Non-profit work eventually pays for itself. After a few months or years of volunteer work, job applicants can truthfully say they “have experience.” To an employer, non-profit work also means that an applicant has a heart.

What follows is a list of charitable organizations in Hartford, divided up into focus areas. Choose an area that looks particularly interesting, and research the non-profit groups within it.

Disabled Persons and the Mentally Ill
Some non-profit organizations help persons with mental and physical disabilities. They offer life skills training, community living services, recreational activities and more for handicapped children and adults.

     Best Buddies International: http://www.bestbuddies.org
     Board of Education and Services for the Blind: http://www.ct.gov/besb

Legal Assistance
Legal advocacy non-profits offer low-cost legal services to low-income residents. They often represent individuals in child custody, divorce, domestic violence and landlord-tenant cases. Some legal assistance groups specialize in helping children or the elderly.

     Children in Placement/CASA: http://www.nationalcasa.org
     Connecticut Legal Services: http://www.connlegalservices.org

This is just a sample of what you'll find in the complete Hartford guide.