UPWC is committed to community service and engagement during the season (October-May). Our community partners, Mothers Helping Mothers (MHM) and Feeding Empty Little Tummies (FELT) offer many volunteer opportunities. For MHM, we organize monthly volunteer opportunities to include accepting and sorting donations, stocking the on-site store, and other administrative tasks. For FELT, UPWC members volunteer monthly to fill weekend food bags for 1,600 food insecure and homeless Manatee County school children attending 58 schools. For further information, contact Community Engagement Executive Lisa Pafe at lisapafe@gmail.com.

The list below provides additional volunteer opportunities vetted and recommended by the Community Engagement Committee. 

The Women’s Resource Center, dedicated to providing counseling, training, and direction to women of all generations by encouraging, educating, enriching and empowering them through life’s transitions.

Take Stock in Children Manatee, committed to creating pathways to post-secondary education for students who face economic and systemic barriers through scholarships, mentorship, and comprehensive support services.

The TWIG Cares inspires and encourages foster families. Children in foster care can shop monthly for free undergarments, socks, books, and accessories. Children who have aged out of foster care can request a TwigBox care package once a month with essential items like hygiene products ​and fun treats to brighten their day.

Dogs, Inc. offers guide, service, skilled companion and therapy dogs that transform lives. They provide clients with loyal companions, expert training, and alumni support, veterinary care, and food completely free of charge.

Other Resources:

Volunteer Match Sarasota: (volunteer match.org/city/Sarasota,FL)

Just Serve:  (justserve.org)

Manatee County Volunteer Opportunities: (mymanatee.org/departments/human_resources/volunteer_opportunities)