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Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteering is a great way to give back to On With Life! We welcome both individuals and volunteer groups at our Ankeny, Polk City, Coralville and New Horizons campuses. Our volunteers serve in many different roles throughout the organization, whether that be visiting with persons served, maintaining our campuses, providing clerical assistance and everything in between. Below you will find more information about the different types of volunteer opportunities On With Life has to offer. If you’re interested in getting involved, fill out the application and a member of our team will reach out to you!

Click here to apply

Ways to Volunteer

Clinical Support

Help support our programs directly by working with our persons served! You can provide companionship to our persons served by transporting them to therapies, assisting nursing staff and even taking part in our pet therapy program. (Volunteers in these roles must pass a background check and provide proof of initial 2-dose COVID vaccination.)

Administrative Support

Are you detail oriented or enjoy working on a project? Become one of our administrative support volunteers! Assist our team with a variety of tasks including document scanning, data entry, envelope stuffing, front desk support and more.

Facility Support

There are many projects – both inside and out – that our facilities team can use volunteer assistance with throughout the year. These include cleaning and sanitizing, helping with laundry and tending to our outdoor gardens in the warmer months. If you like to work with your hands, this is the opportunity for you!

Skills-Based Support

Have a special skill or talent you’d like to share with others? We’d love to learn more! In the past, volunteers have gifted us by performing music at mealtimes, completing sewing projects, writing notes of encouragement and more.

Volunteer playing music with person served

Community Support

As a Community support volunteer, you’ll help us bring awareness to our programs through fundraising events, education opportunities, support groups and more. This is a great area to volunteer if you love staying connected in your community!

One-Time & Group

Throughout each year, On With Life has one-time volunteer opportunities for individuals or groups looking to make a difference in their community. Past experiences have included tending to our gardens, cleaning and organizing buildings new and old, and celebrating our persons served at our annual reunion. These opportunities will be posted as they occur on our website.

Volunteer

Success Stories

If you walk into On With Life's outpatient center in Ankeny on a Tuesday morning, chances are you will be greeted with a smile by Sheri Gatchel. Sheri’s role at the front desk of the clinic started as a short-term volunteer gig in the spring of 2023 but has turned into a regular part of her week that she looks forward to.

Volunteer FAQ

Are there any age restrictions for volunteering?

I need to complete court-ordered community service hours. Can I do this at On With Life?

Do I need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to volunteer?

Do I have to pass a background check to volunteer?