CRAIG BERRY: A Chance to Serve, Volunteering in Retirement

Serving our community can fill the gaps in our once-packed calendars while broadening our horizons by exposing us to new nonprofits and missions.

Enter the vision behind Retire United. By offering two to three diverse volunteer opportunities each month, HAUW wants to give central Arkansans in or near retirement a way to build community and give back without signing up for a long-term commitment that may conflict with their plans to relax, travel or spend time with family. With just a few clicks of a button, interested volunteers can register for shifts that best fit their interests and schedules.

One of the best parts of Retire United is the diversity of central Arkansas nonprofits served. For example, we may partner with Women and Children First, which provides crisis intervention, shelter, social and legal advocacy and other support services. Later that same month, we may enlist volunteers to read one-on-one to summer program students or prepare and serve lunch to residents at Our House.

For me, Retire United has already opened new doors. Recently, I had the chance to volunteer at Immerse Arkansas, which supports youth exiting foster care. In just a few hours, my eyes were opened to a mission I didn't know existed and an untapped passion for uplifting youth. This is a prime instance of how, through Retire United, my fellow retirees and I can experience local organizations, leverage our capabilities to align with their services and feel a renewed sense of purpose.

Read the full story here.