Making EveryDayMatter: Celebrating National Volunteer Month

A simple act of kindness, no matter how small, can spread positivity far and wide in our communities. When your kindness connects with the kind acts of others, real change is possible. This is why I am continually inspired by the passion and dedication of our associates to make a positive impact in our communities. Every April, the annual celebration of National Volunteer Month serves as a reminder of the power of collective action and the importance of giving back. At Netsmart, we believe that our actions demonstrate our commitment to being cause connected and strive to make a difference through every connection, conversation and act of service.

One of the ways we empower our associates to embody this commitment is through our EveryDayMatters (EDM) volunteer time program. Through EDM, Netsmart provides associates with two volunteer days each calendar year, totaling 16 hours, to support activities and organizations close to their hearts. Whether volunteering individually or as part of a team effort, our associates have the opportunity to engage with 501c3 charitable organizations and make a meaningful difference in their communities. Being cause connected is a core value at Netsmart, and we are continuously amazed by the impactful contributions of our associates.

Our associates have volunteered at a variety of organizations, including Cornerstones of Care, John Knox Village, Inclusion Connections/Pawsabilities, Kids TLC and so many more. These experiences not only allow us to give back but also foster a sense of connection and purpose within our teams. By sharing our stories and experiences, we reinforce the importance of community engagement and inspire others to join us in making a difference.

As we celebrate National Volunteer Month, we not only recognize the dedication of our Netsmart associates but also encourage individuals across the nation to get involved and give back. We have highlighted a variety of organizations with volunteer opportunities locally and nationwide.

National Volunteer Opportunities:

• AdoptUSKids help children in foster care, raising awareness and advocating on behalf of waiting children.
• AmeriCorps make service to others an indispensable part of the American experience.
• Alzheimer’s Association support your local chapter and advance critical care, support and research. 
• Amedisys provide comfort, compassion and care for people near the end of life.
• Big Brothers Big Sisters support the mission of changing children and young people’s lives for the better.
• Compassus volunteer in a variety of capacities such as patient support, assist in grief support groups, veteran-to-veteran program and supplementary and administrative tasks.
• Feeding America Food Banks working to improve access to nutritious food for people in need.
• Habitat for Humanity building a world where everyone has a suitable place to live.
• Human Rights Campaign contribute to change the lived experiences for LGBTQ+ people and make the world a better place.
• Feeding America Food Banks working to improve access to nutritious food for people in need.
• KVC Health Systems help with donation drives for back-to-school supplies, holiday gifting, clothing drives and executing activities with youth in our children’s psychiatric hospitals and so much more across five states.
• National Park Service supporting their mission to preserve and protect our national parks.
• Points of Light Engage Digital Volunteer Network a database for volunteer projects across the world.
• Ronald McDonald House making a difference for children and families around the world.Screen Sanity join the movement to create a world where kids are captivated by life, not screens by leading a Screen Sanity Group Study or hosting a Screen Sanity Parent’s Night.

Local to Kansas City Volunteer Opportunities:

• AbilityKC lend a hand in therapeutic preschool classrooms, assist therapists to provide high-quality care, or work behind the scenes to make an impact.
• Community LINC help end family homelessness by serving in children’s programs, budgeting classes, facility projects, or serving on professional committees.
• Cornerstones of Care volunteer as a tutor or mentor for youth, while community groups enhance our facilities through landscaping and painting projects, creating comfortable environments for children and families.
• EmberHope change lives through mentoring, supporting events, or help around the various facility locations.
• Go Further Foundation support and aid the well-being of young adults who are on their journey to achieve their own personal and professional goals.
• Inclusion Connections help Pawsabilities students, support the Gala FashionAbility event and other various initiatives to advance Inclusion Connections mission of transforming the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities.
• John Knox Village share your time, talents and positivity across a variety of opportunities  — from companionship visits and sharing talents, to assisting with special events, activities and transporting residents in wheelchairs — throughout all levels of care.
• KidsTLC lend a hand during mealtime on campus, support events such as the Open Golf Tournament, Summer Carnival or Bubble Run, benefitting the children and families the organization serves.

Together, through volunteering initiatives and collective action, we can make a meaningful difference. Let's continue to spread positivity, inspire change and give back to the communities where we live, work and play.