Make a difference by volunteering on the SouthCoast: Here's how.
The holiday season often brings out the urge to help those less fortunate than us and find ways to give back to our community.
It's a time of reflection that allows us to look past ourselves and unto others who may need a helping hand while fostering a kind welcoming environment.
There are many organizations throughout the SouthCoast that rely heavily on volunteers to succeed in their missions whether it be food insecurity, protecting the environment, caring for animals, or cultivating history.
It's a great thing when a community can come together with a common mission to help those around them. If you are looking for volunteer opportunities, here are some organizations that could use your help.
Looking to help with community outreach?
Family and Community Resources
The mission of FCR is to provide a welcoming, inclusive, and safe environment for all survivors of trauma, including those impacted by domestic and sexual violence, substance abuse, bereavement, and other causes.
Volunteer positions needed: Fundraising & Events Volunteer: assist with planning and coordinating fundraising and community events; Education and Outreach Volunteer: connect with community partners to help plan informational events and spread awareness; Marketing/Social Media Volunteer: assist the development team with social media posts, virtual outreach, and graphic design; Skill-Based Volunteer: have a special expertise that you would like to teach, or share with us and our community? Let us know; and Administrative Office Volunteer: assist with various office projects, supporting the administrative office team, and helping out both in-person and virtually with office-related maintenance.
For more details on available volunteer positions or for any questions, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Ellease Creer at ellease.creer@fcr-ma.org or (508) 583-6498.
Samaritans Southcoast
The mission of Samaritans Southcoast is to reduce and prevent future suicides from occurring, to bring attention to the causes of suicide, to eliminate the stigma of suicide, and to support the survivors of suicide victims.
They are in need of caring, compassionate listeners with the desire to help others. All prospective Samaritans submit to a comprehensive application process, including a background check, participate in a mandatory 35-hour training program, and commit to serving at least six months on the hotline.
You can fill out the online application at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeb4Cey5nVSE5NuDYycFpyN8ngnI36h0NPIkelkG_MQ0r7-5Q/viewform.
Southcoast Health VNA
Volunteers are a vital part of Southcoast Health VNA’s supportive care center and participate in a variety of roles that help support our goal to provide the best quality care possible.
All new volunteers are provided training on all aspects of supportive care in the following positions: Patient care: providing companionship to patients and respite for family caregivers; Vigil support: volunteers trained to spend time with patients who are actively dying; office support: Provide time assisting with office tasks, including preparing mailings, masking comfort calls, helping with events, etc; Angel Wings Retreat: co-lead a small group of children, assist with a grief activity or provide general assistance; and Support Group Assistants.
If you would like to volunteer with Southcoast Health VNA, call 508-973-3219.
Bristol Elder Services
Bristol Elder Services is an open and affirming agency dedicated to being the leader in improving the quality of life for elders, people with disabilities, and their families.
Volunteers are needed for the Ombudsman program which advocates for residents of nursing homes, and rest homes. Ombudsman programs work to resolve problems individual residents face and effect change at the local, state, and national levels to improve the quality of life and care for all individuals receiving long-term care. Meals on Wheels is also in need of volunteers to deliver food to housebound clients.
If you are interested in more information, please contact Bristol Elder Services, Inc. at 508-675-2101
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army’s mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.
You can help in numerous ways including teaching assistants; after-school programs; teen mentors; senior programs; feeding programs (driving, stocking, serving); office assistance; emergency disaster services; holiday programs (Thanksgiving meals, Christmas distribution, Red Kettle), and more.
Visit https://easternusa.salvationarmy.org/massachusetts/new-bedford/volunteer/ to sign up now.
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Fall River
The mission of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Fall River is to help those in need with services designed to reach out to those facing socioeconomic, cultural, and racial barriers that preclude their engagement in mainstream services.
The following types of volunteer opportunities are in need year-round or sporadically as needed: Translation services (Spanish and Portuguese); answering phones; filing; data entry; sorting donations; helping with the food pantry; gardening; yard work; indoor painting; creating events for shelter clients, such as a children’s party, or teaching a skill to clients, such as a cooking class, art class, typing class, etc.
If you are interested in volunteering, call Rose Mary Saraiva at (508) 674-4681.
My Brother’s Keeper
My Brother’s Keeper is a Christian ministry that helps people of all faiths and backgrounds with food, furniture, and Christmas.
Help is needed with the furniture program (sorting, cleaning, assembling, and pickups), the food program (deliveries, packing, and pick up), the Christmas program (delivery, wrapping, assembling, and meals), and special events.
Head over to https://www.mybrotherskeeper.org/volunteer/ to find out how to get started.
Child & Family Services
To heal and strengthen the lives of children and families is the mission of Child & Family Services.
Volunteers are needed for the Hope Project committee, gala committee, marketing for the agency, Hetty’s Thrift Shop, and more.
Here’s your chance to help at https://child-familyservices.org/volunteer-inquiries/.
The Home Project
The Mission of the Home Project is to manage and operate a free store of kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom items to support families transitioning from homelessness to shelter; families who are victims of natural disasters; and families in need.
To make this possible volunteers are needed to help the community with a warm kind environment to help out Contact Wendy Garf-Lipp by email at wendy@unfr.org, or by phone at 508-324-7900.
United Way
The United Way envisions a region where all people have access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.
You can help at any of the United Way community events, the mobile market, tutoring and homework help, and more. For more information on how to help Contact Victoria Grasela at (508)994-9625 ext. 210 or vgrasela@unitedwayofgnb.org.
M.O. L.I.F.E., INC
This organization is dedicated to individuals with developmental disabilities, brain injuries, and autism. They help by enhancing their lives in the areas of career development, housing, educational opportunities, social connections, and total community inclusion.
They need volunteers to help with enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities in the SouthCoast if that’s something you are interested in helping with visit https://www.molifeinc.com/contact/.
Buzzards Bay Area Habitat for Humanity
The vision of Buzzards Bay Area Habitat for Humanity is that everyone has a decent and affordable place to live in the communities they serve.
Volunteers willing to bring their knowledge and skills to help with projects are needed, along with help with fundraising, land acquisition, building committees, volunteer recruiting, legal, faith relations, and family relations.
For more information on how you can help visit http://www.buzzardsbayhabitat.org/
Helping combat food insecurity
Greater Fall River Community Food Pantry
The Greater Fall River Community Food Pantry helps its retail and non-profit partners deliver their food directly to the Southeastern Massachusetts residents who need it most.
Your help is welcome in the pantry from 10 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays. To start volunteering now visit https://greaterfrcfoodpantry.org/get-involved/volunteer/.
Westport Food Pantry
At the Westport Food Pantry, their mission is to help their neighbors maintain food security by creating access to food while fostering community partnerships. Volunteers are needed to help foster a positive environment with generosity and kindness. Visit https://www.westportfoodpantry.org/volunteering.
Mercy Meals & More
Helping the community start their day off with a nutritious meal is the mission at Mercy’s Meals & More. Six days a week they provide those in need with a healthy breakfast as well as clothing and book. If you are able to help in early mornings occasionally or weekly they could use some friendly help. For more information about volunteering call Program Director David Motta at (508) 264-8183 or email david.motta@mercymealsandmore.com.
PACE
Pace programs tackle some of the barriers that often come with earning a low income including early childhood education, food stability, housing, and health insurance.
Volunteers are needed in a varied of programs which include Child Care Works, YouthBuild - New Bedford, Child Care Voucher Program, Head Start, Housing Opportunity Center, Fuel Assistance, Lead Program, Free Clemente College Course, Free Tax Preparation, Health Insurance Assistance (Health Access), and a Food Bank. If you are interested in volunteering visit https://paceinfo.org/volunteer/ or call (508) 999-9920 ext. 350.
Full Plate Project: Y Community Markets
The Y community markets are open to all Southcoast residents in need. Each household receives prepackaged fresh, frozen, and pantry food items while supplies last. There are no town residency, eligibility, or Y membership requirements. Volunteers are needed to make this program a success, volunteer opportunities generally fall under two categories: packing and distribution.
Visit https://ymcasouthcoast.org/programs/full-plate-project/volunteer/ to find out more.
Gates of Hope
Bringing hope to the hopeless begins at Gates of Hope with food. They provide food, pet food, and clothing assistance. Help with their good pantry with loading and unloading, cleaning, distribution, sorting, and outreach are needed.
To see more head to https://www.gatesofhopeinc.org/volunteer-form.
Make a brighter future for children
Gifts to Give
Gifts to Give is focused on building a more caring community that’s focused on child poverty, literacy, service to others, and giving. They are looking for drop-in, one-time, or regular commitment volunteers. Volunteers are needed for sorting toy donations, processing books and clothing, at their thrift store, maintenance, and more.
If this sounds like something you would like to help with visit https://www.giftstogive.org/how-to-get-involved/volunteer/.
Horizons for Homeless Children
Combating the effects of homelessness especially when children are involved is Horizons for Homeless Children's mission. They help alleviate the trauma and stress of homelessness on both children and their families by providing high-quality early education, vital opportunities for play, support for parents, and crucial advocacy. Volunteers are needed in their many shelters to create Playspaces that give children a dedicated place to play and grow.
To learn more visit https://horizonschildren.org/volunteer-n-network/
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Partnering with under-resourced families Big Brothers Big Sisters provides their children with transformational, one-to-one professionally-supported relationships with caring adult mentors so that their children will thrive. Children in the community need mentors to bring support and joy to their lives letting them know someone is always in their corner. Visit https://emassbigs.org/volunteer-inquiry/
YMCA
The YMCA provides social services to the community to develop healthy minds, bodies, and spirits. Help youth connect to the community by helping with after-school care, coaching, preschool, nutrition, and support. Head over to https://ymcasouthcoast.org/volunteer/ for more information.
Star Kids
Star Kids Scholarship Program is to provide educational opportunities in the form of tuition aid to effective non-public schools, uniforms, after-school and summer programs, tutoring and mentoring for those high-risk, low-income children who have a parent with a history of incarceration and/or substance abuse.
There are many ways to get involved with Star Kids. Volunteer opportunities include tutoring, assistance at our events, college internships, serving on fundraising committees, lending a particular skill to staff, and community service hours for high school students. Visit https://www.starkidsprogram.org/volunteer for more info.
Animals also need our help
Sandy Paws Rescue
Animals in need are the mission of Sandy Paws Rescue rescuing dogs from various shelters, cruelty situations, owner surrenders, and strays. They also help with financial distress with spay and neutering services. They need help with transportation, fostering, grants, coordinators, and more. For more information visit https://www.sandypawsmv.com/volunteer.html.
Forever Paws
Forever Paws Animal Shelter gives animals a renewed leash on life by assisting them while homeless, in danger, or generally in need. Volunteers are vital to the shelter needed to help socialize the animals, clean kennels, do laundry, maintenance, fundraising, and marketing. You can help by visiting https://www.foreverpaws.com/volunteer.
West Place Animal Sanctuary
West Place Animal Sanctuary is East Bay’s largest and most diverse home to rescued animals and it relies on volunteers to keep it running. Volunteers are needed for direct animal care, growing food, handyperson, social media, administration, and fundraising. Want to help? Visit https://www.westplace.org/adult-volunteer for more information.
Animal Rescue League of Fall River
The Animal Rescue League is a no-kill shelter that saves the lives of hundreds of animals per year and places over 400 cats, dogs, kittens, and puppies a year. Volunteer opportunities include animal socializing, front desk help, fundraising and special events, adoption callbacks, and adoption days. To find out more visit https://arlfr.com/volunteering.
Humane Society & Shelter SouthCoast
Humane Society & Shelter SouthCoast has a mission to provide humane professional care for unwanted, abandoned, and stray animals in the Greater New Bedford and Fall River regions. They also educate the public, concerning animal welfare and advocate for humane treatment of animals everywhere. Here are some of the volunteer opportunities: cleaning, feeding the animals, providing behavioral enrichment, laundry, and enriching the lives of animals. To find out more visit https://hsssc.org/volunteer/.
CARE Southcoast
As a voice for animals, CARE Southcoast has a mission of not giving up on any animal no matter how hopeless their situation may be. You can help with cleaning up after the animals, feeding them, laundry, home visits, transportation, fundraising events, and processing adoption applications. Visit https://www.caresouthcoast.com/how-to-help
Protecting the environment
Westport River Watershed Alliance
Working together to protect and preserve the Westport River watershed, now and for future generations. You can help with special events, docent stations, educational programs and mailings by visiting https://www.westportwatershed.org/volunteer-opportunities.
Buzzards Bay Coalition
They are dedicated to improving the health of the Buzzards Bay ecosystem for all through education, conservation, research, and advocacy. You can help out at events, water testing, outdoor cleanups and trail work, education programs, and more. Find your spot at https://www.savebuzzardsbay.org/take-action/volunteer/
Mass Audubon
Mass Audubon is dedicated to protecting nature, and wildlife, restoring land and habitats, and creating access to nature. They need help with advocacy, building and construction, conservation, design, education, front desk and visitor services, gardening, and more. Visit https://www.massaudubon.org/take-action/volunteer to find out how to help.
Lloyd Center for the Environment
The mission of the Lloyd Center is to instill lifelong respect and affection for nature in people of all ages through research and education. Help the center by volunteering for community outreach, research, maintenance, education, bird monitoring, butterfly garden upkeep, and more. See what opportunities are available at https://lloydcenter.org/volunteer.
Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust
To preserve and protect Dartmouth’s natural resources for people and nature, forever is the mission of Dartmouth National Resources Trust. Volunteers needed are for trail crews, outreach, events, office work, and stewardship. See what they entail at https://dnrt.org/volunteer/
Cultivate history and knowledge
New Bedford Whaling Museum
The New Bedford Whaling Museum seeks motivated and engaging community members who share a love of the South Coast region, teaching, and learning to join its docent program. Docents are museum guides and educators who carry out the museum’s mission to ignite learning through art, history, science, and culture. There is an 8-part, once-weekly volunteer training program beginning in early 2024. For more information contact volunteers@whalingmuseum.org.
The Rotch-Jones-Duff House & Garden Museum
The Rotch-Jones-Duff House & Garden Museum enlivens New Bedford’s history, engages our communities, and enriches cultural understanding through stewardship, education, and entertainment. They can always use help from volunteers with gardening, special events, visitor services, and administration. Check out how to help at https://rjdmuseum.org/volunteer.
Battleship Cove
Battleship Cove is a non-profit war memorial and historic military museum with an emphasis on naval heritage and a dedication to honoring the veterans who served in defense of our country. If you are passionate about community and history check out their volunteer opportunities such as giving tours, history reenactors, educational programs, events, marketing, and more. Visit https://www.battleshipcove.org/volunteer for more information.
Westport Historical Society
The mission of the Westport Historical Society is to engage the public in the exploration of the town’s rich history and culture, to inspire a spirit of discovery through educational programs, and to encourage active participation in the preservation and interpretation of our past. Help preserve history by volunteering as a docent, with the educational program, gardening, cataloging, storytelling, events, and lectures. Join now at https://wpthistory.org/join-support/volunteer/.
New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center
Presenting the story of New Bedford’s fishing community to the world is the mission of New Bedford Heritage Center. They need help with welcoming and engaging visitors, reception, gift shop, educational programs, research, special events, and those in the industry to share their knowledge. If you would like to help visit https://fishingheritagecenter.org/get-involved/volunteer/.
Fairhaven Office of Tourism
Fairhaven has a rich history dating back to the days before its settling by colonists, Fairhaven Office of Tourism provides walking tours and historical programs to help cultivate local history. If you are confident speaking to groups in public, are able to communicate clearly, and are interested in local history being a walking tour guide may be the perfect opportunity for you.
Interested in becoming a volunteer tour guide? Email Chris Richard at fairhaventours@fairhaven-ma.gov or call him at (508)979-4085.
This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Volunteer opportunities in Fall River and New Bedford
