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

Children and Youth Services
These organizations focus on families and children, offering services like counseling for children and parents, foster care placement and free health care.

     American Children’s Orchestras for Peace: http://www.americanchildrensorchestras.org

Elder Care
Elder care volunteer opportunities include helping senior citizens perform everyday tasks like driving to the doctor or fixing dinner. Some non-profits in this category help take care of elderly people with long-term illnesses such as Alzheimer’s disease.

     Alliance for Aging: www.allianceforaging.org
     Alzheimer’s Association: South Florida Chapter: http://www.alzsfl.org

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