New website JustServe.org connects faith-based, nonprofit, community and government organizations with eager volunteers
Whatever your reason for serving others, finding the right service opportunity has always been a challenge — until now. A new website called JustServe.org was recently launched to connect faith-based, nonprofit, community and government organizations with eager volunteers.
JustServe.org contains a list of organizations and programs in need of help, allowing volunteers to search the database and match their schedules, interests and abilities. The website was developed and is maintained by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, although the site itself has no religious function. It is free and open for all to use in the community.
Sherry Houston, executive director of Ronald McDonald House Charities of North Central Florida, said she is excited to be part of JustServe.org. Her organization was one of the first in the area to agree to be featured on the website. “We rely on the generosity of volunteers to make our house a home for our residents,” she said. “We work hard to match volunteers with service projects that they enjoy and have the proper skills to complete. We’re excited about being a part of JustServe.org because it will help bring volunteers to our house who really want to serve in a meaningful way.”
“The point of JustServe.org is to help enhance the quality of life throughout our community,” said Randy Graham, local administrator for JustServe.org. “This database is an incredible tool to connect people that want to serve with organizations that need their help.”
JustServe started in California in 2012 and has since grown to 45,000 projects posted and 185,000 registered users nationwide. Organizations and volunteers in Alachua and Marion counties will now be able to benefit from the one-stop database to find local opportunities. The database includes long-term, short-term and one-time event service opportunities. To recommend a project, visit JustServe.org or download the app for Android and Apple devices. JustServe projects should not directly involve volunteers in fund-raising, have a political focus, or be for-profit. Submitted projects are reviewed, approved, and then made visible to volunteers. Organizations can then manage their volunteers through the site, receiving notifications when individuals sign up or cancel their registration.