Volunteering In Mobile: How Caregivers Can Stay Engaged

According to a 2023 study, roughly 23 percent of Americans formally volunteer with an organization. Volunteering is voluntary by nature, and there’s a reason so many people actively participate in organizations.

As a caregiver, you understand the value of helping others. Volunteering comes in many forms and is a wonderful opportunity to help you stay engaged in your community.

Benefits Of Volunteering For Caregivers

People volunteer for different reasons, but many of them start to volunteer because of the personal benefits they can gain. As a caregiver, you may find that caregiving can help you:

• Recharge: When you volunteer with an organization you’re passionate about, your work with them will likely be fun and can help you recharge and take a break from your caregiving duties–or any other stress in your life.
• Prevent burnout: Volunteering and focusing on other activities can help prevent caregiver burnout, just as they can help you recharge.
• Connect with others: Volunteering builds empathy and can help you better connect with people, especially those who come from different backgrounds.
• Reduce stress: Some volunteer opportunities can be high-stress environments. However, others, such as animal shelters/rescues or gardening/landscaping for community spaces, can be therapeutic and relaxing experiences.
• Strengthen a sense of purpose and community: When you volunteer for your community, you see first-hand how your work is impacting your immediate surroundings and gives you a sense of purpose.
• Foster local connections: Volunteer organizations are great places to meet new people, both through the organization and through other volunteers.

Local Volunteer Opportunities

Mobile and the surrounding area have many volunteer opportunities to appeal to the interests and skills of all individuals. Whether you’re looking to grab free cuddles with a shelter dog or an environmentalist who finds comfort in gardening, you’re sure to find something rewarding from one of the volunteer opportunities below.

Animals

If you’re an animal lover who wants an excuse to get face time with all different kinds of pets and animals, consider volunteering with one of these local organizations.

• Azalea City Cat Coalition: This organization cares for stray cats in Baldwin and Mobile counties. It is regularly looking for volunteers to help with various tasks like trapping and caring for cats, as well as with events.
• Phillip Cares: This animal welfare organization helps low-income pet owners access food, toys, and veterinary care for their pets. Volunteers with Phillip Cares can help with hosting fundraisers, gathering supplies for homes, and building meaningful connections.
• Purrfect Partners of Mobile: This non-profit cat and kitten rescue cares for homeless cats and helps them find the perfect forever homes. It is looking for volunteers to assist at the adoption center and foster cat parents.

Education And Culture

Volunteering can be a wonderful opportunity to learn and feed your curiosity. If you thrive on being a lifelong learner, you may enjoy working with one of these organizations.

• Goodwill Gulf Coast provides programs and services to families and individuals in need throughout the Gulf Coast. There are plenty of ways volunteers can volunteer here, from small tasks like sorting items to larger initiatives like community outreach and awareness.
• The National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico has many immersive exhibits that educate the masses. Volunteers can help greet visitors, assist educators with school groups, and help navigate the exhibit galleries.
• Big Brothers, Big Sisters is a mentoring organization for Mobile’s youth. Volunteers act as mentors and work with their assigned youth members to provide a caring and supportive presence in their lives.
• The Gulf Coast Exploreum is an educational science center that offers interactive exhibits and hosts events to spark curiosity about science. Volunteers can help with daily operations, special events, and exhibits.

Environment

If you love the outdoors and are looking for ways to protect nature, consider working with one of these environmental organizations.

• Alabama Coastal Foundation works with the public sector and other nonprofits to protect and care for Alabama’s coastal environment. Volunteers can assist with cleanup and care initiatives to preserve the Alabama coast.
• Dog River Clearwater Revival works to provide a safe and clean Dog River Watershed environment. Volunteers can help educate the public and keep the space clean and safe.

Caregiving With Visiting Angels

Caregiving can be a demanding job, but it’s also a rewarding opportunity to assist seniors throughout your community–while getting paid to do so! Contact our Mobile office to learn more about caregiving opportunities with Visiting Angels.