Did you know that you could receive personal health benefits from volunteering? One reason to volunteer is that it has been shown to decrease the risk of depression, something important to consider if you are feeling disconnected from your community. Volunteering may also help you increase your sense of purpose, learn new skills, reduce stress, stay active, and meet and form relationships with others – all while giving back. Learn more from the Mayo Clinic here.
Research has shown that volunteering leads to lower rates of depression, especially for individuals 65 and older. Volunteering increases social interaction and helps build a support system based on common interests — both of which have been shown to decrease depression.
Mayo Clinic, 2017
Even with all the positive effects of volunteering, it can be difficult to know where to start. There seem to be so many places and people who need help, and we’re unsure if the agency we pick to volunteer with will truly need our skills. It can be overwhelming.
To that extent, we’re excited that a new online platform called “Pathways” has popped up in Winston-Salem, which connects people willing to volunteer with agencies who need them, courtesy of Love Out Loud. This volunteer connection platform may be new, but Love Out Loud has been bringing our community together in many ways for over ten years.
Not sure where to start? Click here to visit Pathways and once you are on the site, click the “Respond” button and create an account/login to get started. They will work to get you connected with volunteer opportunities that fit your skills and preferences.
Want to volunteer with us? Click here to see our open listings.
Let us know in the comments if you choose to start volunteering, or do so already!
Here’s To Giving Back, for Good Health!
Jah Works, Inc. 
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