Volunteer
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Type of service: Mentoring
What they do: Match youth with 1:1 mentor, provide “site-based” mentoring, and community events for “bigs” and “littles”
Who is eligible? Ages 5-13, no restrictions. Free! You can enroll to get a personal one on one mentor or have a mentor at a site.
Referral needed? Referrals are accepted from schools, counselors, and DCFS, but no referral is needed
Best way to access services: Call office and make appointment.
Address: 110 Walnut Court Jacksonville, IL 62650
Hours of operation: Monday – Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (By request during COVID)
Phone number: 217-602-0023
Contact person: Brian Ganz
Jacksonville Main Street
Type of service: Volunteer or Internship
What they do: preserve and revitalize downtown Jacksonville. They organize events, support local businesses
Who is eligible? No specific requirements.
Referral needed? No
Best way to sign up: Fill out the contact form: https://www.jacksonvillemainstreet.com/contact or call 217-245-6884
Phone: 217-245-6884
Email: info@jacksonvillemainstreet.com
Western Illinois Youth Camp
Type of service: Volunteer
What they do: Welcomes youth for volunteering, meeting space available for rent for youth organizations
Who is eligible? For Volunteers: 15 – 18 years old (do not need parent present). Under 15 requires adult present
Referral needed? No
Best way to access services: Call or email
Address: 2244 4-H Club Lane, Jacksonville IL
Hours of operation: Monday – Friday, 7:30 am – 5:30 pm
Phone number: 217-673-3771
Contact person: Aaron Eisfelder
email: contactourcamp@gmail.com
Salvation Army
Type of service: Emergency Food, Shelter, Clothing, and Utilities
What they do: Provide lunch daily, food distribution weekly, referrals for emergency food, provide crisis shelter, vouchers for clothing, emergency assistance with water, power, and rent (as funding allows)
Who is eligible? Lunch is open to everyone. Friday food distribution is open to everyone. Call to apply for other assistance.
Referral needed? No
Best way to access services: Call or walk in
Address: 331 W. Douglas Ave., Jacksonville
Hours of operation: Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 12 noon and 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
“Lunch in the Son” – Monday – Friday 11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Wednesday afternoon food distribution – 1:15 pm – 3:15 pm
Friday food distribution – 11:45 am – 12:30 pm
Phone number: 217-245-7124
Website: http://www.usc.salvationarmy.org/jacksonville
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Prairie Council on Aging
Type of service: Volunteer
What they do: Bread of Love and Doorbell Dinners – meal delivery for shut-in elderly
Who is eligible? No specific requirements. Must have a vehicle and license, or able to partner with someone who does.
Referral needed? No
Best way to sign up: Call to ask about volunteering
Address: 800 W. State, Jacksonville
Phone: 217-479-4619
Hours of operation: Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Contact person: Nancy Thorsen or Claire Collins
Email: nancyt@pcaging.com or claire@pcaging.com
Pathway Services
Type of service: Volunteer
What they do: Volunteer in The Attic (thrift shop) or for special events
Who is eligible? No specific requirements
Referral needed? No
Best way to access services: Call to ask about volunteering
Address: 1905 W. Morton Ave., Jacksonville
Phone: 217-479-2300
Hours of operation: Monday – Friday 10 am – 5 p.m. and Saturday 10 am – 3 pm
Contact person: Darbey Jenkins
email: djenkins@pathwayservice.org
JACIL (Jacksonville Area Center for Independent Living)
Type of service: Volunteer
What they do: Assist individuals with disabilities in a variety of ways (building ramps, reading books, driving to appointments, etc.)
Who is eligible? No specific eligibility requirements
Referral needed? No
Best way to access services: Call
Address: 15 Permac Rd., Jacksonville
email: info@jacil.org
Phone number: 217-245-8371 (Deaf individuals may contact 217-245-1872, or 217-408-2668 – Deaf Advocate’s Videophone)
YMCA- volunteer
Type of service: Volunteer
What they do: Housekeeping/maintenance tasks
Who is eligible? Youth on probation who require community service hours
Referral needed? No
Best way to access services: Call to ask about volunteering/community service
Address: 1000 Sherwood Lane, Jacksonville
Phone: 217-245-2141
Contact person: Lynn Colburn
Hours of operation:
Monday – Friday: 6 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Saturday: 7 a.m. – 12:00 pm
Jacksonville DREAM Center Foundation
Type of service: Volunteer
What they do: Match kids of all ages with volunteer experiences and adult mentors to help them explore their interests, gain job skills, and participate in the community. If you are interested in learning to do something, the DREAM Center can probably help you out!
Who is eligible? Open to all. You can even bring your friends or family with you!
Referral needed? No
Best way to access services: Walk in or email with questions
Address: 210 W. College, Jacksonville
Hours of operation: Most afternoons and evenings
email: jacksonvilledreamcenter@gmail.com