VOLUNTEER
Join our community of volunteers
Offering support, connection, and inclusion
With the support of our volunteer community, Avenues has been helping adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities live with dignity and independence for more than 70 years. The people served by Avenues dream of many of the same things you do: making friends, having a home of their own, building skills, finding meaningful work, and being part of their community. When you volunteer, you help make those dreams a reality.
Local impact
Make a difference alongside friends and neighbors in your own community.
Deep roots
Join a 70-year Park Ridge tradition – an organization built on generations of care.
Flexible involvement
Volunteer at your pace – serve on a board or committee, or lend a few hours at an event.
Partnership Board
The Avenues Partnership Board is a group of dedicated community members who support our mission through engagement, advocacy, and fundraising. Working closely with staff and leadership, the Partnership Board helps strengthen Avenues by expanding volunteer involvement, creating meaningful opportunities to engage with clients, and supporting events and initiatives that generate critical funding. The Board also plays an important role in cultivating future leaders and champions for Avenues.
Young Leaders Board
The Young Leaders Board is a community of young professionals, ages 21 – 35, who care about giving back, growing as leaders, and connecting with others who share those values. Through fundraising, service, and advocacy, members support adults with developmental disabilities while helping advance Avenues’ mission. Along the way, they build leadership skills, expand professional networks, and form friendships rooted in shared purpose.
Committee participation
Help bring our signature events to life. Whether it’s the Walking for Avenues, the Gorman Golf Classic, or our Annual Gala, we rely on volunteers to help plan, organize, and execute these important community gatherings. Committee participation is a meaningful way to connect with other supporters while making a real difference for the people we serve.
Event and activity support
Looking to get involved without making a long-term commitment? Help us at special events and programs throughout the year. Or volunteer at the Center for Independence to help lead activities, outings, and recreational programs. Make a donation or take a volunteer shift at our Thrift Shoppe. Whether you have a few hours or want to get more involved, there’s a meaningful role for you.
Your time, energy, and compassion make an extraordinary difference at Avenues to Independence. Every hour you give – participating in one of our events, lending your expertise on a committee, serving on our professional board, or simply being present so our clients know they’re not alone – creates moments of joy, dignity, and connection for our clients.
I think that anybody who takes an inside look at Avenues and what they do, and how they do it, and who they do it for, can’t help but be hooked into the organization. That’s how it happened for me.
Whenever I volunteer on a committee or support an event alongside the Avenues staff, I am in awe of their dedication and commitment to the individuals they serve.
I learned some sign language for one of the residents and even though I am not great at it I love feeling better connected to her and seeing how excited she is to have someone to sign with. I have loved bonding with her and getting to know her over the years.
Ready to get involved?
Let us know how you want to help out. Fill out the form below and we’ll get in touch!