Northeast Florida is home to a thriving economy driven by several industries–including life sciences, transportation & logistics, financial services and recreation/hospitality. While these sectors fuel regional growth and create jobs, they also present unique opportunities for local talent to give back. Volunteering offers a meaningful way to stay connected with your community, and the region is home to more than 8,000 nonprofits where you can gain hands-on experience, expand your network and make a difference! Let’s take a look at a few industries and how to get involved.
Supporting the Frontlines in Life Sciences:
Life sciences is one of Jacksonville’s largest developing industries, with major companies like Baptist, UF Health, Mayo Clinic and Brooks Rehabilitation carry a heavy presence in the region. Beyond hospitals, however, Northeast Florida is home to numerous nonprofits focused on wellness, mental health and elder care. A few examples include:
- Community Hospice & Palliative Care offers a variety of opportunities such as companionship to patients and family members, help with clerical work or assisting at fundraising events.
- Sulzbacher Center addresses all aspects of homelessness including housing, income and health care. Some opportunities include preparing and serving meals, tutoring, helping with job searches and resume writing, educational internships and faith-based activities.
- Nemours Children’s Specialty Care offers opportunities for volunteers to assist with pediatric patients and their families and gain industry-focused hands-on training alongside Nemours staff.
Moving More Than Goods in Transportation & Logistics:
As America’s Logistics Center, Jacksonville remains a logistics powerhouse thanks to the region’s strategic location on the East Coast. While ports and warehouses may not seem like a traditional volunteer spot, the industry intersects with many community initiatives tied to economic mobility and transportation access, including:
- St. Joseph’s Transportation Ministry provides transportation to those in need of transportation to and from Mass and major ministry events.
- VA Center for Development and Civic Engagement provides needed transportation for Veterans seeking services to and from a VA/authorized facility. The Volunteer Transportation Network (VTN) guidelines permit volunteer participation in providing this transportation.
- The American Red Cross needs Blood Transportation Specialists to make deliveries to ensure blood, platelets and other critical supplies get to hospitals safely.
Empowering Through Education in Financial Services:
Northeast Florida is home to a multitude of major financial institutions such as Fidelity, Deustche Bank and VyStar Credit Union. While maintaining successful company/client relations, many of these companies also support financial literacy and community education as part of their corporate social responsibility. Some of these programs include:
- Junior Achievement of North Florida provides hands-on training that is relatable, engaging and fun. Volunteers are able to inspire kids to achieve a more fulfilling life by contributing their own professional insights and personal experiences to the programs they teach.
- United Way of Northeast Florida works with thousands of donors, volunteers and community partners to create opportunity where everyone can reach their full potential. See which of their partners are actively looking for volunteers here.
- Family Foundations of Northeast Florida connects individuals and families with tools and resources for the benefit of financial and emotional literacy.
Serving Support through Social Services:
Home to a wide network of opportunities, the region is committed to supporting its wider community. Whether you’re interested in assisting at food banks, supporting senior citizens or getting involved with a church, there’s a way to make a difference in Jacksonville’s Social Services Industry. A few possibilities include:
- City of Jacksonville’s Senior Services Division administers community-wide social service programs that serve older adults in the Jacksonville region. Some programs include Community and Senior Centers, the Senior Companion Program and the Independent Living Program.
- Catholic Charities of Jacksonville puts faith into action to serve the most vulnerable within the community. Opportunities range from special events, accounting and data management, information technology, clerical and reception work, food service and more.
- Feeding Northeast Florida offers opportunities to contribute to the livelihood of Northeast Florida, from sorting non-perishable goods to providing groceries at the mobile pantries.
Showcasing the Region’s Best in Recreation & Hospitality:
With 87 miles of coastal beaches, an extensive reef system and more than 80,000 acres of parks, Northeast Florida thrives on tourism. Supporting local events, arts and environmental initiatives also strengthens this industry while preserving the region’s natural, historical and cultural assets. Some ways to get involved with this industry include:
- Museum of Science & History (MOSH) hosts opportunities from working with the Florida Naturalist’s Center, assisting with field trip engagement, being a museum guide or working with corporate volunteer and NGO groups.
- Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary offers those with a love for wildlife and animals to get immersed in providing excellent care for them–including everything from assisting in guided tours to cleaning animal enclosures.
- St. Johns Riverkeeper enables volunteers to assist in keeping one of Northeast Florida’s beautiful water sources clean. Opportunities range from cleanups, education and advocacy, event planning, fundraising and more.
Whether you’re a student or already in the workforce, Northeast Florida offers countless opportunities to make a difference in industries that assist in the region’s growth. Volunteering doesn’t just give back to the community, but it can also provide new opportunities, deepen local ties, give you a stronger sense of purpose and even enhance your resume!
Ready to get started? Reach out to one of these organizations today and become a part of Northeast Florida’s growing movement of service-minded citizens.
