Recovery Real Talk: In Service

Service work is an important part of recovery – from our 12th step of carrying the AA message to our fellows, preparing the meeting coffee at your in-person AA or NA meeting, volunteering to read a passage at an online meeting to doing work for organizations in our communities. With so many ways to help, where do we begin?

For many of us, finding an organization to volunteer our time can be overwhelming. Some things to consider when you are thinking about what type of service you would be able to commit to are 1. How much time do I have to “donate” to an organization and 2. What organization/need am I most passionate about?

To help you find opportunities where you can spend your time, talent and/or treasure, below is a list of organizations that are seeking service.

Humane Society – sadly lots of our four-legged friends are being surrendered during the pandemic and your local Humane Society is in need of volunteers to help care for these furry friends. Visit humanesociety.org to get connected to a Humane Society in your area.

Habitat for Humanity – Not only can you help fundraise or build a home for those deserving first home buyers, Habitat also runs a restore. So as you are cleaning out your house or working on projects, ReStores take donations of extra building supplies and furniture. For more information check out habitat.org.

Feeding America – neighbors throughout our communities need assistance with their next meal or stocking their shelves. To get involved with your local pantry or to make a donation visit feedingamerica.org.

Meals on Wheels – every senior neighbor deserves to age with dignity and be free of the fear of where their next meal will come from. Meals on Wheels allows volunteers to drop off meals to seniors – giving them not only a hot dish but also connection to the volunteers who deliver. To find opportunities to get involved check out mealsonwheelsamerica.org.

Tutoring children through Vello connects professionals with second graders for 1:1 live tutoring through their network to grow their reading capabilities – and it is all virtual! Getting started is quick and easy – so the turn time to get started is minimal.

For more opportunities of service in your area check out Volunteer Match – they have a wonderful database that can be sorted by area, desired interest and by virtual or in-person volunteer experiences.