Volunteer Opportunities in Beaverton, Oregon

The New Year is a great time to make positive changes in our lives. One positive change is the resolution to volunteer. Volunteers provide valuable services to communities by freeing up resources that can be used to make local improvements. Volunteer's time is valued at $15.39 an hour. But volunteers don't just "give". They receive a lot in return. Volunteers can make valuable professional contacts and build their resume with hands-on experience. They may even develop new skills and find and area of interest they didn't know they had. Volunteering also makes you healthier. Volunteering creates moods and emotions like optimism, joy and control over one's fate and these positive feelings actually strengthen the immune system.

If you are ready to get started, here are just a few of the many volunteer opportunities currently available in Beaverton, Oregon.

Beaverton Literacy Council

The mission statement of the Beaverton Literacy Council states it provides English language learning opportunities to immigrants and refugees in a multi-cultural environment within the greater Washington County area. The council consists of community representatives, teachers, tutors and volunteers. The ongoing learning opportunities are held at libraries, community centers, churches and housing complexes.

Currently, the Beaverton Literacy Council is looking for a board member and a volunteer tutor. You can reach the Beaverton Literacy Council at 503-531-8748. Their offices are located at 6107 SW Murray Blvd, Beaverton, OR 97008.

Arin's House A Teen Center

Arin's House A Teen Center strives to provide a safe, compassionate and enriching environment for teens which fosters their creative and artistic energy by establishing a cooperative community center focusing on homework help, art, music, technology and recreation. Teens are allowed equal opportunities to take advantage of programs and services, but are then encouraged to "pay it forward" by volunteering their time to help others with community service or in peer mentoring projects.

Arin's House A Teen Center has just a couple of volunteer positions available at this time. They are looking for a grant writer, as well as teen center facilitators. If you are interested in these volunteer opportunities, or would like to find out more information, contact them at 503-641-1606. They are located at 13680 SW Linda Lane, Beaverton, OR 97006.

Michael's Place

Michael's Place is dedicated to provide a community activity and work program for children and young adults with special needs and developmental disabilities at a miniature horse farm. They teach dependability and responsibility as they help individuals with special needs grow in self-esteem, confidence, socialization, and acceptance.

Volunteers have the opportunity to both play and work with miniature horses. Volunteers help kids build the skills necessary to care, handle and eventually exhibit the horses. According to Michael's Place, there is a strong bond between the special needs kids and these special horses. Current volunteer needs include a fund raiser, help with horse care and a special category called, "ride to work". For more information, you can contact Michael's Place at 503-475-5690. Their facility is located at 20299 SW Scholls Ferry Rd., Beaverton, OR 97007.

Volunteer opportunities come in all different shapes and sizes. You are sure to find something compatible to your special skills and talents. For more information on other volunteer opportunities in the Beaverton, Oregon area, check out volunteermatch.org.