Volunteer Opportunities
Assistance League® of Mid Missouri
Upscale Resale Shop
1729 W Broadway, Suite 1A, Columbia, MO 65203
573-445-4803 (shop) 573-445-3848 (office)
Volunteer application: https://www.assistanceleague.org/mid-missouri/get-involved/join/
All proceeds from the Upscale Resale Shop go to support the Assistance League of Mid Missouri’s 10 philanthropic programs, which have goals ranging from providing grants to local teachers for enriching the classroom experience to supporting local victims of domestic abuse.
American Red Cross- Central & Northern Missouri Chapter
1511 S Providence Rd, Columbia, MO 65203
573-635-1132
Volunteer application: https://www.redcross.org/local/missouri/volunteer.html
The American Red Cross provides compassionate care to those in need through disaster relief; supporting America’s military families; lifesaving blood services; health and safety services; and international humanitarian work. The Heart of Missouri chapter covers 21 counties.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Missouri
4250 E Broadway #1067, Columbia, MO 65201
573-874-3677 Fax 573-874-3679
http://www.bigsofcentralmo.org/
Become a Big: https://www.bigsofcentralmo.org/beabig
Hours: 8 AM - 5 PM Monday through Friday
Services: Provides volunteers to mentor children in need of an adult role model. Mentors children of single parents or prisoners; children in Columbia Public Schools grades K-9 and in after school community centers; Teen works program mentor teen parents and older teens.
Eligibility: Age 6-14, single parent family, foster children, or children of incarcerated parents
Fees: None
Boone County History & Culture Center
3801 Ponderosa St, Columbia, MO 65201
573-443-8936
Hours: Wednesday - Saturday 10 AM to 5 PM
Volunteer Application: https://boonehistory.org/volunteer/
Several volunteer opportunities available, some of which are a daily-weekly need, while others are an occasional need. If you want to volunteer on a weekly basis (or at least twice a month), we could use help at the History & Culture Center's front desk or in the Henry "Hank" J. Waters III Digital Imaging Lab. If you are interested in volunteering only occasionally, we could use your help for special events such as the Blind Boone Piano Concert Series or Heritage Festival, with educational programs such as the Traveling Trunk, or as a docent for guided tours of our historic structures.
Camp Hickory Hill
5990 W Hatton Chapel Rd, Columbia, MO 65202
P.O. Box 1942, Columbia, MO 65205
573-445-9146
Camper and Staff Applications: http://camphickoryhill.com/camper-and-staff-applications
The camp’s mission is to teach children ages 7 to 17 who have juvenile diabetes how to manage and control their disease with help from their families and health providers. The camp is also a place where the campers find peer support. The cost of camp is prorated on family income and includes all medical personnel, counselors, and other staff, equipment, and medical supplies (including insulin), as well as the cost of all food, housing, program supplies, and any other needs of participants.
Central Missouri Community Action
800 N. Providence Road, Columbia, MO 65203
573-443-1100
Hours: 8 AM - 5 PM, Monday - Friday
Volunteer Application: https://cmca.us/get-involved/volunteer-opportunities/
Services: Head Start, Emergency Utility assistance for low-income families; Home Weatherization, ShowMe Healthy Relationships, Community Outreach, and volunteer opportunities.
Central Missouri Food Bank
2101 Vandiver Dr, Columbia, MO 65202
573-474-1020
volunteer@sharefoodbringhope.org
https://sharefoodbringhope.org/volunteer
Volunteer Application: https://www.cervistech.com/acts/console.php?console_id=0248&console_type=event
Volunteer Opportunities include the Volunteer Room, Central Pantry, Mobile Pantries, Delivery Drivers, Kids Helping Kids, SNAP volunteers, Ballard Youth Fellowship, school or court-ordered community service, group volunteer sessions, front desk, and special events.
The Food Bank’s Volunteer Room prepares food for distribution to partner agencies. Volunteers are needed to repack and relabel food, sort through donations, assemble boxes of food including our Senior Boxes, VIP Veteran Boxes, and Produce Boxes, and more. Volunteers must be 12 years of age or older to serve in our Volunteer Room. Volunteers who are 12-15 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
Central Pantry is The Food Bank’s main distribution center for people needing food assistance in Columbia. The pantry operates similar to a grocery store, and volunteers are needed to sort through donations, support distribution counters, clean frequently used areas, and more. Volunteers must be 16 years of age or older to serve at Central Pantry.
Central Missouri Humane Society
616 Big Bear Blvd, Columbia, MO 65202
573-443-7387 Fax 573-875-6155
Office Hours: 8 AM - 5 PM Monday through Friday
Adoption/Viewing Hours: Sunday 12 PM - 3 PM, M W F Sat 12 PM - 5 PM, T TH 12 PM - 6 PM
Stray Intake Hours: Mon - Sat 12 PM - 5 PM
Volunteer application: https://cmhspets.org/volunteer/
Services: Pet adoption counseling and placement of unwanted animals into new homes; lost/found animals; emergency rescue service for animals in distress or injured (no treatment); educational programs; low income/low cost spay and neuter program; all unwanted animals are accepted
Eligibility: None
Fees: Donation for adoption; rescue services fee; spay and neuter program for animals of persons who meet income requirements intake fee $20.00
Central Missouri Stop Human Trafficking Coalition
503 E. Nifong Blvd, Suite H, #206, Columbia, MO 65201
Hotline 888-373-7888 Helpline 866-590-5959
help@stophumantraffickingmo.com
www.stophumantraffickingmo.com
Volunteer application: https://stophumantraffickingmo.com/ways-to-get-involved/volunteer/
Hours: This volunteer-run organization has no regular office hours, but inquiries for information and services can be made as needed by calling or texting the toll-free number, or by email.
Services: Direct services to victims of human trafficking include financial assistance for urgent or unmet needs, advocacy, and support to connect with resources throughout their journey toward wholeness. Services also included education and training on human trafficking, available to any professional or civic group.
City of Columbia
701 E. Broadway, Columbia, MO 65201
573-874-2489
Hours: 8-5pm Monday through Friday
https://www.como.gov/volunteer/volunteer-opportunities/
email: volunteer@CoMo.gov
Current opportunities: Blue Thunder Track Club (needs assistant coaches), Douglass Youth Baseball League (needs coaches, umpires, and board members), Lunch in the Park, Household Hazardous Waste Collections, Missouri Conservation Corps, Family Fun Fests, Armory classes, Litter team cleanups, Board and Commission.
City of Refuge
10 N Garth Ave, Columbia, MO 65203
573-454-1552
https://cityofrefugecolumbia.org/
Volunteer link: https://cityofrefugecolumbia.org/get-involved/volunteer/
City of Refuge serves the refugee and immigrant families in our community with a variety of unique services that fall under three broader categories: basic needs fulfillment, counseling, and professional development. City of Refuge offers free counseling services to refugee men, women, and children. Nearly every refugee has experienced trauma to some degree, and this service is vital to helping many recover and move forward with their lives. These services are provided by licensed counselors with experience interacting with refugees and PTSD-related trauma. Many refugees and immigrants come from backgrounds that don’t necessarily translate over to the work that is available in Mid-Missouri. In order to help the refugees and immigrants in our community thrive, we offer services to help them develop professionally. From how to apply for jobs to learning tangible, marketable skills, we teach them so that they can find work, support their families, and become successful members of our community.
Volunteer Opportunities include: Homework Helpers, English Buddy Program, Front Desk, City Boutique & Donation Sorting, Artisan Studio, Pregnancy Partner, Community Events.
Columbia Second Chance
24687 Highway 179, Boonville, MO 65233
660-882-5050
https://www.columbia2ndchance.org/volunteer
Second Chance would not exist if it were not for our wonderful volunteers. You will find them at any given time playing vital roles in every aspect of the organization, including animal care, fostering, fundraising, working adoption events, and taking care of all of the needs of our furry friends. If you love animals and have the time and energy to give, please consider helping out. If interested, please attend our next required orientation (dates can be found on our calendar or Facebook) or email us at operations@columbia2ndchance.org.
Opportunities include: fostering an animal, working with cats, working in adoption center, working at an off-site adoption event, taking pictures of adoptable animals, office help, and education ambassador.
CoMo Mobile Aid Collective
Volunteer: https://comomobileaid.org/support/
Providing direct aid and immediate assistance to unsheltered friends in Columbia, Missouri. Powered by volunteers and donations. Proudly serve any individual in any stage of homelessness.
Columbia Senior Activity Center
1121 Business Loop 70 E, Columbia, MO 65201
573-874-2050
https://www.comoseniorcenter.org/
columbiaseniorcenter0@gmail.com
Columbia Senior Activity Center (CSAC), is a not-for-profit Corporation organized under the laws of the State of Missouri whose purpose is to provide facilities and activities for persons living in the area, age 50 or over, and who desire to meet and interact with persons approximately the same age, and share the same interests. Its mission is to aid in establishing activities to promote senior citizens in maintaining a lifestyle of independence and personal growth.
CSAC offers a lunch program geared to the needs of the senior age population. No discrimination as to race, color, creed or economic status will be tolerated. CSAC acknowledges, to the extent its facilities and staff of volunteers will allow, that it shall support all seniors so that they might enjoy and maintain a full and favorable life.
Columbia Center for Urban Agriculture
P.O. Box 1742, Columbia, MO 65205 (mailing)
1769 W Ash St, Columbia, MO 65203 (Columbia's Agriculture Park)
1209 Smith St. Columbia, MO 65201 (Veterans Urban Farm)
700 N Providence Rd, Columbia, MO, 65201 (Kilgore's Community Garden)
573-514-4174
Volunteer application: https://www.columbiaurbanag.org/volunteer
The Opportunity Garden program provides low-income families and schools with the resources to grow a personal backyard garden and a three-year mentorship program. The larger Columbia community is served through tours, educational programming, workshops, potlucks, farm and gardening volunteer opportunities, internships, environmental landscaping and public advocacy.
Columbia Public Schools - Community Relations
1818 W. Worley Columbia, MO 65203
573-214-3960
Volunteer Info: https://www.cpsk12.org/Page/11330
Services: Partners In Education program; volunteers for grades pre-K to 12; district communications; and community programs
Eligibility: Community volunteers must complete an application and background check
Intake Procedures: Phone or e-mail for information
Required Documentation for Services: Volunteers: application and background check
Geographic Area Served: Columbia Public Schools area
Fee: Free of charge
Coyote Hill Foster Care Services
1209 E Walnut St, Columbia, MO 65201
573-874-0179
Volunteer Application: https://coyotehill.org/ways-to-help/
Coyote Hill Foster Care Services exists to provide exemplary training and support to foster parents in order to provide a safe and stable environment for children coming into care. Our Family Advocates walk through life with you in your foster care journey. Contact our team to learn more about becoming a foster parent or getting training and support.
Daniel Boone Regional Library
100 W Broadway, Columbia, MO 65201
Hours: 9:00am-9:00pm Monday-Thursday, 9:00am-6:00pm Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm Saturday, 1:00pm-5:00pm Sunday
573-443-3161 Fax 573-499-0191
contact https://www.dbrl.org/contact
https://www.facebook.com/yourdbrl/
Volunteer Opportunities: https://www.dbrl.org/employment/volunteer
Services: The library provides computers for word processing, checking your email and accessing the internet. There is no charge to use these computers, but you need an active Daniel Boone Regional Library card or a guest card (for patrons who live outside the service area). The library’s computers are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Free access to books, audiobooks, magazines, music CDs, newspapers, DVDs, electronic resources and other library material; ESL and Spanish language materials; consumer and government information; telephone and e-mail reference information; public access computers; story times for children; summer reading program for children, teens and adults; One Read community reading program; events and classes for children, teens and adults; tours; bookmobile service to rural communities, neighborhoods and licensed child care centers; home and nursing home visits for homebound persons; liaison with Wolfner Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped; eBooks, audiobooks, magazines, comic books, streaming music, TV shows & movies, continuing education classes, genealogy resources, yearbook archive and other online resources
Fee: None
Eligibility: Open to citizens of Boone and Callaway Counties
Intake Procedures: Call Outreach Department for mail, bookmobile, and shut-in service; walk-in or phone for other services
Required Documentation for Services: Proof of residency required for library card, some services available without a library card (reference services, magazines & newspapers, tax forms, etc.) Adults can apply online: www.dbrl.org/library-card-application
Geographic Area Served: Boone, Callaway Counties; Locations: Columbia, Ashland, Fulton
Foreign Languages Spoken: Spanish is spoken by some staff
Other Names/Acronyms: Columbia Public Library
First Chance for Children
1002 Fay St, Columbia, MO 65201
573-777-1815
http://www.firstchanceforchildren.org/
Volunteer Application: https://firstchanceforchildren.org/volunteer/
First Chance for Children provides a wide range of comprehensive programming designed to support families with their specific parenting needs. From diapers and cribs, to parent education, play groups, and more, First Chance for Children has a service for all families with children under the age of 5. Together, we can ensure all children are ready for school, ready for life.
Safe C.R.I.B.S., which stands for Community Resources, Infant Beds, and Support, provides infants without a safe place to sleep a pack and play crib. The crib is delivered to the family and is followed by 5 additional home visits focusing on family wellbeing and child safety. CRIBS is open to low-income families or those experiencing high parenting stress
Baby Bags provides diapers, wipes, hygiene items, and other supplies needed to provide care and comfort to children delivered along with Child development and safety information. Items are available at the First Chance office or through one of our partner programs.
Lend and Learn Libraries are a free, fun place where parents can play with their children ages 0-5, interact with other parents, and ask trained staff questions about development or other concerns. Toys are available for check out so families can extend learning and play at home. Eligibility: open to anyone caring for a child under the age of 5.
Baby U is a home visiting program supporting families with their specific parenting needs. Using the Nurturing Parenting and Parents as Teachers models, staff walk alongside families with children prenatally through the first semester of kindergarten providing resources, education, and support. Eligibility: Baby U is open to low-income families or those experiencing high parenting stress
Geographic Area Served: Boone, Howard, Cooper, Randolph, Audrain, Callaway, Moniteau, Cole, and Osage Counties.
Food Bank for Central and Northwest Missouri
2101 Vandiver Dr, Columbia, MO 65202
573-474-6620
volunteer@sharefoodbringhope.org
Volunteer Application: http://sharefoodbringhope.org/volunteer/
To volunteer at The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri as an individual or family of four or under, complete the form on our website. If you need to volunteer for court-ordered or school disciplinary community service, you must contact volunteer@sharefoodbringhope.org.
Grade A Plus
PO Box 30843, Columbia, MO 65205
573-213-6095
Volunteer Application: https://www.gradeaplusinc.org/enrollment-applications
Community Volunteers come from all walks of life to help within each program of Grade A Plus, Inc. From being a community reader to helping with food and transportation to giving presentations on their expertise, these volunteers become the bridge between the students and their surrounding community. Community volunteers model to youth how to live as thoughtful members of society through actions that positively impact the well-being of all people. These volunteers are particularly helpful in assisting the administrative tasks of the program. This includes and is not limited to fundraising, Executive Advisory Committee development, and summer programming.
Graduate and Undergraduate College students interested in academic tutoring, enrichment leadership, or youth mentoring may apply to join the team for the 2022-2023 school year. Grade A Plus, Inc. serves as a host site for college students enrolled in Field Experience and Service Learning courses at the University of Columbia - Missouri. Additionally, students may apply to be a HERO leader after serving one term with the program. As many institutions of higher education reside in Columbia, MO, Grade A Plus, Inc. believes that supporting the endeavors of emerging adults is a critical component in building community. Students may build skills in academic support and enrichment, strategic marketing, data and grant development, human development, and community programming.
Habitat for Humanity- Show Me Central
1305 Business Loop 70 E, Columbia, MO 65201
573-499-1202
https://www.showmehabitat.org/
Volunteer Info: https://www.showmehabitat.org/volunteer
Offers volunteer opportunities for almost any schedule. Regular volunteers are really important to our success. They allow for better planning and require less direction over time. We don't expect perfect attendance but people who can commit to general days, times, or projects are a blessing. For example, you may wish to work every first Friday of the month. If you would like to regularly volunteer, please email volunteer@showmehabitat.com or call 573-499-1202. Let the person you speak with know you are interested in regularly volunteering. Below are three of the primary opportunities we have for regular volunteering.
Day Crew Build Team
The Day Crew Build Team is a group of regular volunteers. The team is a club of sorts. Most of the volunteers started because they wanted to do something positive in their retirement, but they stayed because of the friends they made. Anyone can join, and no building experience is required. The only requirement is that you volunteer regularly. The group works Wednesday-Saturday 8:030am-4pm. We can offer a morning (8:30-12) shift or an afternoon shift (12:30-4) if you prefer to work a half day.
Box Truck Driver
We need regular drivers to go out and pick up items being donated to us. No special license is required. The truck is an automatic and drives like a small camper. Most days we provide muscle to go with you and we don't ask you to pick up anything that is too heavy. There is always tomorrow.
ReStore
Office and ReStore volunteers are welcome during normal business hours. We need people to answer phones, work cash registers, unload donations, sort, organize, and answer customer questions.
Harry S. Truman Memorial Veteran's Hospital
800 Hospital Dr, Columbia, MO 65201
573-814-6000 ext. 52538
Volunteer Info: https://www.va.gov/columbia-missouri-health-care/work-with-us/volunteer-or-donate/
Truman VA in Columbia, Missouri, serves 43 counties in Missouri as well as Pike County, Illinois, and is one of seven medical center facilities in the VA Heartland Network, a Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN). Truman VA provides a full continuum of care in both inpatient and outpatient settings and is committed to excellent patient care, education and research. The facility offers comprehensive care including primary care, medical and surgical specialties, behavioral health, physical and occupational therapy and pharmacy services.
Must call Volunteer Services 573-814-6000 ext. 52538 to receive more information and schedule an interview. Must agree to a background check.
Heart of Missouri CASA
105 E Ash St, Suite 102, Columbia, MO 65201
573-442-4670
Become a CASA: https://www.homcasa.org/volunteer/become-a-casa/
Volunteer Application: https://mo-heartofmissouri.evintosolutions.com/VolunteerApplication
CASA volunteers spend quality time with the children you are assigned, communicate with the children, their parents, relatives, teachers, doctors, counselors, caregivers and anyone else involved in the child’s life, review the children’s case files, gather and document information, formulate recommendations, in the form of a court report, on what is in the best interest of the children and submit court reports and present your recommendations to the judge in the courtroom.
CASA volunteers come from every walk of life and share a commitment to improving children’s lives, a willingness to learn and an open mind towards life experiences different from their own. No special education, experience or background is needed.
Heart of Missouri United Way
105 E Ash, Suite 300, Columbia, MO 65203
573-443-4523
Volunteer Info: https://volunteer.uwheartmo.org/
Our community wins by Living United: By responding to changing community needs. By forging strategic partnerships and fostering effective solutions to tackle local issues. By harnessing the best resources and inspiring others to join the fight in defeating barriers to basic needs, health, education, and financial stability.
Love Columbia
1209 E Walnut St, Columbia, MO 65201
573-256-7662
Volunteer Info: https://lovecolumbia.org/volunteer
Hours: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM Monday - Friday
Though crisis is what brings many people to Love Columbia, we concentrate on long-term poverty solutions. All our successful clients say that relationships with volunteers and staff were the reasons they didn’t give up. In fact, nearly everyone who has made the transition from poverty to sustainability points to a person who believed and invested in them. Loving our neighbors means getting close to people. It means walking in faith, knowing that God will lead the way as we help each other. Volunteering can mean sorting clothing at The Love Seat, helping someone learn how to budget, or repairing bicycles so someone has transportation to get to their job. Sometimes you work with many people; sometimes it’s just you, God, and a person who wants to grow.
Volunteer Opportunities: Administrative Office, The Love Seat, Short-term Coaching, Long-term Coaching, Host a Drive, Group Activities
Meals on Wheels of Columbia
800 Hospital Dr, Columbia, MO 65201
573-886-7554
https://mealsonwheelscolumbia.org/
Volunteer Application: https://mealsonwheelscolumbia.org/volunteer/
Deliver hot nutritious meals Monday through Friday. Additional cold supper or frozen weekend meals are available. Special diets available.
After completing an application and virtual training, volunteers arrive to pick up meals for delivery on their scheduled day at 10:45 AM and are usually finished by 12:30 PM. Must have a valid driver's license and complete a background check.
Mid-Missouri Peaceworks
804 E Broadway, Suite C, Columbia, MO 65201
573-875-0539
http://blog.midmopeaceworks.org/
https://www.facebook.com/MidMoPeaceworks/
Volunteer Opportunities: http://blog.midmopeaceworks.org/p/peace-nook.html
Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. (M – Sat); Noon – 6:00 p.m. (Sun)
Services: Center for Sustainable Living (CSL): information on environmentally friendly lifestyle choices, Sustainable Living Fair, Earth Day, classes and speakers; Peaceworks Peace and Justice Advocacy: education and advocacy including classes and speakers on peace and justice issues; Peaceworks’ Energy and Climate Policy Advocacy; Peace Nook: nonprofit bookstore, Fair Trade store and community resource center; Blue Planet: a natural food buying club/
Email or call to schedule times to volunteer.
Missouri Department of Conservation
Regional Office for Boone County
3500 E Gans Rd., Columbia MO 65201
573-815-7900
Volunteer Info: https://mdc.mo.gov/contact-engage/volunteering
Do you have a passion for the outdoors? MDC offers flexible volunteer opportunities for individuals who want to educate others about Missouri’s fish, forest, and wildlife resources. If you enjoy teaching others about the natural world, then you should volunteer at conservation nature centers and interpretive sites. Volunteers at shooting ranges and outdoor education centers provide a safe and educational experience for hunters to improve their skills. Fishing education volunteer instructors help beginning anglers gain the skills and confidence to go fishing on their own. Your favorite conservation area may have volunteer opportunities. Projects include tree planting, habitat restoration, species monitoring, wildflower seed collection, and trail building. Contact your local regional office for more information.
Rainbow House
1611 Towne Dr, Columbia, MO 65202
573-474-6600 ext. 14
ecrane@rainbowhousecolumbia.org
https://rainbowhousecolumbia.org/
Volunteer Application: https://www.rainbowhousecolumbia.org/get-involved/volunteer/
Opportunities include:
Assist with office work
Assist in meal preparation & clean up
Serve as a positive role model/mentor
Assist with deep cleaning & organizing
Assist with activities & recreation
Provide tutoring & homework assistance
Sort and organize donations & clothing
Assist staff with housekeeping chores
Assist staff in direct care of children
Room at the Inn
1509 Ashley, Columbia MO 65202
PO Box 272, Columbia, MO 65205
https://www.facebook.com/columbiaRATI
A warm and safe place to sleep during the winter months. Room At The Inn is a winter warming shelter operated as a collaboration between the local congregations of Columbia. We are a dedicated group of volunteers who care deeply for the people in this community, especially those in need. When the cold winter months come, the various partner congregations come together and ensure that the local homeless population has a warm, safe, and comfortable place to stay. The On-Site Managers are responsible for overseeing evening and overnight operations at the host site including supervision of both guests and volunteer staff.
Ronald McDonald House of Mid-Missouri
1000 W Nifong Blvd, Building 5, Suite 110, Columbia, MO 65203
573-443-7666
Volunteers are the heart of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mid-Missouri, helping us provide comfort and support to guest families at our House. With a small full-time staff, we are dependent on volunteers who are compassionate, dedicated and sensitive to the needs of our families.
Pack Sack Lunches for Families at the Hospital
Every Tuesday and Friday, approximately 60 sack lunches are packed for families with children in the NICU, PICU and Pediatric units at MU Health Care’s Women’s Hospital and MU Health Care’s Children’s Hospital. The complimentary lunches provide families a meal right in the hospital, without parents having to leave their child’s bedside. Your support helps nourish and recharge family members so they can be strong for their ill or injured children.
To volunteer, find an available date on the calendar below and complete the form to sign up your group of 4-6 volunteers. All lunch ingredients are provided. Just bring your helping hands to American Legion located at 3669 Legion Lane, Columbia, MO 65201, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on your volunteer date! We are grateful to the American Legion for welcoming us during construction of our new Ronald McDonald House. For more information, go to: https://rmhcmidmo.org/lunch-on-the-house/.
Salvation Army
1108 W Ash, Columbia, MO 65203
573-442-3229 618-451-7957
Hours: 9:00am - noon, 1pm - 4:00 pm(M-F)
Volunteer Opportunities: https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/midland/columbia/volunteer/
Volunteers can serve in the Thrift Store, administrative office, youth after school programs, food pantry, emergency disaster services, bell ringing (holiday season), etc.
Services for Independent Living
1401 Hathman Pl, Columbia, MO 65201
573-874-1646
Hours: 8 AM - 5:00 PM (M-F)
Volunteer Opportunities: https://www.silcolumbia.org/volunteer
Services for Independent Living (SIL) is a non-profit Center for Independent Living that promotes independence for persons with disabilities, seniors, and veterans by following the Independent Living Philosophy. We provide five core services: Advocacy, Independent Living Skills, Information & Referral, Peer Support, and Transition.
Volunteers can serve in educational sessions, group projects, internships, and senior connect.
Sleep In Heavenly Peace
844-432-BEDS (2337)
Volunteer Info: https://shpbeds.org/volunteer/
Sleep in Heavenly Peace is where it is today because of the passionate volunteers who believe in the mission of getting kids off the floor and into beds. In exchange for just a few hours of your time, you can make a direct, permanent impact in the quality of life for dozens, if not hundreds and maybe even thousands of kids in your community. We’re always looking for volunteers to build bunks, go on bed deliveries, be vocal advocates for our mission, and start new SHP chapters in unserved communities.
State Historical Society of Missouri
605 Elm St, Columbia, MO 65201
573-882-1187
Volunteer Info: https://shsmo.org/support/volunteer
Members, patrons, and friends of SHSMO are invited to join the volunteer service program! Friendly, energetic individuals who enjoy meeting people and working with the public can help in a number of ways. Volunteer opportunities include greeting visitors at the welcome desk, making copies for patrons and staff, data entry, and assisting staff with a variety of tasks. Volunteers receive thorough training prior to undertaking an assignment. Volunteering at SHSMO is a great opportunity to meet new people and make new friends while furthering SHSMO’s services and mission. Volunteers receive recognition and service awards for hours and length of service and are invited to join in Society social activities. Interested in volunteer opportunities? Contact SHSMO at (573) 882-1187 or by e-mail at research@shsmo.org. Please be sure to include your name, address, city, state, and phone number.
The Center Project
805 Fairview Ave, Columbia, MO 65201
573-449-1188
https://www.facebook.com/thecenterproject/
Volunteer application: https://centerproject.org/volunteer/
Hours: 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. (M-T) – check website for other hours; voice messages can be left at any time at 573-449-1188
Services: Social activities and support groups for gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans, queer, questioning, and ally residents of Mid-Missouri, meeting space for other LGBTQIA+ and ally organizations.
Fee: Free except for some fundraising and educational activities
Eligibility: All gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans, queer, questioning, and ally residents of Mid-Missouri
Geographic Area Served: Mid-Missouri (Boone and the seven surrounding counties)
True False Film Fest
5 S 9th St, Suite 205, Columbia, MO 65201
573-442-8783
Volunteer Info: https://truefalse.org/volunteer/
Volunteer Application: https://volunteer.truefalse.org/event-20/
True/False is an annual festival in Columbia, Missouri, USA, which strives to celebrate the best of international nonfiction. T/F brings together filmmakers, artists, and musicians to create an immersive and communal experience focused on cinema constructed from reality.
Taking place over a long weekend, the mid-sized college town of Columbia is remade into a one-of-a-kind utopia with screenings, live music and art installations. The transformative, rambunctious, ecstatic experience of T/F creates a cathartic journey that invites participants to do nothing less than to re-imagine reality.
Creative placemaking means the festival develops the talents and focuses the energy of the region. We seek out the most creative, energetic people and then give them the tools to transform the downtown core of Columbia, both indoors and out. When the festival remakes ordinary spaces into magical, temporary spots, it inspires attendees from both near and far. T/F showcases downtown Columbia and its potential by welcoming in the wider international community.
This is an extraordinarily vital time for nonfiction filmmaking as an artistic form. Our goal is to forge a supportive, celebratory refuge for filmmakers and amplify the possibilities of creative nonfiction. True/False exists in a permeable, in-between land – bounded by fiction and nonfiction, but also bridging cultures and disciplines. Within that space, we encourage an atmosphere of innovation and excitement, free of the heat and stress of the market. Herein are the ingredients for a revolutionary new alloy, the future of an urgent art.
The 2024 festival will take place between February 29 – March 3.
True North of Columbia
P.O. Box 1367, Columbia, MO 65205
Office 573-875-0503
Fax: 573-875-0518
Open 24 hours daily
http://truenorthofcolumbia.org/
Volunteer Info: https://truenorthofcolumbia.org/volunteer/
Volunteer Opportunities:
Children’s Services: Volunteers help provide much needed on-site childcare for the women living in shelter or accessing our services. Volunteers can play games, read stories, create art plus many more activities while their mother may be in a counseling session, meeting with their case manager, or just enjoying some peace and quiet. Volunteers are needed 7 days a week in the morning, afternoon and evening.
Hospital Advocates: The hospital advocate is an on- call volunteer position. When a victim of domestic or sexual violence seeks help at any Columbia hospital, True North is responsible for sending an advocate out to meet with that person. The volunteer is responsible for responding to the hospital within 30 minutes of receiving the call to provide comfort, support, crisis intervention and safety planning to survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
Residential Assistants: Volunteers primarily provide much needed on-site assistance answering our 24/7 crisis hotline and assisting victims prepare paper work to obtain an ex-parte (Order of Protection). This paperwork is very detailed and critical information and can take from one hour to several hours to complete depending on the situation. Residential Assistants may also help with other office duties at the Shelter as needed.
Special Projects: Throughout the year we host and attend special events including fairs, supply drives and tabling events that we need assistance with. Volunteers help ensure the success of these events by helping with set up/clean up, greeting participants, collecting and or organizing donations. We utilize volunteers for administrative office support as well.
Becoming a Volunteer:
Our volunteers are required to complete a core training followed by additional specialized training(s) before providing services. This training is conducted twice each year. When you fill out an application it will be kept on file and you will be notified when the next training is scheduled.
To begin the process to become a True North volunteer, please complete and return the volunteer application and background screening form. The nonrefundable $40 registration fee for administrative and material costs is due prior to the first day of training.
You can email completed application to: BrianG@truenorthofcolumbia.org.
Or you can mail completed application to:
True North
Attn: Volunteer Training
PO Box 1367
Columbia, MO 65205
University of Missouri Health Care
Office of Volunteer Services
1 Hospital Drive, DC013.0, Columbia, MO 65212
573-882-4714 (phone)
573-823-6568 (text)
umhsvolunteersvcs@health.missouri.edu
https://www.muhealth.org/giving/ways-to-give/volunteer
We welcome volunteers of all ages, from teens to senior citizens. Due to the costs associated with vetting applicants, we do not currently accept community service, short-term or group/family volunteers. Instead, our volunteer program is focused on the placement of vetted individual volunteers who can regularly serve in order to best help staff meet patient and family needs.
Opportunities include: Friendly Visitors, Clerical Assistant, Emergency Department, Ambassador, Gift Shop Assistant, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Baby Holder, Wags Therapy Dog Program
Voluntary Action Center (VAC)
403A Vandiver Dr, Columbia, MO 65202
573-874-2273 Fax 573-874-9172
https://www.facebook.com/vacboone/
Call to inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Services Provided: Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - noon & 1 - 4 p.m. Appointments only on Tues, and Thurs. Walk-ins Mon, Wed, and Fri.
SERVICES: Financial Assistance with: Missouri Birth Certificates, Photo IDs, Prescriptions, Medical and Dental Copayments, Food Handler Cards required by employer, Baby Formula for WIC clients, Gas for work and medical appointments, Work Uniforms required for new employment, Car Repair for employed individuals, Rent and Motel Assistance (based on availability and grant guidelines)
In-Kind Assistance: Emergency Food, Hygiene Products, Feminine Hygiene Products, Household Cleaning Products, Diapers and Wipes, Go COMO Bus Tickets, Clothing Vouchers, Safe Kids Car Seat Vouchers
Seasonal Programs: Homes for Computers (school-age children), Window Air Conditioner Exchange, Summer Fans, Lunch in the Park (summer lunch for school-age children), Back to School Health Fair (school supplies for school-age children), Warm Up Columbia (winter clothing), Holiday Program (holiday gifts and meals)
ELIGIBILITY: Client must be a current Boone County resident and gross income for everyone living at the Address must be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.