Giving Back, Belonging, and Being Seen
Everyone has something to give. At OHI, we believe that—and we're here to help make it happen.
For the people OHI supports, volunteering is about far more than giving back. It is about having a valued role in the community. Being recognized as a neighbor, a contributor, a friend—not just a recipient of services. People with intellectual and developmental disabilities can and do serve their communities in powerful ways, yet they often have fewer opportunities to volunteer than they would like—not because of a lack of desire, but because of a lack of support. That's where OHI comes in.
Volunteering allows people to meet new people, learn new skills, build confidence, and contribute meaningfully to society. And the impact flows both ways: contact between people with and without disabilities through volunteering is central to social inclusion, and research shows it positively shapes community attitudes and builds the relationships that make true belonging possible.
How OHI Supports Volunteers
Through our LEAD ON! Community Support Program, we work alongside each individual to find volunteer opportunities that genuinely match their interests and talents—then provide the hands-on support needed to make participation possible and meaningful. Volunteer opportunities we help people explore include:
- Caring for animals at local shelters and rescues
- Assisting children and youth in community programs
- Supporting senior adults in elder care settings
- Distributing and delivering food at local food pantries
- Contributing to community events, faith organizations, and neighborhood initiatives
But finding the right opportunity is just the beginning. Our team also helps individuals build practical skills that make community participation sustainable, including using public transportation to get there, communicating effectively with others, managing finances, and creating circles of support that last long after the volunteer shift ends.
Real inclusion means being known and welcomed as a volunteer, neighbor, or friend—not just as a participant in a disability-specific program. Every time one of the individuals OHI supports shows up, contributes, and is recognized for their gifts, that vision becomes a little more real for everyone.
Ready to Get Started?
Our Community Support Supervisor will meet with you to develop a customized plan built around your interests, talents, and goals—connecting you to volunteer opportunities where you can make a real difference.
Your community is waiting. Let's find your place in it.