The Arc Tampa Bay Volunteer Program

Yes! Volunteers provide human and financial resources needed to continue to serve those who are counting on us. Volunteers share the spirit of hope throughout The Arc Tampa Bay and our community.

Once a month or once a week, depending on the time you have to dedicate. Some of our programs can benefit from your participation 5 days a week.  We have different sports activities,  curriculum enrichment, and special events.

Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, pass a local background check, FDLE fingerprint check and TB test. All screenings are provided by The Arc Tampa Bay for volunteers.

There are many ways you can volunteer to enrich the lives of individuals receiving supports and services from The Arc Tampa Bay:

• Citizen Advocate- You can partner with an individual from The Arc Tampa Bay to become their helper, mentor, and friend. Citizen Advocates enjoy spending time with their partners doing recreational activities like going to a movie, shopping, walking on the trail, or visiting a library.
• Support Services Volunteer – Support service volunteers answer phones, make copies, file, help with mailings, etc. They can also provide direct program support at one of the group homes, at Harborside Gallery or at the Tarpon Springs day program. There are also numerous opportunities to help with maintenance projects.
• PEOPLE FIRST Club Sponsor- PEOPLE FIRST is a national organization that seeks to promote self-advocacy for persons with intellectual disabilities. The Arc Tampa Bay has a very active PEOPLE FIRST Club. As a club sponsor, you will help plan and host club meetings, community service projects, special events, and outings.
• Classroom Helper – This is a hands-on experience where you can assist teachers in a variety of day programs at The Long Center, Harborside Studios, or Tarpon Springs ADT. As a classroom helper, you can teach skills such as making simple ingredient recipes, reading, math, and art skills. Helpers also assist with recreational and leisure opportunities and community activities.
• Music Helpers – Bring your musical talent or interest to our music program at the Long Center. Music helpers assist consumers with our popular drumming classes once a week. 
• Community Companion – Community activities are vital and fun! What better way to spend time with someone than accompanying them on an outing such as going out to eat, shopping, or going for a walk? You can help by pushing a wheelchair, holding someone’s hand to cross the street safely or just sharing your time.
• Hab Helpers – The Habilitation Center at The Long Center provides consumers with potential work opportunities as well as personal and social skills. 
• Adopt-A-Group Home – Individuals or community groups are encouraged to adopt one of The Arc Tampa Bay’s 16 group homes or the Waterfall Apartments. Opportunities are endless for interested parties, ranging from sponsoring a monthly meeting and organizing guest speakers to hosting a party and sharing special talents or skills. If you love to cook, are handy with repairs, or would like to make new friends and make a difference, give us a call or fill out our online volunteer application form.

You can contact Margaret Bauer, Marketing Experience Coordinator, at 727-799-3330, extension 7647. You can also fill out our online volunteer application form.