Service as Self-Care: How Volunteering Supports Mental Well-Being
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and it offers an important reminder: mental health matters at every stage of life. From the pressures of adolescence to the stressors of adulthood, many of us are searching for ways to feel grounded, connected, and purposeful. One often overlooked path to improved well-being is volunteering.
Why Volunteering Boosts Mental Health
Decades of research confirm what many of us intuitively know: giving back feels good. But beyond the “warm glow,” volunteering has measurable benefits for mental health across age groups:
Reduces stress and anxiety – Shifting focus from personal worries to helping others can calm the nervous system.
Builds social connection – Isolation is a leading risk factor for poor mental health. Volunteering creates community, whether through one-on-one mentorship or group service projects.
Increases confidence and self-worth – Both teens and adults gain a sense of accomplishment when they see their time and talents making a tangible impact.
Fosters resilience and perspective – Supporting people in need nurtures gratitude and reinforces coping skills.
The Impact on Teens
For teens navigating school pressures, friendships, and future goals, volunteering provides a sense of belonging and purpose that is critical for emotional well-being. Teens who serve often report reduced stress, stronger peer connections, and a clearer understanding of their ability to make a difference. At Volunteer Collective, we’ve seen students light up when they realize their service hours don’t just “check a box”—they change lives.
The Impact on Adults
Adults also benefit greatly from volunteerism. Whether managing careers, raising families, or coping with life transitions, many adults face stress and burnout. Volunteering offers a reset: a chance to connect with others, contribute to something bigger, and strengthen social ties. For older adults, volunteering has even been linked to lower rates of depression and cognitive decline.
Shared Benefits Across Generations
When families volunteer together—or when adults mentor young volunteers—the impact is multiplied. Teens see role models of civic responsibility, and adults experience renewed energy and purpose. Service bridges generations, strengthening community bonds and breaking down the isolation that fuels mental health struggles.
A Call to Action
Mental health challenges cannot be solved by volunteering alone, but service is a powerful, accessible tool to support well-being for both teens and adults. At Volunteer Collective, we make it easy for parents, teens, and even younger siblings to serve together. By sharing opportunities to connect, give back, and celebrate impact, we build stronger individuals and a stronger Los Angeles.
If you’re ready to take a step toward better mental health through service, explore opportunities.
Step Up Tutoring: Closing the Opportunity Gap Through Virtual, High-Impact Tutoring
There are 15 million low-income elementary and middle school students in the U.S. Out of those, 12 million lack proficiency in reading and math.
4th and 8th grade students are performing lower than pre-pandemic levels, and gaps between high- and low-achieving students are widening. These disparities disproportionately impact students furthest from opportunity.
Achieving foundational literacy and numeracy in the early grades is critical to success in later years. Students who are proficient in math and reading by 8th grade are three times as likely to earn a college degree as those who are not. (Source: CALDER and AIR, May 2024)
What is Step Up?
Step Up Tutoring is a fully virtual program providing one-on-one math and literacy support for 2nd–6th graders from underserved communities. Founded in 2020, Step Up has already delivered 185,000+ tutoring hours to 5,300+ students across 40+ school districts.
Why It Matters
90% of students served are students of color
94% of parents report being highly satisfied
Students who receive consistent tutoring show 4× the academic growth of their peers
Volunteer Experience
Flexible: just 2 hours per week, online, from anywhere
Comprehensive training and ongoing support provided
Average volunteer tutor stays engaged for 18 months
Tutors build strong, lasting mentor relationships with students
No previous experience necessary
Get Involved
Step Up is looking for dedicated volunteers (16 years or older) to tutor virtually this school year. It’s a powerful way to make a big impact! Join the over 4,000 tutors who have served our community.
👉 Learn more and sign up: www.stepuptutoring.org
The Power of Youth Volunteering: Why It Matters Now
In a time when young people are facing anxiety, disconnection, and uncertainty about the future, volunteering is more than just a good deed—it’s a powerful tool for growth, purpose, and belonging.
At Volunteer Collective, we’ve seen firsthand what happens when students step into service:
They build confidence and skills.
They gain real-world experience and a deeper understanding of their community.
They discover that their time—even just an hour—can make a real difference.
And it’s not just personal. When young people volunteer, entire communities benefit. Meals get served, backpacks get filled, neighbors feel seen and supported. It’s a ripple effect—and it starts with one student deciding to show up.
“Volunteering made me feel like I mattered,”
shared a high school student who started logging hours through our Student Volunteer Program. “I didn’t know how to help before. Now I do.”
Why Now?
Schools are overwhelmed and can’t support service needs.
Youth mental health is at an all-time low.
Young people are eager to take action—but need support and structure to do so.
On-going participation in community service is becoming more important on college applications.
That’s why we created the Student Volunteer Program—to make it easy, accessible, and meaningful for students to get involved.
What You Can Do:
Are you a parent or teacher? Invite your students to start volunteering today.
Are you a student? Find your cause, earn service hours, and work toward awards like the Presidential Service Award.
Are you a nonprofit? Let us help you welcome youth volunteers into your mission. Or we can expand your youth program by partnering and
Because when young people serve, they don’t just change the world—they find their place in it.
Start now → https://www.volunteer-collective.org/student-volunteer-program
How to Start Volunteering in LA: A 5-Step Guide
How to start volunteering
Want to give back but not sure where to start? You’re not alone. A lot of people want to help but feel overwhelmed by the options—or unsure if they’ll find the right fit. That’s where Volunteer Collective comes in. We make it easy to find meaningful, flexible volunteer opportunities across Los Angeles—whether you’re a student, a family, or just someone ready to make a difference.
Here’s how to get started in 5 simple steps:
Visit Our Website
Go to volunteer-collective.org and sign up as an adult or student volunteer. Once you create an account, you’ll see curated events and projects that are regularly updated and easy to sort by interest, or location.
Choose What Matters to You
Love helping kids? Want to support unhoused neighbors? Prefer outdoor projects? You’ll find a wide variety of options—from meal service to backpack drives to environmental clean-ups.
Pick a Time That Works
Our opportunities are designed to fit real life. You’ll find weekday, weekend, and virtual options—perfect for busy schedules, families, and students.
Sign Up in Seconds
Click an event and request sign up information. Make sure to follow the post-registration instructions to complete sign up.
Show Up and Make an Impact
We’ll meet you there! Most events are beginner-friendly, team-based, and led by experienced nonprofit partners. You’ll leave knowing your time made a real difference.
Bonus: Bring a Friend or Family Member
Volunteering is even better together. Many of our events are open to all ages, so grab a friend, your kids, or a coworker and make it a shared experience.
Ready to get started?
Or sign up for our newsletter to get monthly volunteer picks.
Your time can change lives—including your own.