Volunteer portal to offer 12 unique service opportunities to help build a #StrongerMiami

United Way of Miami-Dade will host a variety of volunteer opportunities benefiting the community in honor of National Volunteer Week, April 6-13. Winston Churchill once said, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” By giving a little of their time to volunteer, Miamians will have the opportunity to create meaningful change, inspire others, meet new people and make lasting memories. To learn more and register, visit www.unitedwaymiami.org/2019nationalvolunteerweek. Each project calls for a specific number of volunteers, hence the list will close once it reaches capacity. Children are welcome to participate, but must be accompanied by an adult.

“April is all about engaging through service,” said Ana VeigaMilton, president and CEO, José Milton Foundation, and chair of United Way of Miami-Dade’s engagement committee. “We are so proud to bring diverse volunteer opportunities to our friends and neighbors, as National Volunteer Week serves as the perfect prelude to April 24, when United Way will kick-off its 95th birthday with additional service projects in collaboration with four local agencies that have been partners since 1924.”

Research shows that volunteering not only provides positive benefits to the community, but also to the volunteers themselves. Volunteering is believed to help build new skills and relationships, give a sense of purpose, reduce stress and help individuals stay physically and mentally active according to the Mayo Clinic Health System. To help build a stronger Miami and benefit from making a difference, join one of the volunteer projects hosted by United Way. All events are open to the public; please see details below.

• On Saturday, April 6, United Way kicks off National Volunteer Week at the ARC of South Florida in Florida City. Volunteers will help paint facility buildings, organize classrooms and plant a garden. The ARC of South Florida, a United Way-funded agency, provides services to children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Sign-up to volunteer here.

• On April 9, United Way will partner with Mind&Melody, Inspire305’s Trailblazer Award winner, to host Senior Day of Excellence. Volunteers will transform the lives of older adults experiencing dementia by assisting in an hour-long music session and engaging with older adults through socialization activities. Sign-up to volunteer here.

• April 10 Volunteer Opportunities:
  • United Way will host Imagination Day to spark children’s creativity. Volunteers will spend time with children to create something new with the use of a simple cardboard box and other recycled materials. Three locations are available. Sign-up to volunteer here.
  • United Way will host Hands in For Paws and Purrs with Miami-Dade County Animal Services. Volunteers will have the opportunity to learn about pet care and make new furry friends as they assist with shelter needs while making a positive impact in the lives of animals. Sign-up to volunteer here.

• April 11 Volunteer Opportunities:
  • United Way will partner with Redlands Christian Migrant Association (RCMA) to create a lending library for children and families to use. Volunteers will help build furniture, decorate a room and read to children at the school. RCMA, a United Way-funded agency, is an early child development center in Homestead dedicated to providing childcare and early education to the children of immigrant families ranging from 6 weeks to 5 years old. Sign-up to volunteer here.
  • United Way and the Jewish Volunteer Center come together for Painting with a Purpose. Help create a multipurpose room at Alper JCC Early Childhood Center by painting, creating a sensory wall, building furniture and organizing the room. The Alper JCC Early Childhood Program serves infants from 8 weeks old to children in Pre-K. Sign-up to volunteer here.

• April 12 Volunteer Opportunities:
  • United Way and Easterseals, a United Way-funded agency, will host Intergenerational Sensory Garden where volunteers will create a sensory-friendly garden focused on sight, sound, smell, touch and relaxation for children and older adults. Easterseals serves children, young adults and frail elders with disabilities. Sign-up to volunteer here.
  • United Way hosts a second volunteer opportunity with Mind&Melody, Inspire305’s Trailblazer Award winner, to host Senior Day of Excellence. Volunteers will transform the lives of older adults experiencing dementia by assisting in an hour-long music session and engaging with older adults through socialization activities. Sign-up to volunteer here.
  • United Way will host The Miami Bridge Enhancement Project. Volunteers will plant and help beautify a mediation pit and volleyball court to make the space more secure and appealing for youth, staff and families who benefit from the Emergency youth shelter. Miami Bridge Community Base Service is known as First Stop For Families. The program is designed to provide services that help youth ages 6 – 17 years old and their families stay together providing short-term family crisis intervention services. Sign-up to volunteer here.

• On April 13, National Volunteer Week will close with The volunteer project celebrates Biscayne Bay and its significance as one of South Florida’s most important ecological systems. Volunteers will help clean up and preserve the waterfront at Shake-A-Leg. For 28 years, Shake-A-Leg has utilized the marine environment to improve the overall lifestyle of individuals with physical, developmental and economic challenges in an inclusive community setting. Sign-up to volunteer here.

• Stay tuned to VolunteerMiami.org, powered by United Way of Miami-Dade, for opportunities to join United Way, the YWCA, YMCA, Red Cross and Jewish Community Services as we celebrate 95 years of working together on April 24.

For more information about volunteering opportunities during National Volunteer Week, please visit www.unitedwaymiami.org/2019nationalvolunteerweek and pick your project to start creating meaningful change.