SoapBlog 3 - Volunteer to Make a Difference
JB Kropp
Cincinnati is a great place to get involved in the community and volunteer your time with a non-profit. In my opinion, the size of the city and the number of volunteer opportunities make it easy for you to get involved and make a difference. According to data provided by
Volunteering in America, Cincinnati ranks 17th among the top 50 largest cities. However, there is clear room for improvement. Below is an outline of how we stack up with our neighbors.
|
City
|
Volunteer Rate Ranking
|
Average Volunteer Rate
|
Volunteer Hours Ranking
|
Avg. Volunteer Hours/Resident
|
|
Columbus
|
6
|
34.70%
|
14th
|
43.1
|
|
Pittsburgh
|
11
|
32.10%
|
20th
|
38.7
|
|
Louisville
|
15
|
30.70%
|
22nd
|
38.1
|
|
Cincinnati
|
17
|
29.90%
|
43rd
|
27.3
|
|
Indianapolis
|
21
|
28.80%
|
4th
|
46.8
|
|
Cleveland
|
22
|
28.50%
|
36th
|
31
|
|
Chicago
|
37
|
25.60%
|
44th
|
26.9
|
Rankings
are based on a 3-year moving average.
Source: volunteeringinamerica.gov
As you explore the options we have, here are a few charities that I have been actively involved in, as well as others worth considering.
Starfire Council enables individuals with disabilities to become actively involved in the community. Their mission is “to enrich the lives of teens and adults with developmental disabilities through unlimited opportunities that build independence and community inclusion.” Starfire is lead by a great group of enthusiastic people who are making a huge difference in the community.
Tim Vogt
5030 Oaklawn Dr.
Cincinnati, OH 45227
www.starfirecouncil.org
Starfire U is a new, post-secondary opportunity focused on providing relevant educational opportunities for young adults with disabilities. The program combines Starfire's expertise in advancing socialization with traditional special education techniques. They are just entering their second year and already making a noticeable difference.
Tim Vogt
5030 Oaklawn Dr.
Cincinnati, OH 45227
starfireu.orgUGIVE is a relatively new organization that is helping build the foundation of the next generation of volunteers. Currently, UGIVE is focused on the high school level but has plans to expand into other age brackets.
Joe Hansbauer
9380 Montgomery Road, Suite 207
Cincinnati, OH 45242
ugive.orgMercy Young Leaders is part of the Mercy Foundation that is under the Mercy Health Partners umbrella. The Mercy Young Leaders is a group of young and energetic volunteers, who help promote the mission of Mercy Franciscan at St. John in Over-the-Rhine, which provides many different types of assistance to individuals and families living in the Over-the-Rhine area.
Todd Lindley, President of Mercy Health Partners Foundation
4600 McAuley Place
Cincinnati, Ohio 45242
ehealthconnection.com
Give Back Cincinnati probably has the largest number of active members who are involved in up to 10 large projects every year to help better the Cincinnati community. One of their most popular events is Paint the Town, in the spring, during which volunteers go into parts of the community and help repaint houses and give the yards a “spring cleaning.”
Jared Simmons
312 Walnut Street, Suite 3600
Cincinnati, OH 45202
givebackcincinnati.org
Smart Money Community Services is an agency located in Over-the-Rhine whose mission is to “provide financial services and economic education to underserved individuals in Over-the-Rhine and Greater Cincinnati Communities.”
Lisa Roberts-Rosser
19 West Elder, 2nd Floor
Cincinnati, Oh 45202
smart-money.org
United Way of Greater Cincinnati is another great resource to find volunteer opportunities. More information can be found on their website:
uwgc.orgSeeing the difference I can make by giving a little of my time has been personally rewarding. I encourage you to make a commitment to volunteer throughout the year. Let's try and move Cincinnati up the ranks. Good luck with your pursuit.