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 Kansas City, divided up into focus areas. Choose an area that looks particularly interesting, and research the non-profit groups within it.

Hunger and Poverty
These organizations donate food, clothing and other basic items to needy individuals and families.

     Community Services League: http://communityserv.org
     Cross-Lines Community Outreach: http://www.cross-lines.org

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. Groups that help prisoners or ex-convicts are also included here.

     Jackson County CASA: http://www.jacksoncountycasa-mo.org
     Kansas City Volunteer Lawyers and Accountants for the Arts: http://www.kcvlaa.org

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