Are you interested in volunteering in the area but don't know where to start looking? Don't know where opportunities are? Well, you've come to the right place! Below, you will find links to organizations offering volunteer opportunities, organized by general types of opportunities.
We have decided to include volunteer opportunities outside of Valparaiso because there are many organizations that are not based in our city, but still directly and indirectly work with our community.
*All quotes are taken directly from mission statements listed on each organization/company's website.*
Take Care of Animals
Porter County Animal Shelter (Valparaiso):
"It is our mission to reduce animal homelessness and pet overpopulation by caring for and sheltering homeless animals, providing education to the public about responsible ownership, practicing vetted and thorough adoption services, and advocating spay & neuter programs."
https://www.portercountyanimalshelter.org/177/Volunteer
Lakeshore PAWS (Valparaiso):
"Lakeshore PAWS is dedicated to finding loving homes for abandoned and unwanted pets in Northwest Indiana–one animal at a time–because we believe they deserve it."
https://www.lakeshorepaws.org/volunteer
Independent Cat Society (Westville):
"The vision of ICS is to serve as many cats, pet owners, and community members in the Northwest Indiana and neighboring Chicago area and Southwest Michigan area as possible. To accomplish this, ICS:
- Provides a sanctuary for homeless felines in their transition to adoption
- Strives to provide for the healthcare needs of the shelter population.
- Promotes responsible feline ownership through educating the public.
- Addresses feline overpopulation through our various programs."
http://www.catsociety.org/volunteer.html
Petite Trésors Rescue & Sanctuary (Chesterton):
"to provide refuge for life to abused, handicapped, and senior dogs."
https://www.petitetresorsrescue.com/volunteer
Help Those with Special Needs
Opportunity Enterprises (Valparaiso):
"works to maximize self-sufficiency and enrich the quality of life for individuals with disabilities."
https://www.oppent.org/volunteer
Jacob's Ladder Pediatric Rehabilitation: (Chesterton)
"a nonprofit organization providing comprehensive therapy and supplemental care for children in need. We partner with families, communities, and health care providers to help children reach their full potential. We are accountable to our patients, donors, and partners – treating everyone with integrity and respect."
https://www.jacobskids.org/getting-involved/volunteer/
Hannah's Hope (Portage):
"provides developmental equipment to kids with special needs and connects families by making life and communities more accessible."
https://www.hannahshope.org/volunteer.php#
Aid Our Beloved Seniors
Brookdale (Valparaiso):
"Enriching the lives of those we serve with compassion, respect, excellence and integrity."
https://www.brookdale.com/en/brookdale-life/volunteering.html
VNA of Northwest Indiana (Valparaiso, Crown Point, and LaPorte):
"VNA of Northwest Indiana is the premier advocate for aging members of the community, providing hospice care, palliative care, VNA Meals on Wheels, the Lifeline response system, community education, grief support for families, the Phoenix Center with grief support for children, a We Honor Veterans program, and recognition programs celebrating the lives of our loved ones."
https://www.vnanwi.org/volunteer.php
Work with Children
Boys and Girls Club (Valparaiso):
"To inspire and enable the youth of our communities to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens."
https://www.bgcgreaternwi.org/volunteer/
Our Greater Good (Valparaiso):
"To strengthen families and work to ensure every child in Porter County receives the skills they need to achieve their full potential, and live a fulfilling adult life."
https://www.ourgreatergood.com/volunteer
Dressed For School (Valparaiso):
"To provide new clothing at no cost to elementary students in Porter County from low-income families or families in-crisis in a supportive store-like environment."
Have a Fun Time at Events
Let us know about any opportunities in the area!
Tap Into Your Theatrical Side
Memorial Opera House (Valparaiso):
"At Memorial Opera House we use theatre and the arts to build community and create a sense of belonging."
https://www.memorialoperahouse.com/316/Be-A-Volunteer
Lose Yourself Among Books
Porter County Public Library (Valparaiso):
https://pcpls.org/support-us/#volunteer
Work with the General Community
United Way (Valparaiso):
"improves lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities around the world to advance the common good."
https://www.unitedway.org/get-involved/volunteer
Make a Change with Housing
Housing Opportunities (Valparaiso):
"Resolves and prevents homelessness for adults, children, and seniors in Porter and LaPorte counties."
Habitat for Humanity of Porter County:
"Thoughtful Hands Build Wonderful Homes"
http://www.portercountyhabitat.org/volunteer.html
New Creation Men's Center (Valparaiso):
"New Creation wants to help men get back on their feet so they can strive in life. Programs are meant to encourage the men at our facility to improve their lives in a positive manner."
https://newcreationempowers.org/