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. It is not only a fun day, it unites emploees for a cause, and that helps business, staff, and the non-profits.
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.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers are critical to the work of many of our partner agencies and saves non-profits 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
Lauren Howard
communityoutreach@okable.org
405.329.3922
Aging Services
What They Do
Helps senior adults with aspects of maintaining their home, allowing them to remain independent.
Volunteer Work Available
Deliver meals, As needed Site Manager, Office data entry, Errands, Senior homebound yard work and repairs, Canvassing and marketing, Take photos, Food pantry and medical closet organization
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
Tammy Vaughn
tammyvaughn5@gmail.com
405.443.7760
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
Improve the health of people with special needs and disabilities through stretching, aerobics and other physical activities. Provide a safe place for adults with special needs for fun, learning and friendship.
Volunteer Work Available
Socializing over coffee/games with our members, Teaching a class/skill (coordinating with our Program Director), Doing admin/office work (coordinating with our Executive Director), Volunteering/assisting during a specific program (EX: cooking, gym, arts&crafts, and painting), Dropping off lunch for members (any donating meals are FREE to all of our members - prep for ~20)
Restrictions
Cannot provide hours for court-ordered community service
Contact
Miranda Steffen
director@amongfriendsnorman.org
405.701.2121
Bethesda
What They Do
Provide therapeutic services to childhood victims of sexual abuse and programs aimed at preventing abuse.
Volunteer Work Available
Shampooing carpets in the waiting room and 5 group rooms, Outdoor yard care, Sanitizing toys and other items throughout Bethesda, Clerical work, Special projects as needed
Restrictions
Volunteers must pass an OSBI background check and pay the associated fee of $19
Website
https://www.bethesdaok.org/volunteer
Contact
Emily Williams
emily@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
Pam Robeson
probeson@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
Chelsea Hinkle
CHinkle@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.
Central Oklahoma Community Action Agency
What They Do
Assist low-income families with emergency utility assistance
Volunteer Work Available
COCAA's Cleveland County Office typically uses volunteers to assist in the office. Duties can include answering phones, assisting clients with paperwork, and helping staff locate resources to assist clients. Those that are interested in fundraising activities can also assist with this process.
Contact
Sandra Trevino
strevino@cocaa.org
405.701.2170
Other Information
Volunteers must be willing to sign a confidentiality form before starting work
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
Shannon Yousey
shannony@crossroadsyfs.com
405.321.0240 ext 305
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
Full Circle Adult Day Center
What They Do
Provide physical, mental and social activities for elderly and/or ailing people and respite for their family.
Volunteer Work Available
Activities, Arts & Crafts, Music
Website
https://fullcircleok.org/volunteer
Contact
Donald Pyeatt
donald@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
suzieseedsprice@yahoo.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
Shape the next generation of young leaders by helping students to discover their potential. Provide a safe place full of mentors for students to enhance their leadership skills and character development.
Volunteer Work Available
Afterschool Mentor/Leader. Volunteer Chef. Volunteer Handyman.
Website
https://www.loveworksleadership.org/get-involved/volunteer/
Contact
Carolyn Le
carolyn@loveworksleadership.org
405.431.0442
Mary Abbott Children's House
What They Do
Offer specialized medical services to childhood victims of abuse and neglect.
Volunteer Work Available
Direct service involvement (playing with children); administrative; labor such as yard work, landscaping, cleaning inside and out of the house.
Restrictions
Must be 18 years or older, must pass a background check.
Contact
Paige Uhr
puhr@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
Project Outreach
What They Do
Provide families with temporary respite care for their special needs children while providing stimulating and fun activities for the children.
Volunteer Work Available
Respite care sessions for children with disabilities for 3-4 hours on Friday evenings from 7-10 p.m. or Saturdays from 1-5 p.m. This includes general caregiving and playing with kids.
Restrictions
No sex offenders or violent offenders are permitted to work with our kids.
Website
http://projectoutreachnorman.com/index.php/get-involved/volunteer-expec…
Contact
Amara Schook
projectoutreachnorman@gmail.com
Other Information
Many of our kids are on the Autism spectrum and their siblings also attend our sessions, so some children have no disabilities at all. So, if anyone is concerned about their level of understanding about disabilities, we have a range of children who they can work with.
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.
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
Train volunteers to ensure the needs of children are met while they are wards of the court.
Volunteer Work Available
Our primary program involves training long-term volunteers to participate in child welfare cases. After training, our staff provides one-on-one support to individual volunteers who build relationships with the people involved in a given case, then make recommendations to the court as to what actions would be in the best interest of the child or children involved in that case.
Restrictions
Must be 21. Volunteers must pass federal and state background checks. We provide 30 hours of initial training, and the 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
Lisa Tomas, Director of Administration
lisa@southcentralcasa.org
405.360.5295
The Salvation Army
What They Do
Provide emergency shelter and serves meals to the homeless. Teache 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 2:20-3:20 PM.
Opportunity 2: Monday - Sunday: Help with dinner meal preparation, serving, and clean-up daily, 4-7 PM.
Opportunity 3: Monday - Sunday: General assistance and support daily, 4:30-7:30 PM.
Restrictions
18 and over or be serving with parent or guardian. No violent crime or sex offense. Complete a volunteer application and pass background check.
Contact
Leona Chapman
leona.chapman@uss.salvationarmy.org
405.364.9910 ext 104
Other Information
The Salvation Army was founded using volunteers and to this day heavily relies on the generous gift of time from people who believe in the mission.
The Virtue Center
What They Do
Provide substance abuse and addiction counseling, education and crisis intervention to teenagers and adults.
Volunteer Work Available
We have volunteer opportunities for cleaning, gardening and painting. We also need administrative support such as greeting clients, answering phones, putting together packets, etc. We also need volunteers for wellness type of activities for our clients such as yoga, fitness, art, etc. In addition, we could use volunteers for special events, marketing and fundraising efforts.
Restrictions
Cannot be a current client and must sign a confidentiality statement.
Contact
Melissa Simpson
msimpson@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 (as pandemic related restrictions decrease).
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