Excerpted from the Richmond City Guide.

Volunteering for a non-profit organization can be a great way to build up a resume. The work is rewarding, often requires no long-term time commitment and the hiring process may not be as competitive as it is for a for-profit company.

Children and Youth Services

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

Big Brothers Big Sisters Services of Richmond: http://www.bigbrobigsis.com/
Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond: http://www.bgcmr.org/
Children’s Museum of Richmond: http://www.c-mor.org/

Disabled Persons

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

Easter Seals, North Carolina and Virginia: http://nc.eastersealsucp.com/
The Greater Richmond ARC (Association for Mentally Retarded Children): http://www.richmondarc.org/
Positive Vibe Café: http://www.positivevibecafe.com/

Health

Health-based non-profit organizations often provide medical care to those who cannot otherwise afford it. Others help terminally ill patients and their families cope financially and emotionally with illness. Organizations that help individuals with drug and alcohol addictions are also included in this list.

American Cancer Society: http://www.cancer.org
AseraCare Hospice: http://hospice.aseracare.com/
Bon Secours Richmond St. Mary’s Hospital: http://www.bonsecours.com/about/volunteer.asp

Homelessness

Most non-profit organizations that combat homelessness operate shelters where people sleep and eat. Sometimes, they also help the homeless find jobs and low-rent homes, and offer financial and/or medical assistance.

CARITAS (Congregations Around Richmond Involved to Assure shelter): http://www.caritasshelter.org/
Daily Planet: http://www.dailyplanetva.org/
Daughters of Zelophehad: http://www.zelophehad.org/

This is just a sample of what you'll find in the complete Richmond Guide.