Become a Volunteer with CEL!
Volunteering is a wonderful opportunity to give back and impact the lives of more than 400 people in your community with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Whether you choose to participate with a group or individually, CEL has plenty of enjoyable and engaging opportunities for you to share your gifts and abilities.
You can make a difference
The gift of your time and energy provides opportunities for hundreds of CEL members to learn new skills, connect to the community and have fun through meaningful experiences and relationships.
Volunteer Opportunities
Become a Volunteer
Board of Directors
Young Leadership Committee
Internships
Corporate Partnerships
Share Ideas, Talents, or Skills
Group Volunteering
Volunteer Testimonials
Go ahead and do it. It’s such a welcoming place for members and for volunteers. You’ll feel comfortable right away. CEL has so many different programs there is something for every interest.
After interning at CEL, I discovered a deep passion for working directly with people with disabilities. This experience has really opened my eyes and opened my heart to people, specifically children, who have similar disabilities. I definitely want to continue on this path!
I have learned so much from the members. I love their openness to do anything and work on new things. They are excited to be creating art.
Relax, have a good time, don’t overthink it, and just be yourself. It’s a really good experience that you can gain a lot from.
It’s an opportunity to get outside of the normal day-to-day and be a part of something where people are enriched by your time being there.
I like that every time I come, I am doing different things.
Blogs
From Staff to Volunteer, Four Decades Later
CEL looked a little different in 1988. We didn’t have our own beautiful building with Universal Design, and social/recreational programs were all that we offered. But even back then, our members were supported by excellent, dedicated staff who cared about them. That’s the year Marilyn, a young professional eager to make a difference, first walked […]
Unexpected Internship Inspires Career Direction
When Taylor Harris first walked into CEL, it was for a backup internship opportunity after her plan to intern in a school fell through. Her goal was to complete the requirement on her way to becoming a family and relationship therapist. What she didn’t anticipate was how her time with CEL members would change the […]
Frequently Asked Questions
To become a regular program volunteer at CEL, you will fill out an application, then come in for a tour and interview. Once you complete volunteer training and pass a background check, then you can begin volunteering with our members!
To volunteer as a group, you will schedule a day with Cassidy Paradise, and there will be a brief introduction/orientation before you begin on that day.
We ask that when you decide to volunteer, you can commit to a weekly or bi-weekly schedule for 3 months at a time. That allows you to get to know members in a specific program by name and fully engage in the experience.
INDIVIDUAL OPPORTUNITIES
- Program Volunteer: Join members in various social and recreational outings throughout the community and at CEL.
- Skills needed: willingness to have fun, participate and socialize with members
- Administrative Volunteer: Help out in the office with filing or other duties as needed.
- Skills needed: organizational and willingness to help out in various office projects
- Event Volunteer: Join staff during various fundraising events and dances throughout the year.
- Skills needed: various – volunteers have a variety of roles from helping at registration, set-up and break-down, photography, etc.
- Committee Volunteer: Make a difference by participating on one of our event committees. Put your experience and skills to work by helping us raise funds, get sponsors and create memorable events!
- Skills needed: various – fundraising, sales, finance, passion for mission and willingness to commit to the time length needed.
- Board of Directors: Share your expertise and ensure that CEL continues to grow and provide members with the opportunities to thrive.
- Skills needed: various – leadership skills, passion for mission, fundraising, sales, finance, etc.
Yes! We offer community service hours for volunteers who complete 50+ hours, or for those who can commit to a consistent schedule throughout the entire session.
16. Please note that all volunteers under the age of 18 must have parent or guardian consent, which is obtained through a series of CEL waivers.
CEL does place interns in various fields of study. To inquire about opportunities, please contact Cassidy Paradise.
We love to set up specific days for your team to volunteer and interact with our members. The best partnerships are when you can teach us something or participate in an activity together. Contact Cassidy Paradise to begin the conversation.
You belong at CEL!
Programs are centered on YOU! Choose from a wide range of social, recreational, and educational enrichment programs available seven days a week. Check out our program guide and learn how to get started today!
Enrich lives today!
Your donation will transform and enrich the lives of our members with intellectual and developmental disabilities.