Volunteer Center
United Way's Volunteer Center of Atlantic County is the place where volunteers and opportunities connect. We make volunteering fun, easy and accessible to companies, families, youth, seniors, individuals and groups. Volunteers play a vital role in United Way's ability to effectively address today’s needs while also reducing tomorrow's.
Are you an Organization in need of volunteers?
If you are an organization interested in listing your volunteer opportunities with the Volunteer Center, please contact us today!
For more information about the Volunteer Center,
Why should I volunteer?
- To invest in your community
- To increase personal sense of self-worth and general well-being
- To gain personal satisfaction and leadership experience
These are just a few of the many reasons people choose to volunteer. Volunteers of all ages and walks of life agree that by giving, they receive a great deal more. Every day in every corner of our Atlantic County area, volunteers are working to create a better world ... touching the lives of people in need and solving community problems.
However, finding a volunteer position can seem as intimidating, overwhelming and confusing as seeking paid employment. And, just like a job search, the search for a fulfilling volunteer position consists of many steps. United Way of Atlantic County’s Volunteer Center acts as a "clearing house" for volunteers and can assist you with finding the right match.
United Way of Atlantic County’s Volunteer Center is a proud member of the Hands On Network.
We each have 8,760 hours in a year, roughly 720 hours in a month, 168 hours in a week, 24 hours in a day. How many can you spare to make someone's day? It's not as hard as you think. With a little advance planning, you can work volunteering into an already busy schedule. Remember a little "you" goes a long way, so become a volunteer today.
Benefits of Volunteering:
- Make important networking contacts
- Teach your skills to others
- Enhance your resume
- Improve your health
- Make a difference in someone's life
Share by...
- Being a mentor, tutor or advocate
- Teaching a craft or other skill
- Providing reassurance for the homebound
- Serving and distributing food to the needy
- Encouraging youth in a variety of programs
- Providing office support for non-profit agencies
- Improving life for those with special needs
Grow by...
- Gaining and sharing new skills
- Building your own and someone else's self esteem
- Being part of a team
- Exploring a new career
- Challenging yourself and others
United Way’s Volunteer Center helps volunteers like you by...
- Identifying what you want from your volunteer experience
- Matching your interest with the many volunteer opportunities at local agencies
- Referring you to appropriate organizations throughout Atlantic County
An exciting way to find volunteer opportunities online at www.volunteermatch.org. Just enter your zip code and/or your interests and you will be shown matching opportunities. Or call the Volunteer Center to find out about opportunities for you or your group at 606-404-4483 ext. 20. Try our virtual volunteer center, today!
Frequently Asked QuestionsDo volunteers have to come to United Way of Atlantic County’s Volunteer Center to be referred to a volunteer opportunity or non-profit agency?
All referrals can be done either over the phone or via email. People can also visit our Web site at www.volunteerway.org to find a complete listing of volunteer opportunities.
Will I get paid for my volunteer work?
Not monetarily. Volunteering pays in other ways, such as experience and the feeling you get when helping others.
How do I start?
The ultimate decision regarding where you will volunteer will be made by you and the agency offering the opportunity. Remember that finding the right volunteer opportunity may take some time, but time well spent.
Explore your motivations. Identify your personal goals. Knowing your motivations will help you better choose a volunteer position that's right for you. Ask yourself, "Why do I want to volunteer? What are my goals? Do I want to make a difference in my career, my social life, my community, or something else?" Your goals will direct your search.
Do I need any special skills to volunteer?
While some volunteer opportunities might require prior skills or knowledge, most are open to everyone who wants to help. When viewing volunteer opportunities online, any requirements on the part of the volunteer will be listed in the detailed description of the opportunity.
How soon can I start?
That depends on the individual and the volunteer position. Some positions require training or orientation by the agency and these are usually offered monthly or quarterly. Other agencies will want you to start as soon as you get off the phone with them. It usually takes us about 1 to 2 business days to respond to each volunteer application we receive, so you could be volunteering as soon as a few days from now.
How many hours per week do I have to volunteer?
You can volunteer as few or as many hours as you like. With plenty of non-profit and community agencies to choose from we're sure that you'll be able to find at least one with a volunteer position that fits into your schedule. Whether you volunteer 20 hours a week or 5 hours a year, your help will be greatly appreciated.
What if I can't commit to something on a regular basis?
We have plenty of one-time or "episodic", as well as short-term volunteer opportunities. Special events - golf tournaments, carnivals, fundraisers -- are ideal for people who have limited time or just want to "try on" volunteering.
I want to help, but can't commit to regular volunteer work. What can I do?
There are special events and projects each month that need volunteers for a few hours or a day. Examples are events like golf tournaments, community festivals, and special event fundraisers.
What's the best opportunity for my group?
Use our online database to determine the best opportunity for your group. If you are unable to find a match, please call us at 609-404-4483. Large group projects can be designed for you based on how many people you need to engage, in what kind of setting you would like to volunteer, and what the group's goals may be (such as team building skills).
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