Veteran or a family member of a veteran?  Participate in an anonymous focus group to discuss a new Veterans’ Hotline to support military personnel after their return from military service and their families. 

Or become a Crisis Line Specialist. "Insomniacs are welcome" as Contact Pittsburgh handles calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  Trainees are required to pay a fee.  Trainees also undergo an internship under the direction of experienced volunteers.  Must agree to a one-year commitment.  Minimal requirement:  four-hour shifts, two to three times a month.  Applications are being accepted for its award-winning, 30-hour training course.  Participation is mandatory at all training sessions. 

Assist this program that provides free case management for ongoing in-home care for older adults. Activities include: delivery of meals, transportation, grocery shopping, yard work, friendly visitations, reassurance calls, writing letters, running errands, or reading mail. Various locations: Greenfield, Hazelwood, Hill District, Oakland, Shadyside, Squirrel Hill, Mt. Oliver, Arlington, Allentown, Knoxville, Beltzhoover, and South Side.

The American Red Cross (ARC) is looking for compassionate volunteers with excellent communication skills for its Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) program. Assist the ARC in its mission to prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies by providing emergency communications between military members and their family.  Must be compassionate, reliable, and have good telephone skills. The ability to type and to operate a personal computer will be helpful but not mandatory. This is a great opportunity for those who want to help military families and volunteer from home. Free training and orientation is provided. Flexible schedules. Be on call for three daytime (8 a.m. - 5 p.m.) or evening (5 p.m. - 8 a.m.) shifts monthly.

Also, the American Red Cross SWPA Chapter is looking for Licensed HAM Radio Operators in Allegheny, Fayette, Greene, and Washington Counties to help develop a regional network of Ham Radio Operators to assist the Red Cross with emergency communications during large-scale disaster responses. 

Whether at a skilled unit, assisted living or independent living facility, volunteers can provide one-on-one therapeutic visitations, therapeutic music visits or assist with senior activities for the UPMC Senior Communities.  Training/orientation provided.  For as little as 15 minutes to an hour, make a resident happy.  Locations include: Monroeville, O'Hara Township, Scott Township, Allison Park, Lawrenceville, McCandless, Penn Hills, Squirrel Hill, and Verona. 

Twilight Wish Foundation

The Twilight Wish Foundation helps celebrate seniors by making their wishes come true.  Often, low-income seniors have never had the time to experience fun or the money to buy something they have been needing.  Help to raise funds, coordinate special wish events, organize award celebrations, and grant wishes. 

Holy Family Social Services

Holy Family Social Services, through its residential care and treatments, provides a wealth of social services for abused and neglected children and teens.  Current needs in Emsworth include: Recreation and Activity Assistants and B.E.S.T. Friend/Host Family volunteers.  Help youths ages 8 - 19 feel that they have another person or family to add to their support system, someone that they can count on. 

Women in Christian Ministries, Inc.

In Coraopolis, the Women in Christian Ministries, Inc., a residential home for women and their children in crisis, offers assistance with rent, food, referrals, and counseling.  Currently, a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is needed to ensure that the agency is in compliance with its 501(c)(3) status and that proper accounting procedures are being used.  QuickBooks experience desired.

Cloverleaf Area Ecumenical Food Bank

The Cloverleaf Area Ecumenical Food Bank in Pleasant Hills is looking for individuals to provide assistance to those with nutritional needs. Have a couple of hours a week to spare?  Be involved. This food bank also has a "Clothes Closet" which needs children and infant clothing items. 

A non-profit store in Squirrel Hill that helps over 65,000 artisans in over 32 different developing countries, is looking for volunteers to assist with customers, ring sales on the register, create displays, unpack, clean, help with events and support the mission of this store by educating customers. Requirements include: the ability to stand for four hours with a short break and to perform light bending and lifting. Time commitment involves a minimum of two, four-hour shifts a month for one year. Training provided; flexible hours.

Help a growing environmental education center in Upper St. Clair. Opportunities include:  environmental education (hikes and camps); administrative assistance (data entry, mailings, and school flyer organizing); native garden maintenance (weeding and upkeep); public outreach (community days and public events); and building maintenance (cleaning and organizing). No experience required; training  provided. Flexible hours.

Make new friends, learn new skills, and become part of the WQED family by answering phones during TV and radio pledge drives various times of the year. Be on WQED’s call list of volunteers.  Training provided.

Beautiful gardens, seasonal flower shows, educational tours and outreach programs. . . .  Be a docent, greeter, cashier, clerical assistant, or educator. Or be a part of Phipps’s Discovery Program which educates children about plants through games, crafts, seed-planting, etc. The possibilities are endless.

Have computer skills? Teach the residents at Forward Shady Apartments how to e-mail with loved ones in other countries, navigate the Internet, find Internet games for mental stimulation and print out materials on the printer. What a rewarding way to help people stay connected and learn new skills!

Have public speaking skills and a knack for finances? Operation HOPE, a national, self-help organization is looking for volunteers for its local financial literacy program which is geared toward students, grades 4 – 12. Help youth learn The Basics of Banking, Checking and Savings Accounts, The Power of Credit, and Basic Investments through four, one-hour sessions in their classroom. Training/clearances required; Operation HOPE finds opportunities near volunteers’ location.  Flexible hours – during or after school hours.

The Adventist Community Services – Greater Pittsburgh, which provides a variety of human services in the community, has a used bookstore in Carnegie called the Conscious Cafe.  This bookstore needs people to help sort, prep, shelve, and list books. Have three hours a week or more to spare?   

Prefer Saturdays? This food bank needs help with its Produce to People program. Pick from four different communities -- Braddock, Homewood, McKeesport and South Side – to help with food distribution. Help unload trucks and set up tables; stage and distribute products; carry food to people’s vehicles; break down boxes and clean up areas; and assist Agency Relations staff with paperwork.  Some distributions take place outdoors. 

A seasonal professional photographer is wanted in Dormont. Take pictures of the items created by Chartiers MH/MR clients. Photos will be featured on this agency's Web site and in its catalogs.  Or provide clerical services in the Medical Records department. Specifically, volunteers are needed to file progress notes into clients' charts. Ability to alphabetize and to respect patient confidentiality are a must.  Flexible hours.  Training/orientation provided.

Improve the lives of children awaiting court hearings.  Pack and hand out nutritional snacks and free books to at-risk youth at the Allegheny County Juvenile Court for Child Watch of Pittsburgh, an agency whose mission is to bring focus to the problems of at-risk children. This agency understands that children may only a quarter of our population, but they are 100% of our future. Clearances/background checks required.

Family House provides a special "home away from home" for patients and/or their families who must travel to Pittsburgh for treatment of serious or life-threatening illnesses.  Compassionate house volunteers are needed to welcome these guests into warm and supportive atmospheres. Training/orientation provided; four-hour shifts, once every other week. Family Houses are located in Oakland and Shadyside.  Free parking and bus-accessible.

The Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council (GPLC) has a new Telephone Conversation Partners (TCP) program.  Help adult students from other countries learn how to speak English better over the phone.  Scripted conversations and topics are provided by GPLC. Talk to foreign students twice a month for 30-60 minutes.  GPLC also needs English as a Second Language (ESL) tutors and Basic Literacy tutors--help adults improve reading, writing, math, computer, and life skills.  Training/orientation required.

Lydia's Place offers a welcome center and comfort zone for children and families waiting to visit parents and other loved ones at the Allegheny County Jail.  Volunteers help prepare children for their visit while helping their families identify community resources that can assist them with their unique problems.  Engage children in play, crafts, and snacks.  Talk and listen to mothers or caregivers—help alleviate their stress.  Three-hour shifts desirable on various days; training provided.  Clearances/background checks required.

Reading Is FUNdamental Pittsburgh seeks to improve children's reading skills by providing various programs that work with children's literacy.  Book distribution outreach volunteers are needed.  Choose from different sites to plan outreach activities for kids.  Must perform activities three times during the school year and twice in the summer.  Or consider lending skills and talents for the following committees: Budget and Finance, Marketing/Development or Governance.  Click RIF Book Distribution Outreach Volunteer or RIF Committees for more information.

The Alliance Against Drugs

Central Blood Bank

Family Hospice & Palliative Care

Radio Information Service (RIS)

South Hills Interfaith Ministries

APPRISE, Allegheny County's state health insurance counseling program is looking for Telecenter volunteers.  On Mondays, calls to a state-wide APPRISE hotline number are routed to the Family Services of Western Pennsylvania's office in East Liberty and are fielded by a team of APPRISE staff and volunteers. You can help answer the phones, log incoming calls, and direct callers to appropriate community resources.  Pleasant phone manner, patience, and some computer skills are desired.  Current Act 33/34 background check clearances required. Two shifts:  8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. or 12 noon - 4 p.m.

Plum Senior Community Center

A Kitchen helper is needed from 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. just one day per week at the Plum Senior Community Center.  Drivers/delivers for this center's Meals on Wheels program are also wanted.

Manchester Bidwell Corporation

The Manchester Bidwell Corporation located on the North Shore supports an arts and learning center as well as a training center.  Volunteers who want to make a difference in the lives of many Pittsburgh area residents are welcomed.  Use skills in educational and artistic programs.  Provide reception coverage (lunch breaks), clerical assistance for the jazz program, or act as a tour guide.  Be a part of hope, professionalism, opportunity, and excellence for people who are trying to attain a better quality of life for themselves and their community.  Clearances are paid by the corporation.

Brookline Meals on Wheels

Drivers and visitors for meal deliveries to the homebound are needed for Brookline Meals on Wheels.  Friendly and want to partake in a rewarding experience?  Join this Meals on Wheels which is run out of St. Mark's Lutheran Church.

The Cedars of Monroeville

Many opportunities abound at The Cedars of Monroeville, a nursing and assisted living facility. Pitch in with administrative help, fundraising events, or activities, such as nationality days, bingo, cards, crafts, etc.   Perform "comfort care" visits  -- reading, talking, and assisting residents with their correspondence. Or be a part of the ever-growing Cedars Community Hospice and visit hospice patients and their families to provide respite. Hospice volunteers visit patients and caregivers in their homes within a 10-mile radius from their homes.

American Red Cross Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter

Consider helping out the American Red Cross.  Current needs in its Emergency Services department are for Client Services Volunteers, Nursing Volunteers, and Office Assistants.  The ARC also desires Lifeline Installer Support.  Most of these positions require special skills, qualifications, and time commitments.  Clearances required.

The Western Pennsylvania Hospital

The Western Pennsylvania Hospital, located in Bloomfield, is looking for expert filers for its various departments.  Eye for accuracy and clerical skills are need to enhance the services and staff of this hospital.

Dress for Success

Help out in a myriad of ways for Dress for Success, a boutique located in Downtown Pittsburgh that caters to the personal support and career development of economically disadvantaged women.  Work the phones or get training to be an image consultant.  Other activities include: administrative support, clothing inventory, mailings, pick-up and deliver donations, special events, committees, and staff support.  Moreover, serve as mentors or discussion leaders to share your professional knowledge with clients in the Professional Women's Women's Group (a second component of Dress for Success).

Goodwill Industries of Pittsburgh

The Goodwill Industries of Pittsburgh on the South Side provides services and programs to help people with special needs to overcome barriers to employment, so they can enjoy the dignity and benefits of work and improve their quality of life.  Right now, this agency is looking for receptionists, friendly people who can serve clients and staff.  Prior experience preferred.  Good communication skills--speaking, writing, and nonverbal--are required. 

Gwen's Girls

Help empower at-risk girls, ages 12-18, to have productive futures through the various programs and services provided by Gwen's Girls on the North Side and West End.  Be a positive force as a tutor, mentor, or staff support in the development of young girls.

National Multiple Sclerosis Society

Assist the National Multiple Sclerosis Society that provides educational programs, services and advocacy to people with multiple sclerosis.  Be involved in fundraising, marketing, communications, public relations, general office help, and more.

Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers (IVC)

This agency is looking for volunteers for the IVC Caregiving Program.  Help Pittsburgh residents, age 60 and older, with grocery shopping,  doctor visits, friendly visitations, and bills and correspondence.  Give time and heart to those in need.

Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania

The Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania has many opportunities for those with a zest for continuing education and training.  Serve as greeters or docents.  Help catalog and research objects; research and organize photographs/papers in the archives; provide library reference assistance; help with clerical and other office activities.  Site offers many benefits.

Meals on Wheels

An increasing number of Meals on Wheels throughout Allegheny County need drivers, deliverers, and kitchen helpers.  Have a few hours a week to spare? A friendly personality and warmth of spirit to share?  Give time and heart to a local Meals on Wheels program.

Tri Boro Communities That Care

The goal of the Tri Boro Communities That Care is to help promote the positive development of children and families and to prevent adolescent substance abuse, delinquency, teen pregnancy, truancy, and violence.  This agency engages a diverse group of people who live and work in Braddock, North Braddock, and Rankin to focus on prevention and youth development at all levels.  Become a board member, a mentor, a tutor, or an event planner.  Make positive changes in the lives of children.

Fort Pitt Museum

Have a knack for history?  Research and writing?  The Fort Pitt Museum, located at Point State Park, welcomes admission desk clerks and research assistants.  Give warm greetings to patrons or lend skills to provide historical and educational pieces to be used in various projects.  Make history happen.

Bayernhof Museum

Docents are needed at the amazing Bayernhof Museum which specializes in a collection of working music machines and instruments.  Be an assistant to the curator on tours of the museum--turn lights on and off, answer telephones, assist patrons with their coats.  Tours last 2 1/2 - 3 hours.  Must be able to climb stairs.  No speaking is necessary.  Must have transportation to get to this museum which sits atop a hill in O'Hara Township.  Grand location and view.

West Ridge MOPS and Valley MOPS

Assist the West Ridge MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) or Valley MOPS with caring for infants and children up to three years of age when the mothers meet every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month, excepting the summer months.  Located in North Fayette and in Imperial, respectively, these sites are perfect for volunteers who have childcare experience and want to engage the children with play.  Clearances are required, but are paid for by MOPS.  Hours are 9 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. 

Mooncrest Afterschool Program

Become a homework tutor.  Help students in grades 1 - 6 complete their homework and give extra help in certain subjects.  Assist them in art and music, computer, or outdoor play activities.  Must be compassionate, patient, and a positive role model.  Join the Mooncrest Afterschool Program in Moon Township.  This program is a collaboration of the Mooncrest Neighborhood Association and the Felician Sisters of Pennsylvania.  Flexible hours.  Mondays through Fridays, 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. 

Bethlehem Haven

Hospitality volunteers are needed for Bethlehem Haven's program called SOAR (Safe Oasis and Residence)ocated Uptown.  Provide staff support. Volunteers need to have good interpersonal skills and sensitive to the needs of the SOAR population.  Commit at least one to two days per week--the women in SOAR need to see familiar faces for consistency and trust. 

Pittsburgh Habitat for Humanity

Pittsburgh Habitat for Humanity in Duquesne is looking for office support staff. Individuals with excellent communication skills and self-motivation for its multi-task environment.  Answer calls and e-mails, Receive and date mail, greet visitors, and perform other light, clerical duties.  And too, consider serving on committees or working in construction--there are many other opportunities.  Flexible hours, although  2-3 days would be preferable (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.).  No dress code.  Training/orientation provided. 

Fair Oaks of Pittsburgh

Engage the residents of Fair Oaks of Pittsburgh, located on W. Liberty, with activities such as crafts, games, puzzles, music, and more.  Or provide 1:1 companionship with residents who remain in their rooms.  This very nice facility houses independent and assisted living residents.  Many opportunities abound:  help with parties and events, give manicures, call Bingo (on Saturdays), work in the on-site country store, assist with "Tea and Topics."  Free parking and bus accessible. 

Northside Common Ministries Food Pantry

Northside Common Ministries (NCM) Food Pantry provides food for one week of each month to qualified, needy households on Pittsburgh's North Side.  Food pantry volunteers who are able to lift 30 lbs. can solicit food contributions, purchase food, pick-up and deliver food to this pantry.  In addition, people with data entry skills can help with computer work to enter the demographical information of the clients of NCM.

Three Rivers Center for Independent Living

Choose from several, rewarding volunteer opportunities.  The Three Rivers Center for Independent Living (TRCIL), located in Wilkinsburg, is a non-residential, community-based human service agency that serves thousands of people in six counties.  It enables people with disabilities to lead self-directed and productive lives within the community.  TRCIL is looking for volunteers to fill the following positions: cooks, greeters/escorts, meal servers, readers, clerical assistants (1-2 days/wk.); and maintenance technicians for those who have experience in construction, electrical, painting and prep work.

Western Pennsylvania Family Center

Clerical help, especially on Mondays, is desired at the Western Pennsylvania Family Center located in East Liberty, a center which provides education, training, and research about Bowen theory for professionals and others who work with families and other social systems.  Microsoft Access skills a plus.  Help, too, with mailings.

Carnegie Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped

Speak fluent English, enjoy reading, have excellent pronunciation and verbal skills?  Consider being a narrator at the Carnegie Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. This library loans recorded books,  magazines, and equipment.  In addition, large print books and described videos to people with visual or physical disabilities are available.  Auditions are required, as is a minimum of two hours per week commitment. Or inspect and rewind the cassette books that are returned to the library.  This library also needs Braillists to   transcribe materials for blind readers or to proofread Braille materials.  Don't know Braille, but want to learn? 

Ursuline Services, Inc.

Become involved in Ursuline Services, Inc.'s Money Management Program which helps low-income people with monthly bill paying and record keeping .  Be a financial monitor or bill payer.  Perform monthly reconciliation of financial information or assist homebound clients with check-writing and checkbook-balancing Microsoft Office or Quicken experience preferred.  Training and clearances required.  Or consider helping out with administrative/office tasks. 

Parental Stress Center

The Parental Stress Center offers many educational and counseling services to prevent child abuse and neglect.  Located in East Liberty, this center is looking for assistance for its afterschool programs (Act 33/34 Clearance required) and with data entry (using Microsoft Excel and Access ).  Flexible hours. 

YWCA Bridge Housing

The YWCA of Greater Pittsburgh is looking for volunteers for its Bridge Housing program in Wilkinsburg.  This program enables women to acquire the tools necessary to become empowered to make choices that lead to improved self-esteem and economic stability.  Be an activities assistant to assist staff in the development and implementation of recreational activities, on and off site.  Go on field trips, conduct holiday parties and activities, help with arts and crafts, etc.  Or be an afterschool tutoring assistant to help children with homework and other after school activities.  Tutoring experience and clearances are required.

YWCA Homewood-Brushton

YWCA Homewood-Brushton has a host of volunteer opportunities for individuals who want to help women and their families receive quality childcare.  Be an aide in the classrooms for children ages 5 to 12, or provide academic enrichment to children by being a tutor.  Use knowledge, experience, and skills to instruct kids in nutrition, fitness, arts, writing, and/or recreation.  The YWCA is open to ideas.  Clearances required.

North Hills Community Outreach - Faith in Action

North Hills Community Outreach--Faith in Action is a "volunteer care giving program that helps frail elderly individuals and adults with physical disabilities remain safe and independent in their homes."   Consider helping out in the following areas as a:  1) 14-passenger bus driver between Sharpsburg and Blawnox, or  dispatcher; 2)  Faith in Action volunteer in the North Hills and North Boroughs--provide non-medical services to the frail elderly or adults with disabilities by transporting, grocery shopping, friendly visiting, and offering light respite to those with special circumstances; or 3) receptionist/office assistant. Training provided.  Flexible dates and hours.

American Cancer Society

The American Cancer Society, located in west Allegheny, is nationwide, community-based, voluntary health organization that is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem.  Current needs include: 1) community ambassadors--help implement advocacy activities and initiatives; 2) community resource database verification volunteers--call existing service organizations, businesses, and community organizations to confirm information; and 3) drivers--transport cancer patients to and from medical treatment facilities.  In addition, various Patient Service Programs of this organization need volunteers to fill the positions of counselors, cosmetologists, educators, etc. 

Agency for Jewish Learning

Assist the Agency for Jewish Learning with its office and program activities such as mailings, computer data entry, filing, emails, reception duties, library/media functions, and/or phone calls.  Increase the educational opportunities for the Jewish population of Greater Pittsburgh.  Training and perks provided.

Society for Contemporary Craft

The Society for Contemporary Craft (SCC), located in the Strip District, is looking for greeters and administrative assistants.  SCC is "one of a rare handful of non-profit institutions in the country with a distinct focus on contemporary craft as art."  Engage the public in the creative experience through SCC's contemporary craft and design, interpretive programs, lectures, performances, and weekend activities.  Training and orientation provided.

The Center for Victims of Violence and Crime

The Center for Victims of Violence and Crime (CVVC) is "dedicated to helping individuals, families and communities of Allegheny County survive the trauma of violence and crime" by offering various services and programs.  Currently, CVVC needs help during daylight hours at its Juvenile Court location downtown. Work directly with victims of crime, assisting with various support services on days when Court is in session (Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays).  Volunteers would need to commit to serve for a minimum of nine months.  Training is required and provided by CVVC staff prior to start and on a continuing basis.

Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force

The Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force (PATF) is "one of the oldest providers of HIV education, support and prevention information in the state."  Currently, this site needs assistance in the following areas:  reception/administration, development/fund-raising, and periodic mailings. 

Hillman Cancer Center

There are several opportunities from which to choose at the Hillman Cancer Center: To name a few,  administrative volunteer, information/registration desk assistant, outpatient clinic volunteer, patient navigation services volunteer, and 1:1 patient contact for the Patient Family Support program.  Orientation, training, and flexible hours.

RSVP of Allegheny County has partnered with the Pittsburgh Chapter's Project Linus.  The mission of Project Linus is to provide love, a sense of security, warmth, and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, homemade, washable blankets and afghans.  Become a blanketeer and make these blankets in the comfort of your own home.  For blanket guidelines, tags, and labels, give us a call. In addition, drivers are needed to pick up blankets at a central location and to drop them off at various locations (hospitals, etc.) for children in need.

Lutheran Service Society

Volunteer receptionists are needed at the Lutheran Service Society on Babcock Boulevard.  Assist staff by answering phones, taking messages, routing calls, greeting visitors, and receiving and sorting mail. 

Pittsburgh Community Services, Inc.

Help low-income city residents gain computer access to learn the skills they need to get ahead. Have some computer and telephone skills?  Become a learning center monitor at Pittsburgh Community Services, Inc.  Training provided. Flexible hours.

Girls Hope of Pittsburgh

Girls Hope helps academically capable and motivated children in need to meet their full potentials and become women by providing value-centered, family-like homes, opportunities, and college education.  Currently, a Girls Hope home in Clinton, PA needs people who can serve in a variety of capacities, including, but not limited to cooking, babysitting, tutoring, teaching skills, and/or mentoring.  Make children feel valued and loved.  Flexible hours.  Make direct inquiries to Jennifer Heid or 724-869-6576 or at jheid@bhgh.org.