Moving to Des Moines? Volunteering is a fantastic way to meet new people and give back to your new community! Des Moines is home to several nonprofits that welcome volunteers. Here are five incredible organizations to check out as you settle into life in Iowa’s capital.
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Everybody Wins! Iowa
One Des Moines nonprofit is Everybody Wins! Iowa. This organization has had sites in Iowa since 2002.
Everybody Wins! aims to increase student success in school. Their largest program is the Power Read Program, in which volunteers meet with students once a week to provide reading help and mentorship. This year, they have 157 mentors serving 181 Iowan students!
If you’re interested in literacy and working with students, you should definitely consider volunteering with Everybody Wins!
Central Iowa Shelter & Services
Another high-impact nonprofit in Des Moines is Central Iowa Shelter & Services. This nonprofit was formed in 1995 and moved into its current space in 2012.
This nonprofit runs an emergency shelter for adults experiencing homelessness. Not only do they provide housing, but they also offer meals, counseling, a health clinic, clothing, and classes. Now, they have 231 beds.
Central Iowa Shelter & Services offers volunteer opportunities for people with a variety of skill sets. You can help run the food pantry or service meals, work in the day room or help teach residents, work with clothing donations, or organize events. Check out their website to find more information about their current volunteer needs!
EveryStep
EveryStep is a nonprofit with branches in Des Moines. Established in 1908, it’s one of the oldest nonprofits in the state and offers health care services to a variety of groups. These services include community-based hospice, community health services, interpretation services, home cases, grief and loss support, and a thrift store in Urbandale.
EveryStep has volunteer opportunities for everyone, whether you’d rather work behind the scenes in an administrative role, interface directly with people, or even support programs by baking and cooking. At EveryStep, you can work with their Senior Companion Program, the EveryStep Foundation, or the EveryStep Giving Tree Thrift Store. If you want to stick to volunteering in Des Moines proper, check out Amanda the Panda, EveryStep Care & Support Services, and the Bright Kavanagh Center.
Street Collective
For a unique volunteer opportunity, check out the Des Moines Street Collective. This organization supports active transit options like biking and relies on volunteers to give away free bikes.
Volunteering with the Des Moines Street Collective is a great way to understand how bikes work—and you can even earn a free bike! You can also work at giveaway events, or even come up with your own ideas for contributing to their mission.
If you’re looking for an opportunity to get active and learn new skills while bettering your Des Moines community, this is a great organization to check out.
Food Bank of Iowa
The Food Bank of Iowa also offers volunteer centers in Des Moines. This organization aims to address food insecurity, which is at record-high levels in Iowa. Last year, in Iowa, they served 1.9 million meals across different sites.
Over 25% of their workforce is comprised of volunteers, so your support matters! Not only can you volunteer individually with the Food Bank of Iowa, but you can also sign up with a group. The food bank offers a variety of ways to get involved, from sorting food and driving vans to data entry, sewing, and even activities you can do from home.
Conclusion
Des Moines is home to many nonprofits that do important work. For volunteer opportunities, check out Everybody Wins! Iowa, Central Iowa Shelter & Services, EveryStep, Street Collective, and Food Bank of Iowa. You’ll certainly find a way to contribute your skills to your community through one of these organizations.
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FAQs
Everybody Wins! Iowa, Central Iowa Shelter & Services, EveryStep, Street Collective, and Food Bank of Iowa are all great nonprofits with volunteer opportunities in Des Moines.
Nonprofits in Des Moines offer many different opportunities for volunteers. From mentoring students to serving meals or organizing events, you’ll find your niche as a volunteer!
Sophie Pollack-Milgate has a day job as a research assistant. In her free time, she likes to read 10% of the library books she checks out, complain about how either ice or heat are ruining her runs (depending on the season), and modify recipes beyond recognition.
