Most look forward to retiring and not having to do the daily grind of waking up early and heading to work. Retirees look forward to avoiding office politics. The freedom to travel for unlimited time, assuming the finances allow it, and spending more time with family and friends. It’s a new chapter in life! After a while in retirement, most stop and think, now what? Retirement is a prime time to look into volunteering, but where?

Animal Shelters or Facilities

Many people like animals but don’t want the responsibility of caring for one full-time. Volunteering is a perfect opportunity to interact and help animals without accountability. To survive, zoos, animal shelters, and rescues rely on donations and volunteers. These foundations are non-profits with limited funds, so help is needed to feed, bathe, walk, interact with animals, transport, or foster. Transportation is crucial since most kill shelters work with animal rescues, and someone needs to transport the animal to the rescue facility. Walking and interacting with animals is essential if the goal is to find them a forever home. Fostering is significant because there is limited space, and some animals live better at home versus the facilities. Please contact your local shelter or animal rescue group to see how you can help. Meanwhile, here are some examples:

• ARF
• Berkeley Humane
• East Bay SPCA
• Hop-A-Long
• ICRA (Island Cat Rescue Association)
• Milo Foundation
• Muttville
• Oakland Animal Shelter

Human Shelters or Facilities

Volunteering at a shelter can be rewarding if you want to give back to society for people experiencing a difficult period in their life. Many different programs exist, including food shelters and men, families, young adults, women’s, and children’s shelters. Different rules apply to each program, so learn about the various non-profits. Here are a few resources:

• HUD (Housing and Urban Development) – CA Shelters and Emergency Housing
• City Team
• Crisis House
• Covenant House
• Project Open Hand

Volunteer for children

Another way retirees can give back to society is by helping our youth. Volunteering for libraries, schools, or non-profits helps with this cause. COVID hit the younger generation hard. Many have struggled with school because of the COVID restrictions, and some have lost interest in education due to online learning. To overcome this challenge, families need help. Regardless of income, families seek support from the educational communities. Contact your local libraries or schools and see if they could use your support at their facility. Another option is to look at non-profits such as Children Rising, which offers tutoring services for students, or Harbor House Ministries, which provides support for children and their families. These are just a few examples, but there are more opportunities out there.

Volunteer for a religious organization

Lastly, retirement can be the perfect time to volunteer for a religious organization. These organizations are often non-profits, so again, funding is limited. They, too, rely on donations and volunteers to help run the organization. Inquire about helping in their office, volunteering for one of their programs, or serving on their Board. These functions are integral to an organization’s success for its members and community.

STAGES is here to help guide you through the aging process.