Volunteering in our community is a great way to connect with individuals, build skills, learn something new and ultimately create positive change in your community!

Here is a list of volunteer opportunities in Northern Colorado available this summer with some offering volunteer opportunities all year long!

Hearts & Horses

If you have grown up in Northern Colorado you have heard of the Hearts & Horses Therapeutic Riding Center in Loveland. Since 1997 they have been changing the lives of individuals with disabilities throughout our local communities by providing unique therapy through horse companionship. They offer individual volunteering, group volunteering and even internships. There are so many opportunities to get involved with this group from horse handling to helping with maintenance around the property! Open registration for volunteers is June 5th, from 3-4pm.

For more information on volunteer opportunities with Hearts and Horses visit their website.

Handyman Program-Volunteers of America Northern Colorado Services

The handyman project is designed to help the growing senior community in Northern Colorado by helping seniors live independently in their own homes. The volunteer program (ages 18 ) involves helping install improvements such as grab bars, building wheelchair ramps and simple tasks around the home such as changing light bulbs.

Learn more about getting involved by going to Volunteers of America Northern Colorado’s website.

Serving Smiles with Lunch

Serving Smiles with Lunch is an organization the provides good company and good food to seniors in the community. Participants will greet individuals as they arrive, serve lunch and engage in conversation with seniors in attendance. Offering this kind of service to the community helps these older adults stay active and independent all while enjoying conversation and smiles with volunteers!

For more information on getting involved read The Smiling Spoon Blog.

Respite Care

Respite Care is an organization like no other. Founded in 1981 in the heart of Fort Collins by five individuals who each had a child with a developmental disability, this amazing institution aims to enhance the quality of life for families who have children with disabilities by providing short term care in an interactive environment! Each summer they host a camp for the kids where they head out and enjoy all that Northern Colorado has to offer with volunteer buddies! This is great for older kids or adults who are looking to give back while making a friend.

For additional information regarding volunteer opportunities at Respite Care, please visit their website or contact the organizations Volunteer Manager, Kelsy, at volunteer@respitecareinc.org.

Pets Forever

Pets Forever is a partnership program with CSU’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital with the purpose of helping disabled Larimer County residents to maintain ownership of their beloved pets! The program is asking for a commitment of 1-2 hours per week. Tasks include anything from helping walk the pet to delivery of food! There are ongoing opportunities with this program.

For more information contact Program Coordinator, Sarah Van Etten, at (970) 491-0207.

Young Stewards Planting at the High Plains Environmental Center

Saturday May 20th- Celebrate Colorado Public Lands Day by volunteering with the whole family! The Young Stewards program is asking for families with children between the ages of 6-12 to participate. This is a great way to teach your kiddos about gardening all while enjoying an afternoon with the family!

For more information visit the programs website.

The Growing Project

Having a green thumb is not required! The Growing Project is a nonprofit that offers education, experience and advocacy for local grown food. They host events throughout the year and are always looking for volunteers with all skill sets; anything from graphic design to talents in music.

To learn more about getting involved visit TheGrowingProject.org.

Partners Mentoring Youth

Have you always wanted to make a positive change in another’s life? The Partners Mentoring Youth program in Northern Colorado helps nearly 450 youth in our Northern Colorado communities with academic, social and personal challenges. Mentors provide a positive environment for youth to learn and grow in community and school settings. The program is seeking community members who are willing to commit at least a year to the program, averaging 1-3 hours per week but they also have other ways to get involved such as the Nexus monthly group activities!

For more information on becoming a mentor visit Partnersmentoringyouth.org.

There are hundreds of ways to get involved with our community! If you have a favorite organization or project that you volunteer with, please share more information with us in the comments below!