Volunteer Project Catalog
YMCA of Greater Des Moines
The impact our Youth Water Polo program makes is made possible by dedicated volunteers like you who are passionate about developing confident athletes, strong teammates, and a love for the sport. Coach – Coaches are the foundation of our program! Each season, volunteer coaches lead and inspire athletes through skill development, teamwork, and game strategy in a positive and encouraging environment. If you’re ready to make a direct impact in the pool and in young athletes’ lives, this role is for you. Assistant Coach / Coach Support – Not able to commit to the full season but willing to jump in when needed? Serve as an assistant or support coach and help during practices, scrimmages, or game days. Your flexibility makes a big difference for our team.
How you can help:
YMCA of Greater Des Moines
We receive food from community partners and organizations as Maverik, Fareway and the Food Bank of Iowa. You can help alleviate food insecurity in our home by volunteering an hour of your time to bag up and hand out the recovered food to residents in need of additional support. This opportunity takes place on site at the YMCA Supportive Housing Campus at 2 SW 9th Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50309 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. each Monday and Wednesday. The YMCA Supportive Housing Campus provides permanent supportive housing rooted in hope, dignity, and community. Guided by a housing-first approach, we create a safe, stable place where residents can feel at home and connected to those around them. Together, staff and volunteers work to ensure everyone has a place to call home while supporting personal growth beyond basic needs. Learn more about our campus and our Annual Campaign here: https://youtu.be/Q40WAdgJg7M?si=wH3cuI4aLs5oECV0
How you can help:
YMCA of Greater Des Moines
Contact Nicholas.Drahozal@Dmymca.org to coordinate a volunteer shift! If you are volunteering with Des Moines Corporate Games please include that in the message. We have a variety of tasks throughout the week that need helping hands to complete. This volunteer opportunity will allow you to participate in a variety of activities to support and uplift those who call the YMCA Supportive Housing Campus their home. Some examples being....donation sorting, assisting with meal opportunities, organizing and cleaning projects, stocking our pantry and more! The YMCA Supportive Housing Campus provides permanent supportive housing rooted in hope, dignity, and community. Guided by a housing-first approach, we create a safe, stable place where residents can feel at home and connected to those around them. Together, staff and volunteers work to ensure everyone has a place to call home while supporting personal growth beyond basic needs. Learn more about our campus and our Annual Campaign here: https://youtu.be/Q40WAdgJg7M?si=wH3cuI4aLs5oECV0
How you can help:
YMCA of Greater Des Moines
The impact Girls on the Run makes is dependent on dedicated volunteers like you, who are committed and passionate about our mission and vision. Not a runner? Not a problem! Find a volunteer opportunity that works for you! Coach-Coaches are the heart of our program! Each season, two or more volunteer coaches inspire and guide a team through our tried-and-true curriculum. If you're ready to directly make an impact, then this role is for you. Coach Support-Not able to commit to the whole season but willing to help as team as needed? We invite you to volunteer as a coach support role. GOTR Sponsor/Sparkle Buddy-Are you paired with a GOTR girl for the 5K as a sponsor or 5K buddy? This opportunity is for you!
How you can help:
YMCA of Greater Des Moines
Contact Nicholas.Drahozal@Dmymca.org to coordinate a group volunteer shift! If you are volunteering with Des Moines Corporate Games please include that in the message. Provide support by aiding with donation sorting, stocking our pantry, organizing and more! Each of these activities help to ensure that our residents have access to basic need items so that they can focus on working towards housing stability and personal success in a dignified manner. The YMCA Supportive Housing Campus provides permanent supportive housing rooted in hope, dignity, and community. Guided by a housing-first approach, we create a safe, stable place where residents can feel at home and connected to those around them. Together, staff and volunteers work to ensure everyone has a place to call home while supporting personal growth beyond basic needs. Learn more about our campus and our Annual Campaign here: https://youtu.be/Q40WAdgJg7M?si=wH3cuI4aLs5oECV0
How you can help:
YMCA of Greater Des Moines
This opportunity takes place each Tuesday between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. - contact Nick, at Nicholas.drahozal@dmymca.org, to see availability. Sponsoring and participating in a Tuesday Night Dinner offers a meaningful way to connect directly with our residents and our mission. Through our #MoreThanAMeal program, volunteers help provide a hearty, home-cooked meal for all 140 residents while creating a sense of community that truly makes our campus feel like home. A $300 sponsorship helps cover the cost of the meal. You and your group (6-8 people) will prepare and serve dinner, then sit down to share the meal and connect with residents. Volunteers consistently share that this is one of the most impactful experiences on our campus. The YMCA Supportive Housing Campus provides permanent supportive housing rooted in hope, dignity, and community. Guided by a housing-first approach, we create a safe, stable place where residents can feel at home and connected to those around them. Together, staff and volunteers work to ensure everyone has a place to call home while supporting personal growth beyond basic needs. Learn more about our campus and our Annual Campaign here: youtu.be/Q40WAdgJg7M?si=wH3cuI4aLs5oECV0
How you can help:
YMCA of Greater Des Moines
Contact Nicholas.Drahozal@Dmymca.org to coordinate a volunteer shift! If you are volunteering with Des Moines Corporate Games please include that in the message. Just like any home, ours needs frequent cleaning! We will provide the supplies if you can provide your helping hands! The YMCA Supportive Housing Campus provides permanent supportive housing rooted in hope, dignity, and community. Guided by a housing-first approach, we create a safe, stable place where 140 residents can feel at home and connected to those around them. Together, staff and volunteers work to ensure everyone has a place to call home while supporting personal growth beyond basic needs. Learn more about our campus and our Annual Campaign here: youtu.be/Q40WAdgJg7M?si=wH3cuI4aLs5oECV0
How you can help:
YMCA of Greater Des Moines
Contact Nicholas.Drahozal@Dmymca.org to coordinate a volunteer shift! If you are volunteering with Des Moines Corporate Games please include that in the message. Sandwiches can be dropped off at 2 SW 9th Street, Des Moines, IA on Mondays, Wednesdays, or Fridays between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. The YMCA Supportive Housing Campus provides permanent supportive housing rooted in hope, dignity, and community. Guided by a housing-first approach, we create a safe, stable place where 140 residents can feel at home and connected to those around them. Together, staff and volunteers work to ensure everyone has a place to call home while supporting personal growth beyond basic needs. Learn more about our campus and our Annual Campaign here: youtu.be/Q40WAdgJg7M?si=wH3cuI4aLs5oECV0 .
How you can help:
YMCA of Greater Des Moines
For availability, contact Nick at Nicholas.drahozal@dmymca.org. If volunteering with Des Moines Corporate Games please include that in the message. We’re inviting community members to host a monthly Birthday Bash so every resident can feel celebrated. Many of our residents face financial barriers or don’t have family to celebrate with, and this is a meaningful way to show them they are valued! To host a Birthday Bash, you can either provide 80 pieces of cake or cupcakes or make a $60 contribution for us to purchase the cake. You’re also welcome to bring party decorations to help make it feel festive. Upon arrival, you and a group of up to five can help decorate, serve cake, and connect with residents. Party games like Bingo are encouraged, we’ll provide the bingo set if you can provide 8–10 prizes ($5–$10 each). Birthday Bashes can be held Mondays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. The YMCA Supportive Housing Campus provides permanent supportive housing rooted in hope, dignity, and community. Guided by a housing-first approach, we create a safe, stable place where 140 residents can feel at home and connected to those around them. Together, staff and volunteers work to ensure everyone has a place to call home while supporting personal growth beyond basic needs. Learn more about our campus and our Annual Campaign here: youtu.be/Q40WAdgJg7M?si=wH3cuI4aLs5oECV0
How you can help: