Residents of northeast Indiana are known for their generous spirit and willingness to lend a hand to a neighbor in need. Numerous organizations offer opportunities to volunteer:
The following organizations serve multiple northeast Indiana counties:
The American Red Cross of Northeast Indiana serves numerous counties, including Allen, DeKalb, Noble, Steuben, Wabash, Wells and Whitley.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Indiana connects children with adult role models who provide understanding and commit to a long-lasting relationship.
Catholic Charities (Fort Wayne-South Bend Diocese) provides information about volunteer opportunities throughout northeast Indiana, with service projects ranging from youth mentoring to refugee resettlement.
The Community Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Indiana is the largest food bank in Indiana, distributing 10 million pounds of donated, surplus food annually, and community volunteers logged more than 12,000 hours of service in 2007.
Junior Achievement of Northeast Indiana volunteers teach approximately 92,000 K-12 students in 25 counties about entrepreneurship, work readiness and financial literacy.
The Nature Conservancy relies on the support of those who are interested in helping the environment and working with others who share their passion for nature.
United Way brings together volunteers to meet residents’ needs and help find solutions to community problems:
United Way of Adams County
United Way of Noble County
Steuben County United Way
United Way of DeKalb County
United Way of Huntington County
United Way of Wells County
United Way of Whitley County
VolunteerMatch strengthens offers a variety of online services to support a community of nonprofit, volunteer and business leaders committed to civic engagement. Search by community name or ZIP code to find local volunteer opportunities.
Below you'll find a sampling of volunteer opportunities in our 10-county region. If you would like more information on volunteering oppportunities in any of the counties below, please contact the
local community foundation.
Adams County
Adams County Literary Council
The American Red Cross-Adams County Chapter relies heavily on volunteers who serve in a variety of capacities.
Allen County
The Allen County Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (CASA) Program recruits and provides extensive training for volunteer advocates to assist abused and neglected children. CASA advocates investigate cases; assure that children’s needs are met during legal proceedings; and assist children with navigating the complex child welfare system.
Fort Wayne Habitat for Humanity helps to eliminate poverty housing by building new homes or sometimes rehabilitating existing ones; these homes are then sold – at no profit and with no interest – to partner families.
The Literacy Alliance provides services for adults through programs such as one-on-one tutoring, learning centers, family literacy and its Read To Me program. Story Friend volunteers foster a love of reading by reading stories to children in daycare centers and medical clinic waiting rooms.
NeighborLink Fort Wayne connects those who’d like to volunteer with community organizers who coordinate a wide range of projects:
http://www.volunteerfortwayne.org/ provides volunteer opportunities in Allen County, especially for those who are 55 and older.
Huntington County
Many programs of the Huntington County Chapter of the American Red Cross are made possible by volunteers.
Huntington County Literacy Coalition
Huntington County Habitat for Humanity works with people to build and renovate simple, decent, affordable houses.
The Huntington Project web site features numerous community projects and organizations in need of volunteer assistance.
LaGrange County
LaGrange County is served by the Elkhart Chapter of the American Red Cross, which offers a range of volunteer opportunities.
The United Fund of LaGrange County is a non-profit, volunteer-driven organization working to improve the quality of life for residents of LaGrange County.
Noble County
Volunteer Connections allows volunteers and organizations seeking assistance to share information about projects in Noble County communities.
Steuben County
The Steuben County Community Foundation has multiple opportunities for volunteers.
Volunteers are an important part of the services provided by the Steuben County Council on Aging. http://steubencountycouncilonaging.org/volunteer_opps.htm
Steuben County Literacy Coalition
Wabash County
The Learn More Center
The Wabash County United Fund provides the necessary financial and human resources to support qualified organizations in their efforts to enhance the quality of life for residents of Wabash County.
Whitley County
The Center for Whitley County Youth invites volunteers to invest in the community by investing in youth. Volunteer opportunities are available in areas such as recreation and sports, arts and crafts, martial arts, drama, dance, music, leadership development, fundraising, special events, chaperoning, computer literacy training, clerical support and more.
Whitley County Literacy Council