As we age, it’s important for our health and well-being to remain connected and live purposefully, especially after retirement. Finding meaning and building friendships throughout our careers is normal and often natural, but there are many other ways to make a difference.
There are numerous volunteer opportunities in Wilton Manors and Fort Lauderdale for retirees ready to share their passion, talents, and interests with others. Explore our top places for seniors to find connection and purpose in South Florida.
Top 10 Places for Seniors to Volunteer and Get Involved in Wilton Manors and Fort Lauderdale
Explore our top 10 volunteer opportunities in Wilton Manors and nearby Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Volunteering is beneficial to your physical and mental health. You can learn new skills, meet new people, have fun, and feel fulfilled.
Sharing your time and gifts with others can help reduce stress, increase self-confidence, and give you a sense of accomplishment. Studies have shown that people who volunteer have a lower mortality rate. Consider getting involved and giving back to the community – it’s great for your health!
1. SoFIA – South Florida Institute on Aging | 2038 N Dixie Hwy, Suite 201, Fort Lauderdale
The South Florida Institute on Aging is a nonprofit organization that focuses on enriching the lives of seniors and youth in the area. SoFIA serves over 1,500 people each year and has over 500 older adult volunteers.
Current volunteer opportunities include adults age 55+ who can teach general internet skills to their peers either virtually or in person at various senior centers and community rooms throughout Broward County.
2. HOPE South Florida | 1100 N Andrews Ave, Fort Lauderdale
HOPE South Florida is a faith-based organization that offers a continuum of care to those in need, including emergency shelter, daycare referrals, free meals, employee assistance, and more. Volunteers are essential to the organization’s success and can assist with the shared meals program.
Shared meals are hosted at different churches or partner facilities and provide a hot meal, air conditioning, a time for devotion, and assistance with documents and mail required for new employment. Volunteer drivers are also needed to transport guests to and from the meal sites.
3. City of Wilton Manors Volunteer Program | 2020 Wilton Dr, Wilton Manors
The City of Wilton Manors always seeks volunteers to help with different departments, special events, and community improvements. The City strives to have a positive impact and improve the quality of life of its residents through volunteer opportunities.
Some volunteer jobs with the City include tree planting, clerical support, computer assistance, active adult seminars and programs, hurricane and emergency recovery, special event support, and more. You can find the volunteer application and further details on their website.
Related: The Importance of Socialization for the Health and Wellness of Seniors >>
4. City of Fort Lauderdale Neighbor Volunteers | 100 N Andrews Ave, Fort Lauderdale
The City of Fort Lauderdale’s Neighbor Volunteer Office organizes volunteer opportunities by age group and features Club 55+ for older adults. The City hosts special volunteer project days four times a year, including Fort Lauderdale United Day, Cares Day, Ready Day, and Make a Difference Day.
Other volunteer jobs vary from mentoring youth and stocking the little free libraries to beach and waterway clean-ups. You can visit their website for additional information.
5. Stonewall National Museum, Archives, & Library | 1300 E Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale
The Stonewall National Museum, Archives, & Library was founded in 1972 and now has one of the largest gay archives and libraries in the U.S. The non-profit charitable organization presents ongoing programs, films, panels, and events supported by staff and volunteers.
The museum is currently seeking volunteers to greet visitors, organize library shelves, check books in and out, and assist staff with tasks. The organization also depends on volunteers to help host and facilitate special events.
6. Broward County Parks and Recreation | 950 NW 38th St, Oakland Park
The Broward County Parks and Recreational Division has a variety of ways retirees can volunteer within the parks, with an extensive list of parks to choose from.
The VIP Program, Volunteers Improving Parks, offers office and clerical, general cleanup, security, landscape and grounds, and maintenance opportunities for anyone interested in improving the parks.
Related: Live Well During Retirement in Wilton Manors, Florida >>
7. Airport Ambassadors | 320 Terminal Dr, Suite 200, Fort Lauderdale
If you have the gift of hospitality and enjoy helping others, you may be interested in volunteering as an Airport Ambassador at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. Ambassadors should be friendly, caring, and patient as they greet and assist the public.
Volunteer duties include staffing the airport information booth, directing visitors, responding to inquiries, and offering advice on Greater Fort Lauderdale attractions and landmarks. Ambassadors enjoy several benefits, such as complimentary snacks and shift parking, airport discounts, a uniform jacket and shirt, special recognition functions and service awards, and more. You can find more information here.
8. FLL AmbassaDogs | 320 Terminal Dr, Suite 200, Fort Lauderdale
Another volunteer opportunity at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is a therapy dog program. Volunteer handler teams walk through the terminals and concourses as passengers wait to board their flights. FLL AmbassaDogs strives to make air travel less stressful, helping to reduce stress and lower blood pressure for guests.
Volunteers complete handler classroom and in-terminal training with a certified therapy dog. Handler teams work one to two-hour shifts in a terminal each week. Learn more about the training and application process on their website.
9. Broward County Animal Care Adoption Center | 2400 SW 42nd St, Fort Lauderdale
The Broward County Animal Care Adoption Center continuously seeks volunteers to help support their services and outreach efforts. You can give your time by assisting at the center with tasks such as walking the dogs, feeding the animals, and assisting with office work.
You can also consider adopting or fostering a pet from the center. Additional animal care volunteer program information, including contact details, can be found on their website.
10. Broward County Library | 100 S Andrews Ave, Fort Lauderdale
The Broward County Library has multiple branches across the county and numerous ways you can help the library. You can enjoy a flexible schedule by participating in the Each One, Teach One program, where you teach another adult to read and write.
Other volunteer opportunities include teaching classes, chatting with international residents that wish to practice conversational English, and serving as a library ambassador or mentor. Most volunteer shifts are between two and four hours. Discover more details and find out how to get started on their website.
Discover Connection and Purpose in a Senior Living Community
Senior living communities like Golden Bell’s Independence Hall and Williamsburg Landing provide additional volunteer opportunities for non-residents and residents. Non-residents may enjoy assisting with special events and programming.
Residents can participate in committees focusing on planning meaningful activities and opportunities for their peers. They can lead book clubs, computer classes, and gardening demonstrations. The possibilities are endless, inspiring connections and a purpose-driven, active lifestyle.
Life at Golden Bell Senior Living
Senior living communities like Golden Bell provide the comforts of home with the added benefits of supportive care, engaging activities, and a maintenance-free lifestyle. With your daily needs met, your loved one will live more independently and have opportunities to meet friends, discover new interests, and live each day to the fullest.
Golden Bell Senior Living offers a full continuum of care, including independent living, assisted living, and respite care. Residents have personalized care plans, are treated like family, and are greeted by name in a warm, welcoming environment.
Amenities and activities include:
- Beautiful accommodations
- Landscaped grounds and gardens
- Community outings
- Recreation and social activities
- Chef-prepared meals
- Scheduled transportation
- Beauty and barber shop
- Housekeeping and maintenance services
Please contact us to learn more about our communities or set up a tour. We’d love to hear from you and are happy to help answer any questions you have about senior living. For more information about choosing senior living, download our complimentary Family Decision Toolkit.
