Interested in Volunteering? New Online Tool Helps Volunteers Connect with Chelsea Nonprofit Groups

A new searchable database connecting local Chelsea residents with volunteer opportunities will launch on the ChelseaMich website this spring.

Residents will be able to search for volunteer opportunities by type, such as health and wellness, outdoor recreation, social services, or the arts. In addition, non-profit organizations in Chelsea will be able to list available opportunities for volunteers to engage with their organization through the "Volunteer Chelsea" portal.

The project is being funded by a grant from the Chelsea-Area Wellness Foundation, and will be led by a subcommittee of volunteers including Linda Ballard, assistant director at the Chelsea District Library; Leslie Surel, director at Chelseamich.com; Mike Erwin, a long-time Chelsea volunteer; and Trinh Pifer, director of the Chelsea Senior Center.

"Chelsea is a vibrant community with a wide variety of nonprofits, organizations and groups. Whether you’re looking for ways to connect with friends and neighbors, to share your knowledge or skills, or help your local community, there are many volunteer opportunities in our community," Pifer said.

Several training workshops are scheduled at the Chelsea District Library to help nonprofit organizations or service groups use the portal on March 26 from 7 to 8 p.m., or March 27 from 9 to 10 a.m. Groups can contact Linda Ballard at the library to register for either session.

An official ribbon cutting ceremony for the program will take place at 1 p.m. April 13 at the Washington Street Education Center during the Chelsea Spring Expo. Residents will get a chance to preview the portal and enjoy refreshments.

For more information, call Trinh Pifer at 734-475-9242, or email tpifer@chelseaseniors.org; Linda Ballard at 734-475-8732, or email lballard@ChelseaDistrictLibrary.org; or Leslie Surel, leslie@chelseamich.com.