Cleveland has so many organizations that are out there to help others. I took the time to research these organizations and see what they are doing to help support the Greater Cleveland area.
First I looked into a group called Minds Matter. They are an organization that helps high school students from low income families achieve academic excellence and gain admission into college. The Cleveland chapter was founded in 2008 and they have over 120 volunteers. Students that they have helped have improved in writing, critical thinking, math and SAT scores. 100 percent of students helped gained admission into summer college programs.
Cleveland.com is a local online newspaper that always provides a wealth of information to Clevelanders and when it comes to volunteering they do that as well. If you visit http://www.cleveland.com/volunteer/ you can find all kinds of great opportunities for anyone and everyone.
Greater Cleveland Volunteers has been around for over 40 years and recruit individuals 18 and over to serve over 150 non-profit organizations. They actually work with you and based on your interests, skills and of course time available, help you find rewarding experiences and recognize your service to the community.
HandsOn Northeast Ohio is an organization that was founded in 2007 and want to engage Northeastern Ohio individuals and organization in volunteer opportunities to serve the community and strengthen community involvement along with build up non-profit work.
Business Volunteers Unlimited is an organization that helps both businesses and not for profit organizations in many different capacities. They try to actually work with the non-profit organizations to build up their volunteer base, as well as consult on board building and management for groups that have that need. BVU engages businesses, employers and members of the community-at-large to help strengthen all areas of volunteering.
Positively Cleveland is the convention and visitors bureau for Cleveland, Ohio and is an amazing force to draw volunteers out for their organization and all they do. If you are interested in food, theater or anything touristy in Cleveland, they are the place to go. If you have a passion for Cleveland, you can learn more and share your knowledge with the visitors to their state of the art facility on East Fourth.
The Cleveland Foodbank is always in need of volunteers. They are the primary food bank in the Greater Cleveland area and accepts groups, individuals and organizations to apply in assisting in their services they provide. In 2011 they utilized over 10,000 volunteers, this saved them from hiring 26 full time staff members with salary and benefits in order to take that million dollars and put it back into the community and share some outstanding services to thousands of people.
University Hospitals Health System is a major hospital system here in Cleveland, Ohio and they are always looking for volunteers for so many different areas in the hospital from pediatrics, geriatrics, teen volunteers and pet pals.
Lastly, I located the Cleveland Metroparks who offer fun, educational and diverse opportunities for individuals over the age of 16 throughout the park. There are community group needs, student and scout groups are welcome to assist as well as school groups.
There are so many ways for men, women and children to volunteer in the Cleveland area and make a difference, just look at your place of worship, school or local community organizations, you will surely find a place for your time and talents.
