If you are considering retiring in Chicago, you will find volunteer opportunities in every neighborhood throughout the city. From teaching music and fostering literacy, to mentoring small businesses and working with animals, you will discover countless avenues to give back to a cause that matters to you most.
Whether or not you are new to Chicago, if you are interested in meeting new people, helping out a charitable cause and learning about new people and places, volunteering in Chicago offers many paths to personal purpose and fulfillment.
Share your passion for science, space or history with the public. Many of Chicago’s world-renown museums welcome volunteers: the Museum of Science and Industry, the Chicago History Museum, the Adler Planetarium and the Oriental Institute, to name a few. This sampling of museums offers opportunities to inspire children through hands-on learning, assist with public programs, volunteer in the gift shop or help with many other projects.
Many today are committed to ending hunger. In Chicago, you can exercise your commitment by helping provide nutritious meals to underserved men, women and families at citywide neighborhood food banks such as Greater Chicago Food Depository , the Lakeview Pantry and the Inspiration Corporation.
Do you have an affinity for Chicago’s many cultural offerings? The Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Art Institute Chicago, Museum of Contemporary Art and Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs are a sampling of the variety of volunteer opportunities available, most of which are located minutes away from The Clare.
If learning about and helping animals tops your list of interests, consider volunteering at PAWS Chicago Pet Adoption Center or Chicago Canine Rescue. Just north of The Clare, Lincoln Park Zoo recruits dedicated support, and at north suburban Brookfield Zoo, the Chicago Zoological Society inspires and encourages volunteerism.
Today’s youth are our future. As an advocate for helping children and teens learn, thrive and grow, you will find many Chicago organizations in need of volunteers. Share your love of music with urban youth at The People’s Music School. Work with children to inspire confident readers at Open Books and Working in the Schools (WITS). Help children achieve gains in social and emotional learning, mathematics, accountability, reading and technology at Tutoring Chicago. Support students to develop skills in reading, writing, math and related subjects to prepare for the GED/HiSet exams at The Learning Center.
Many residents of The Clare have had long, successful business careers. If the idea of mentoring small business entrepreneurs sounds rewarding, SCORE Chicago would be pleased to have you share your expertise. The Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC), a leader in the field of women’s economic development, offers retired business professionals and experienced business owners meaningful volunteer opportunities to give back.
As a resident of The Clare, located in the heart of the city of Chicago, you will have no shortage of options when looking for ways to donate your time and your expertise to a cause that matters to you most.
