CLICK THE AGENCY NAME TO VIEW VOLUNTEER AND JOB OPPORTUNITIES!
👥 Mentor
Location: Mitchell County
Organization: Bridges Mentoring
Contact: Nicole Gisleson
Contact Phone: 641-732-3566
Contact Email: mcbridgesmentoringprogram@gmail.com
Make a meaningful difference by mentoring individuals who need guidance, encouragement, and support. Mentors build relationships that help people grow in confidence and stability.
Why it matters: One consistent, caring connection can change someone’s path.
Best for:
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Compassionate listeners
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Individuals who enjoy building relationships
Schedule: Flexible
🚗 Medical Transportation Driver
Location: Mason City Area
Organization: Elderbridge
Contact: Laura Allen
Phone: 800-243-0678
Email: lallen@elderbridge.org
Provide transportation for individuals who need help getting to medical appointments and essential services. Volunteers use their own vehicles to ensure community members can access the care they need.
Why it matters: Access to transportation = access to health and stability.
Best for:
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Responsible, dependable drivers
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Those who enjoy helping others in practical ways
Schedule: Flexible
💬 In-Person Companion or Telephone Reassurance Volunteer
Location: Client homes, public meeting spaces, or by phone
Organization: Elderbridge
Contact: Laura Allen
Phone: 800-243-0678
Email: lallen@elderbridge.org
Offer companionship and connection to individuals who may feel isolated. Whether through friendly visits or phone calls, your presence brings comfort and support.
Why it matters: Loneliness is real—and connection is powerful.
Best for:
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Friendly, patient individuals
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Strong communicators with an open mind
Schedule: Flexible
🏡 Respite Care Volunteer
Location: Client homes in Cerro Gordo & Floyd Counties
Organization: Elderbridge
Contact: Laura Allen
Phone: 800-243-0678
Email: lallen@elderbridge.org
Provide short-term relief for caregivers by spending time with their loved one. This role allows caregivers to rest, recharge, or attend to personal needs.
Why it matters: Supporting caregivers strengthens entire families.
Best for:
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Compassionate, trustworthy individuals
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Those comfortable in a home setting
Schedule: Flexible
👵 Foster Grandparent Program Volunteer
Location: Cerro Gordo, Chickasaw, Floyd & Mitchell Counties
Organization: AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent Program - Charles City
Contact: Jennifer Lantz
Phone: 1-641-257-6327
Email: director@charlescityfgp.org
Serve as a mentor, tutor, and role model for children who need extra support. Foster Grandparents build meaningful relationships that help children succeed in school and life.
Why it matters: A caring adult can change a child’s future.
Requirements:
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Age 55+
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Passion for working with youth
Schedule: Varies by placement
🤝 Mentor
Location: Cerro Gordo
Organization: Catholic Charities
Contact: Amanda Baldiviezo
Contact Phone: 319-340-4303
Contact Email: a.baldiviezo@dbqarch.org
A one-on-one supportive relationship based on trust and respect to help guide a Catholic Charities client in their journey out of poverty. Mentors share knowledge and experiences to help clients in their goals when looking for employment, housing, and/or other community resources when they are reentering the community from being released from jail or prison.
Why it matters: Strong relationships create stronger communities.
Best for:
- Compassionate listeners
- Individuals who enjoy building relationships
Schedule: Flexible
🛍️ Cashier / Donations Volunteer
Location: Cerro Gordo
Organization: The House
Contact: Nicole Jacobs
Contact Phone: 641-583-1970
Contact Email: nicole@thehouseia.org
Help support daily operations by assisting with cashier duties and organizing donated items. Volunteers play a key role in creating a welcoming environment for customers and ensuring donations are processed efficiently.
Why it matters: Every item sold or donated helps support programs that serve our community.
Best for:
- Friendly, organized individuals
- Those comfortable interacting with the public
Schedule: Flexible🛍️ Cashier / Donations Volunteer
Location: Cerro Gordo
🎲 Event Volunteer – Hearth & Home Fundraiser
Organization: Friends of the Family
Location: Leaf Green Gaming, 2468 4th St SW, Mason City, IA
Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026
Be part of a fun and meaningful community event supporting survivors and families in need. Volunteers will help bring this Magic: The Gathering fundraising event to life by assisting with setup, serving lunch, and helping with cleanup.
Why it matters: Every dollar raised supports housing assistance programs for individuals and families right here in North Iowa.
Volunteer Roles Include:
- Event setup before guests arrive
- Assisting with lunch service
- Cleanup and teardown after the event
Best for:
- Friendly, team-oriented individuals
- Those who enjoy events and giving back
👉 Sign up here: https://volunteer.bloomerang.co/volunteer/#/join-party?k=4xoi7wvnov1wva
🏠 Homeless Shelter Volunteer
Organization: Northern Lights Alliance for the Homeless
Location:
- Men’s Shelter: 307 N Monroe Ave, Mason City, IA
- Women’s Shelter: 202 1st St NW, Mason City, IA
Schedule: Ongoing / Flexible
Make a direct impact in the lives of individuals experiencing homelessness. Volunteers support daily shelter operations and help create a safe, welcoming environment for those working toward stability.
Why it matters: Your time and compassion help provide not just shelter, but hope and a path forward.
Volunteer Opportunities Include:
- Assisting with daily operations and organization
- Cooking and meal support
- Cleaning and facility upkeep
- Office support and answering phones
- Mentoring, tutoring, or client support
Best for:
- Compassionate, service-minded individuals
- Those willing to meet people where they are
How to Get Started:
Submit a resume and share your availability. Volunteers can get started quickly after providing references.
📧 Contact: jessenorthernlights@gmail.com
🌐 Learn more: northernlightsshelters.org
🎁 Donation & Support Opportunities (Northern Lights)
You can also support through donations of time, talent, or essential items.
High-Need Items Include:
- New socks, underwear, and seasonal clothing
- Hygiene products like toothpaste, soap, and deodorant
- Cleaning supplies and paper products
- Towels, blankets, and basic essentials
Why it matters: These everyday items help provide dignity, comfort, and stability.