We hope your experience with United Way of the Ozarks Day of Caring was rewarding and you feel great knowing you were part of something valuable and impactful here in the Ozarks. It would not have been possible without you! And if you didn’t get to be part of this years event, well you are in luck! We are already looking forward to the 24th annual event, next August, and we will keep you posted!
This year, more than 2000 volunteers came together, from 139 businesses and organizations, to complete 255 individual projects at 92 nonprofits in our communities. Projects reached as far as Bolivar, Branson, Republic and Rogersville. You can check out some photos from the 23rd annual event here:
Many of the volunteers from Day of Caring have expressed an interest in being connected to other opportunities which support the ongoing need for volunteers in our community so we want to take this opportunity to share an upcoming event as well as connect you with our new volunteer opportunities website.
There are multiple opportunities just around the corner for compassionate people like yourself to get involved. One of the largest posted projects is coming up on November, 18, 2015. Our partner, Community Partnership of the Ozarks, will be hosting the 7th annual HOPE Connection and this year they need more than 500 volunteers to make the event a success.
HOPE Connection is a one day, one-stop service site for the Ozarks’ homeless population to gain access to vital services. Most importantly, the event is outcome oriented and is not just a day for people to wait in line for information on resources available in the community. It’s a day for people to make changes and have immediate access to essential services. Hope Connection expects to serve more than 850 homeless and poverty stricken individuals this year, connecting them with services from 55+ agencies including healthcare, education, employment, haircuts, and more.
Perhaps the most unique component of this event is the connection of volunteers that act as a guide for each individual who is homeless and seeking services. This one-to-one attention helps them feel valued and supported in their day’s activities, and many volunteers leave saying the event changed their lives.
If you are ready to begin the journey or learn more about how you can make a difference in the lives of our area’s homeless, visit www.hopeconnectionspringfield.org.
Learn more about volunteer opportunities in your community and join us in making a positive difference in the lives of others. Find a project and SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER or contact UNITED WAY OF THE OZARKS for more information.