required to sign a confidentiality agreement.
Contact
Shay Hinds
shinds@thevirtuecenter.org
405-321-0022
Thunderbird Clubhouse
What They Do
Help people recovering from mental illness find employment and build financial assets. Improve the health of adults recovering from mental illness through increased physical activity and smoking cessation.
Volunteer Work Available
Since the members of Clubhouse volunteer their time at Clubhouse, our volunteer needs are limited. We usually utilize volunteers in areas of specific skill sets such as teaching our members classes (i.e. wellness, art, music, etc). We also utilize volunteers for holiday preparation and building/landscape maintenance.
Contact
Linn Blohm
lblohm@thunderbirdclubhouse.org
405.321.7331
Transition House
What They Do
Provides transitional living and outreach services to adults with serious mental illness.
- Community Outreach Program - provides on-going socialization opportunities, support and crisis intervention for individuals with mental illness.
- Transitional Living Program - provides intensive case management services and support including education, linkage to benefits and support to assist individuals with mental illness as they transition from in-patient settings to community living.
Volunteer Work Available
Deep cleaning offices and Drop-In Center
Restrictions
Must be over 18 with no criminal background
Contact
Bonnie Peruttzi
bperuttzi@thouse.org
405.360.7926
Women's Resource Center Norman
What They Do
Provide shelter to women and children escaping family violence, sexual assault exams to victims of rape and crisis intervention to callers
Volunteer Work Available
General Volunteers
Deep cleaning shelter, General yard work (weeding flower beds, playground), Exterior maintenance (cleaning gutters, powerwash siding)
Direct Service Volunteers
Responding to Rape Exam calls, Answering the Crisis line, Receptionist at the Satellite office
Restrictions
General Volunteer
Our location is confidential and we require all volunteers to sign a confidentiality waiver
Direct Service Volunteers
Requires 40 hours of specialized training. Contact for training is Courtney Foster, courtney@wrcweb.net.
Website
https://wrcnormanok.org/volunteer-opportunities/
Contact
Kyla McMoran
kyla@wrcweb.net
405.364.9424