When was the last time you volunteered to help others – maybe you raked your neighbors’ leaves, volunteered at a food pantry, or tutored a student. Do you remember how you felt afterward? You likely felt joyful and uplifted. Volunteering doesn’t just benefit others; it positively impacts your well-being, too. According to Susan Albers, PsyD, a psychologist for Cleveland Clinic, when you volunteer, you activate the reward center in your brain, releasing serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins. Volunteering can also decrease stress levels, depression, and anxiety.
Everyone needs to have the opportunity to volunteer. Disability service providers often discuss offering meaningful opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including volunteer activities.
One organization leading the way is The Volunteer Center, who has a dedicated program that provides individuals with disabilities with purposeful volunteer activities. The Volunteer Center’s mission is specifically to “provide individuals with opportunities for meaningful volunteer experiences that benefit the community.” A significant part of this mission is fulfilled through the I CAN Volunteer Team. “I CAN” stands for the values of Inclusion, Community, Access, and Neighbors.
I CAN is a FREE, group-based volunteer opportunities program for individuals of all ages with developmental and intellectual disabilities, offering multiple volunteer events each month around Fort Wayne. Participants enjoy socialization, fellowship, and the chance to give back to their community through various activities. Last year they had 346 participants volunteer for 87 different community-based projects staffing 715 volunteer shifts. Past projects for I CAN have included making toys for the animals of Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo, collecting Coats for Kids, creating cards for the Honor Flight, making items for residents of long-term care facilities, and baking treats for animals at the Allen County SPCA. Last summer, I CAN volunteers worked on potting milkweed for the butterflies at Little River Wetlands where AWS Foundation staff members showed up to help.
As we approach the season of giving, I hope you’ll consider volunteering, whether through the Volunteer Center or other organizations throughout Fort Wayne.
Want to volunteer with the Volunteer Center or have a project for which you need volunteers? Contact Camille at camilleg@volunteerfortwayne.org or 260-424-3505.
