Helpful Ideas

Now that you have retired, have you thought about what you can do in your free time? Volunteer at your local library, help out at a local school, help animals in need?

Here are some ideas to get you started, and many more possibilties await you in your local area. Have ideas to share? Please send them to one of the emails listed in the contact us section, or connect with us through Facebook.

Please note, MCREA does not sponsor or advocate for any of these groups, they are only suggestions.

Local/Maryland/Montgomery County Opportunities

Montgomery College Lifelong Learning Institute

www.montgomerycollege.edu/

Lifelong Learning Institute is committed to creating and fostering a variety of intellectually stimulating educational opportunities for Montgomery County residents age 50 and over.

Oasis Lifelong Learning

www.oasisnet.org/Washington-DC-area

Join us for exciting classes and volunteer opportunities. From history to yoga to music and more, it's your time for a new adventure with Washington Metro Oasis.  

Senior Centers in Montgomery County

www.montgomerycountymd.gov/rec/facilities/seniorcenters/

Our seven Senior Centers are full-service facilities providing a wide range of programs, services, and activities that are open five to six days a week. They provide educational seminars, entertainment, fitness & dance classes, health & wellness programs, travel & volunteer opportunities, individual & team sports, a weekday lunch program, a wide variety of drop-in programs, lectures, and seminars, and much more.

Employment and Volunteer Resources in Montgomery County

www.montgomerycountymd.gov/senior/employment.html

Whether you want to find employment, a great volunteer role or enrichment opportunities, Montgomery County has lots of options and resources.

National Opportunities

Volunteer Match

www.volunteermatch.org

Connecting volunteers with nonprofits. They offer volunteer opportunities in everything from arts and culture, to disaster relief, education, faith-based, environmental causes, and many more. Enter your city and state and see the volunteer opportunities in your area.

Children's Hospital

www.volunteeratchildrens.org

Be a part of a truly rewarding experience by helping families with children in need. Volunteers are always needed at their facilities around the country.

American Community Gardening Association

www.communitygarden.org

If you like to get your hands dirty, this might be for you! Volunteer with a local community garden and combine your love for all things green with a good cause.

Public Service

www.usa.gov/volunteer

Many federal agencies offer ways you can volunteer. Choose from the Peace Corps, Veterans Affairs, Federal election volunteers, and more.

Go Overseas International and USA Community

International: www.gooverseas.com/volunteer-abroad

USA: www.gooverseas.com/volunteer-abroad/united-states-america

Whether you're from outside the U.S. and want to experience this vast, diverse nation as a volunteer, or you're an American looking to travel outside your hometown, this guide will help you figure out what sort of volunteer projects you can do based on region.

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)

www.aspca.org/take-action/volunteer

Are you interested in making a difference for animals in need? The ASPCA offers volunteer opportunities in a variety of fields, including pet adoptions, animal rescue and rehabilitation and government relations.

Eldercare Locator

https://eldercare.acl.gov/Public/Index.aspx

The Eldercare Locator is a nationwide service that connects older Americans and their caregivers with trustworthy local support resources. Since 1991, the Eldercare Locator has been linking those who need assistance with state and local agencies on aging, as well as community-based organizations that serve older adults and their caregivers.