Empower Communities, Enrich Lives
Ready to make a difference? Sign up to volunteer.
Make a Difference Today!
Join us in building a stronger, more inclusive Chicago—whether by mentoring youth, supporting seniors, or rolling up your sleeves at a community event. Every hour you give creates real impact.
Together, we’re not just volunteering—we’re building bridges, uplifting lives, and shaping a more inclusive, empowered future for all.
Our Vision for Volunteers
We match your passions and skills with real community needs—whether you’re helping out at a festival, mentoring youth, or lending a hand at a clean-up event. Your time is valuable, and we make it count.
Our Approach to Volunteering
We believe in the power of people to create change. At CASL, we match your passions and skills with real community needs—whether you’re mentoring youth, supporting a cultural celebration, or rolling up your sleeves at a neighborhood clean-up.
Your time is more than a contribution—it’s a catalyst for connection, dignity, and hope. Together, we’re building a stronger, more compassionate community, one act of service at a time.
Your Impact When You Volunteer
When you volunteer, you’re helping seniors live with dignity, families access vital resources, and youth thrive in supportive environments. Your involvement directly contributes to creating lasting, positive change in our community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of volunteer roles are available at CASL?
CASL offers a variety of volunteer roles, depending on your availability, interests, and experience. Opportunities vary based on program needs and capacity, and not all roles are eligible for community service requirements; availability is determined on a case-by-case basis. Visit the Volunteer Roles Overview section below to learn more about potential opportunities and any associated requirements.
Do I need any special skills or experience?
Not necessarily—just bring your willingness to serve. We provide training and thoughtfully match volunteers to roles where they can thrive. Some roles may prefer certain backgrounds or experience, but many opportunities are open to volunteers of all experience levels. Mandarin- and Cantonese-speaking volunteers are especially helpful but not required.
How do I get started — as an Individual or as a Group?
CASL welcomes both individual and group volunteers, including those seeking community service hours and groups such as church, student, or corporate teams!
- If you’re interested in volunteering as a corporate group, please visit our Partnership page HERE so we can identify an opportunity that best fits your team.
- If you’re looking to volunteer as an individual, simply complete our Volunteer Interest Form below and we’ll follow up with a personalized match. Minors can also volunteer with us, but a signed parent/guardian waiver will be required.
You can also subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on future volunteer opportunities.
Recruitment Process
A simple 4-step process that usually takes 1-2 weeks, depending on applicant’s and staff’s availabilities.
Step 1
Submit the Volunteer Interest Form
Step 2
15-20 Min Conversation With Our Team
Step 3
CASL Matches You With a Department
Step 4
You’ll be Contacted for Next Steps
Volunteer Roles Overview
Please note: The volunteer roles listed online represent available opportunities (sorted by department), but final placements are not guaranteed. After we learn more about your interests, strengths, and availability through a virtual conversation, our team will match you with the role that best fits; this may differ from the options you initially expressed interest in.
Nourishing Hope (Monthly Opportunity)
Perfect for…
Volunteers who enjoy hands-on service, supporting seniors, working in small teams, or helping with physical tasks.
Where You Might Make an Impact:
- Unload grocery boxes
- Organize deliveries
- Hand-deliver two boxes to each of 60 senior residents at the Albert & Bernie Wong Senior Living Building
Schedule:
- Every 1st Wednesday
- 11:15 AM – 1:30 PM
Requirements:
- Able to lift 20–40 lbs
- No language or age restrictions
Facilities
Perfect for…
Artists, gardeners, DIY enthusiasts, retirees, and people who enjoy physical, hands-on projects.
Where You Might Make an Impact:
- On-site facilities support (planting, green projects, outdoor maintenance, etc.)
Requirements:
- Physical fitness: lifting, bending, standing
- Willingness to learn
- Attention to detail
- Teamwork & dependability
- Follow all safety procedures
Adult Day Services (ADS)
Perfect for…
Nursing/social work students, caregivers, retired medical professionals, seniors helping seniors, multilingual individuals.
Where You Might Make an Impact:
- Home-Care Support
- Cultural Experience Leader
- Translators
- LIHEAP Volunteer Program
- Multi-language Support Senior Program: Art Facilitators
- Enhance Fitness Instructor
- Holiday/Birthday Card Making
- Pen-Pal for Seniors
- Senior Club Tutor
Requirements:
- Background check + fingerprinting
- Some roles may require being involved with sensitive topics
Youth Services
Perfect for…
Parents, teachers, education majors, language majors, youth mentors/coaches, college students.
Where You Might Make an Impact:
- Event Support
- Tutoring
- Youth Program: Birthday/Holiday Card Wishes
- Pen-Pal for Youth
Administrative Services
Perfect for…
Office professionals, business/communications/nonprofit students, career switchers, detail-oriented volunteers, tech-savvy helpers, bilingual speakers.
Where You Might Make an Impact:
- Event Support
- Meeting Notes
- Clerical Tasks
- Front Desk Help
- Translation
Behavior Health
Perfect for…
Psych/social work students, mental health advocates, empathetic listeners, volunteers with lived experience, retired counselors, trauma-informed-care learners, multilingual individuals.
Where You Might Make an Impact:
- Aide
- Intern
- Memory Café Support
- Community Education Support
Requirements:
- Some roles may require training or screening
- Some roles may require being involved with sensitive topics
Legal Services
Perfect for…
Law students, retired attorneys, paralegals, pro bono legal professionals, community equity advocates.
Where You Might Make an Impact:
- Pro Bono Attorney/Lawyer
- Interpreter/Translator
- Legal Assistant (pro bono)
Requirements:
- Must actively be in or connected to the legal profession
- Additional screening/training may apply
- Some roles may require being involved with sensitive topics
Important Note!!
The Legal Services Department manages its own separate volunteer recruitment process. Volunteers will be connected directly through the legal team’s established workflow.
Big Brothers Big Sisters Mentoring
About the Partnership
CASL is supporting mentor recruitment for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago (BBBSChi) to help connect more youth with caring adult mentors. While CASL provides space and helps with outreach, BBBSChi manages all applications, interviews, training, and the full matching process.
Why This Matters
CASL’s after-school students are waiting for mentors, and your involvement helps more young people access meaningful, consistent support through BBBSChi’s one-to-one mentoring program. By being a Big (mentor), you help a Youth (mentee) build confidence, broaden their perspective, and feel supported during a pivotal stage of life.
Program Details & Requirements
Bigs must be at least 18 years old, able to join a few hours each month, and committed to supporting their match for at least one year. Mentoring sessions follow a one-to-one match model that meets in a group setting every other Wednesday from 5:00-6:30 PM at CASL.
Ready to Make an Impact?
Get started with our Volunteer Interest Form.