Before treatment, you were likely busy. You probably could not have imagined having had time to volunteer somewhere. In this current time of your life, however, you may have more time on your hands than you know what to do with. Along with this, you may have a newfound desire to help out. You could be recognizing the importance of giving back to others and how that impacts you. Fortunately, there are many volunteering opportunities in Ocala that you can be a part of. As a member of an alumni program, you understand the value of people’s time who have helped you in the past. Now you are ready to give back.
In this blog, volunteer opportunities at The Guest House will be shared along with those opportunities within the surrounding area of Ocala, Florida. Volunteer opportunities are a great way to keep you busy while spreading joy to others.
Why Is Volunteering Important?
Scheduling time out from your busy life to volunteer can be a selfless way to help others. When you get involved, you may choose to help people, increase social skills, and be a part of something bigger than yourself within the local community. Volunteering benefits everyone and is an awesome way to have a positive impact on the community.
There are many ways that you can volunteer in Ocala. These can include:
- Tutoring
- Playing games with elderly people at senior centers
- Singing, dancing, or reading with seniors
- Volunteering for Habitat for Humanity
- Volunteering at a 12-Step program meeting
- Mentoring youth
- Coaching sports
There are many ways to have fun without substances while giving yourself a sense of purpose. For example, maybe you are not ready to enter the workforce. Volunteering can help you enhance your unique skill set and learn new skills. Ultimately, volunteering can help you to improve yourself within your fields of interest.
What Are the Benefits of Volunteering in Ocala?
Let’s face it, life can get pretty busy. The idea of volunteering may seem overwhelming. It’s not always easy to fit volunteer opportunities into your schedule. Volunteering in Ocala, however, can lead to connection with other people, involvement in the community, and the good feeling of helping those who are in need. Making time to help out is an act of service that can help you grow as a person during your recovery.
Several benefits to yourself of volunteering include:
- Reducing stress
- Increasing happiness
- Boosting confidence
- Finding purpose
What’s more, giving to others can help protect your mental and emotional health. A study published in BMC Public Health demonstrated that volunteering can improve mental and physical health, life satisfaction, and social well-being.
Opportunities for Volunteering in Ocala
In Ocala, there are many opportunities to volunteer. For example, you may love to garden, and you could volunteer at the Fort King Heritage Garden Club. While there, you can weed, plant, and water. On the other hand, perhaps you are not much of a garden person and would like to do something that involves children, art, or customer service.
Alternatively, you may want to reach out to the Ocala Salvation Army to volunteer as a bell ringer during the holiday season. There are also options to participate in food drives, clean kitchens, help with religious meetings, and more.
Furthermore, you may want to engage in cleaning up a neighborhood that is near Ocala. For example, if you see plastic alongside the road, pick it up. Volunteering in Ocala can involve something simple that helps to make the earth clean and free of clutter. Whatever your interests are, Ocala has a volunteer opportunity for you.
How Can I Get Started Volunteering in Ocala?
All you need is a willingness to volunteer, and the rest will fall into place. There are several ways that you can get started:
- Email ccarroll@ocalafl.org to get started with the volunteer application
- You can go to the “Volunteer in Ocala” website and download an application
- Call Connie at (352) 368-5517
It is not how big the volunteer job is but how much effort you are putting into it. Volunteering in Ocala does not have to be a huge production. Instead, you can do something small that you feel passionately about.
Volunteer at the Guest House
The Guest House is located on 52 acres of beautiful scenic land near Ocala National Park. This calm and soothing space will generate peace and tranquility within you. If you choose to volunteer at The Guest House, it will be an experience that is hard to forget.
No matter what you choose, being a part of a community is important for your recovery and will benefit you in several different ways. It has been said that the opposite of addiction is connection. What better way to build connections than through volunteering? Additionally, you will improve your self-esteem by giving something that cannot be returned to others.
At The Guest House, we encourage you to be your best self. We welcome you no matter where you are in your recovery. Your contribution can happen through volunteering at The Guest House or in the local community. It does not matter the route you take. It only matters that you arrive. Volunteering can be done through a variety of paths, and the right path will speak to your soul.
Contemplating the act of volunteering in Ocala can be a glorious time in your recovery. Giving back to others who cannot repay you is a selfless act. You can enjoy many opportunities for self-exploration and community-building in Ocala. What’s more, you may find it helpful to interact with others without the need for substances. At The Guest House, we welcome everyone’s experiences. We would love to help you become a part of something bigger than yourself and lead you on a journey of self-love and healing through volunteering. We invite you to join us on this path. Give us a call today at (855) 483-7800. We are excited to show you the way.