Volunteer
Connecting our community with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities is how we bring our mission to life. It opens doors to inclusion, meaningful daily experiences, and valued roles in community life
Opportunities with The Arc of Howard County
If you have a group or organization (for example: a community group, a Scout troop, a team of colleagues) that would like to arrange a volunteering opportunity, please contact Fiedes Shin, Development Associate, via email.
Volunteer events/opportunities might include:
- Painting interior or exterior residential properties
- Leaf raking, lawn maintenance, planting/weeding/landscaping
- “Adopt a House” – Spend time with people in our Community Living Services, and donate high need items.
- Event volunteer (Chocolate & Cheers or our Golf Fundraiser)
- SkillShare – an initiative that brings professionals, hobbyists, tradespeople, entrepreneurs, artists, and community members into our Day Program to teach meaningful skills.
*All volunteers are screened and must meet established eligibility criteria. Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Other Inclusive Volunteering Ideas
People with intellectual and developmental disabilities can serve their communities in many ways:
- Serving meals at soup kitchens,
- Stocking food pantries,
- Preparing and delivering meals to seniors,
- Helping keep communities beautiful,
- Spending time with people who are isolated,
- Helping care for pets and other animals, and more.
Many people perceive people with disabilities as the ones in need of service. However, people with disabilities are a key part of civic engagement across the country. People volunteer every day to build confidence, job skills, and work experience. Volunteering helps job seekers network and build relationships that can lead to employment. It also provides chances to build friendships and networks of support. People can and should be empowered to give back to their communities. When everyone participates, it’s a win-win!
Many people who have IDD volunteer, including people who receive public benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Volunteering for a few hours a month will not change or stop you from receiving benefits, but these activities must follow the Social Security Administration’s rules on how much and what type of work you can do.