Unlike a typical resolution that can quickly be forgotten, a commitment to volunteer in the new year is a decision that can make a lasting impact in the community. Many local nonprofit organizations are in need of volunteers who are willing to help them continue their important work.

Among the agencies in need of volunteers is Compeer Chester County, which pairs people living with mental health conditions with volunteer friends from the community. A Compeer volunteer is asked to make a commitment to meet with his or her friend for a minimum of four hours each month for one year.

"We are still in need of both male and female volunteers, as we have a waitlist for both," said Donna Kueny, program manager.

According to Compeer, a person with mental health challenges can benefit from time spent with a friend, which has been shown to increase self-esteem and reduce loneliness. Compeer volunteers, who receive training, may choose their friends based on shared interests and geographic location. Compeer volunteers and friends may meet for coffee or dinner or attend a sporting event.

With the end of the pandemic, Compeer Chester County has returned to offering group events during the year. "We have returned to in-person events, and in 2023, we had a pizza and bowling party, a summer picnic and a holiday luncheon," noted Kueny.

Compeer is a program of Mental Health Partnerships. To learn more, visit http://www.mentalhealthpartnerships.org/compeer-chester-county.

The Adult Tutoring Program of Chester County Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC), headquartered at the Chester County Library in Exton, is currently seeking volunteer tutors to help individuals from other countries with their English language skills.

Tutors are required to commit to working with a student three hours per week, which is usually covered in two 90-minute sessions. "Tutor pairs can work face-to-face in the library or other public locations or virtually via Zoom, based on the needs of those involved," explained Debbie Rikess, program coordinator.

Rikess explained that the majority of students on the OIC waiting list are English as a Second Language (ESL) learners. Others are GED/Adult Basic Education students. "When a student comes into the program, they are given a test to determine their level and asked what their specific goals are for working with a tutor," she said. "They may want to learn English to get a better job; obtain US citizenship; talk with their children's teachers, doctors and neighbors; or continue with a profession they had in their native country. We have a large range of abilities and goals."

She noted that volunteers are matched with students based on their preference and time availability and the skill level of the student. "If you think this is a good fit, the first step is to complete tutor training," Rikess advised. "Our training is online through the PA Department of Education. You can do the training as your time permits. Once complete, you will be matched with a student."

For more information, contact Rikess at drikess@cc-oic.org or 610-344-4013 or 610-344-4014.

Ryerss Farm for Aged Equines, 1710 Ridge Road (Route 23), Pottstown, also has many volunteer opportunities. Ryerss, which provides a home to rescued and retired horses, is in need of volunteers who would like to work in the barn. Duties include cleaning and mucking stalls, cleaning and filling water pails and troughs, grooming horses and bringing horses in and out of the barn.

For those without any horse-related experience, there are other volunteer opportunities as well, such as working in the site's gift shop, answering phones and completing general office duties. Volunteers at Ryerss do gardening, give tours to visitors and help at special fundraising events such as the site's open house, Family Fun Day and Blessing of the Animals.

Prospective volunteers are asked to complete an application and a required background check. Complete details are available at http://www.ryerssfarm.org/volunteer.