Six Community Outreach Programs You Should Know About
This Memorial Day, we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. We can use this time to reflect on ways to pay homage to their memory and the needs of our communities. Joining a community outreach program can help make a difference and improve your business.
Here are a few national organizations you and your team can join to better your community wherever you live.
Hire Heroes USA
If you want to serve veterans, consider volunteering with Hire Heroes USA. This organization provides free assistance to veterans transitioning from the military to the workforce with job assistance and companies with the hiring process. Their mission is to “empower U.S. military members, veterans, and military spouses to succeed in the civilian workforce.” Since the organization started in 2005, over 65,000 veterans have been hired.
There are many opportunities for small business owners to get involved with Hire Heroes USA. Since assistance is individualized to each job seeker, the organization has hundreds of volunteers that serve as coaches and mentors. You can provide career counseling specific to your industry or help with general job-search areas such as networking or using LinkedIn. Want to learn more? Check out the Hire Heroes USA website to find events they host throughout the year. Many opportunities are virtual, so you can volunteer from just about anywhere!
Boys and Girls Clubs of America
One of the oldest national youth organizations in the country, the Boys and Girls Clubs of America (BGCA), provides after school programs for young people in every state, serving millions of kids and teens each year. Volunteer opportunities vary by local club, ranging from coaching sports to tutoring to planning special events. You can learn more about specific openings in your area by contacting your local club.
BGCA also recognizes those who serve our country and various military-serving organizations. They provide free membership to children of those serving in Active Duty, Reserve, or National Guard who don’t have access to a military youth center.
Meals on Wheels
Meals on Wheels is a well-known community outreach program that delivers meals to those who are elderly or homebound and are unable to provide or cook food for themselves. They serve over two million seniors over the age of 60 throughout the United States and help prevent isolation and loneliness among seniors. There are over 5,000 local programs across the country. You can choose to volunteer as an individual, with a group, or as a company.
Additionally, over 20% or more of the 500,000 people Meals on Wheels serves are veterans. So whether you decide to volunteer on Memorial Day or any other day of the year, you will be aiding a percentage of America’s veterans.
American Red Cross
The Red Cross is one of the oldest and largest humanitarian organizations globally, providing disaster relief and more. Although they have many volunteer opportunities available based on location and interests, their current focus is securing blood donations, as that is what’s most urgently needed now.
Since World War I, the Red Cross has been dedicated to helping veterans so volunteers can choose to serve in VA and military hospitals. Get started by contacting your local chapter to find out about potential opportunities in your area.
Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity, the largest non-profit builder globally, “brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope.” They offer many volunteer opportunities and events throughout the year, including opportunities to help veterans in various ways. You can choose to organize a group and join a “build” or provide resources and materials.
Pets for Vets
If you have a soft spot for animals and also want to give back to veterans this Memorial Day, Pets for Vets is the perfect fit for you. Pets for Vets was founded in 2009 by an animal behaviorist and trainer who wanted to serve veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars dealing with PTSD and other related issues. They help dogs in shelters by rescuing and training them to serve these veterans as companion dogs.
Pets for Vets has several volunteer opportunities available, including dog training, fostering dogs, fundraising, social media, event planning, and more. You can learn more and sign up on their website. With chapters in every region of the US, you can contact your local chapter to find out what specific opportunities are available.