Non-Profit and Volunteer Organizations

The Cultural Council of Indian River County represents cultural organizations, artists, authors & musicians by providing information on local cultural events as well as tickets for select performances through our concierge service. Stop by the office to find the latest information on entertainment and things to do in Indian River County.

Main Street Vero Beach (MSVB) works to revitalize, preserve and create a vibrant, historic downtown community in which to live, work, shop and play.

The Mental Health Collaborative is an organization whose sole mission is to ensure that people in need of mental health and substance abuse services gain access to those services.  In January 2017, the Collaborative established the non-profit McCabe Connections that serves residents of Indian River County.

D.I.V.E.R. Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to protecting oceans, rehabilitating waterways, and supporting US veterans and first responders. They empower individuals to connect with the therapeutic environment of the outdoors through initiatives like dive-certification for veterans and first responders, community events, and beach clean-ups. The outdoors, especially through water-based activities, have a profound impact on mental health, well-bring, and the healing power of nature that  many veterans and first responders need.

If you

 • are a woman, age 18 or older

 • have NOT had a physical or wellness exam in the past year

 • have a state issued ID (from any state)

 • DO NOT have private health insurance or Medicaid

then you may be eligible for a FREE Well Woman Exam including Pap Exam, Flu and Tetanus vaccines and lab work.

Women interested must call for a consultation appointment to verify eligibility.

The “We Care” program, founded in 1991, provides free specialty medical services to an average of 2000 qualified Indian River County residents each year, not including radiological and surgical procedures, through the dedication of volunteer physicians, dentists and other health care professionals. 

The MHA is dedicated to serving the community by offering mental health services. The Walk-In & Counseling Center is designed to meet the emerging and imminent mental health needs along with providing crisis intervention and individual therapy to people of all ages. The Center offers psychotherapy, group therapy, case management, and psychiatry services on an appointment basis for clients seeking ongoing mental health services.   *An Affiliate of Mental Health America*

Sunshine Physical Therapy Clinic is non-profit, independent outpatient rehabilitation, governed by an all volunteer board of directors, providing services to the residents of the Treasure Coast since 1953. They are dedicated to proving personalized care to improve function and health though Physical, Occupational and Massage Therapies; Personal Fitness programs; Pilate's Classes; and Community Education. Their goal is to enhance the quality of life, and offer professional services by a friendly, caring and well qualified team.

Hibiscus Children’s Center is a non-profit organization that is successfully breaking the vicious cycle  of child abuse with the support of local community. The mission of Hibiscus Children's Center is to maintain a safe shelter for children who are abused, abandoned and neglected by providing prevention, early intervention, and advocacy in quality residential, assessment and recovery programs.

RCMA opens doors to opportunities through quality child care and education from crib to high school and beyond. Click to see how you can help!

For The Love Of Paws provides a sanctuary or new homes for pets left behind by senior citizens who can no longer care for them. There is also a Paws Pet Food Pantry to provide pet food to food banks, veteran and senior citizen organizations.  

MS is one of the most common diseases of the nervous system, afflicting people of all ages around the world, although it has a special preference for young people, especially women, and for those who grew up in northern latitudes. The mission of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society is to end the devastating effects of MS.

The FPRA is the largest association for public relations professionals in the state of Florida. More than 1,000 professionals work together to enhance and promote the public relations profession by providing a variety of services, benefits and opportunites to grow in the field of public relations/communications/marketing.
 

Camp Haven, Inc. is an innovative and transformative residential program for Indian River County's homeless men who are able and willing to work to effect change in their lives and the lives of those they effect. This program is designed to help them transition into a life of self-sufficiency through counseling, support, educational, psychological, social, rehabilitative and job training opportunities.

SafeSpace provides a refuge where victims can heal from the devastating effects of domestic violence and build their self-esteem while they are working towards a future free from violence.

Stouthouse Corporation was founded as a 501(c) (3) nonprofit to preserve the home and stained glass installations designed and executed by Weldon.J. Stout, to maintain the STAF (Seth Theolonius Alvin Foster) Art Collection, to provide an artist residency for interdisciplinary creative individuals, to focus on environmental stewardship. STOUTHOUSE is open for tours by appointment.

Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge is a United States National Wildlife Refuge located just off the western coast of Orchid Island in the Indian River Lagoon east of Sebastian, Florida. The refuge consists of a 3-acre island that includes an additional 2.5 acres of surrounding water and is located off the east coast of Florida of the Indian River Lagoon.

The Junior League of Indian River, Inc. (JLIR) is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. It's purpose is exclusively education and charitable.

The Mission of Music Angels Fund, Inc. is to “Lift Children Into the World of Music” by providing scholarships for music lessons and musical instruments to talented, committed children between the ages of 4 and 17 with a financial need. 

Coastal Connections, Inc. (CCinc) was founded because there was a need to implement engaging and educational programs that connect people to coastal wildlife, particularly to protect and conserve sea turtles. Fostering a connection with wildlife is important for invoking conservation minded behavior changes in our daily lives and in our community.

The mission of 211 Palm Beach/Treasure Coast is to assist people by providing crisis intervention. information, assesment and referral to community services and by providing infrastructure support to the health and human service delivery system. 211 Palm Beach/Treasure Coast is recognized as the central linkage point in our community providing individuals with the information and support services they need to solve their problems. Office: (772) 567-8900, ext.26

The National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum is the only museum dedicated solely to preserving the history of the U.S. Navy SEALs and their predecessors. Located in Fort Pierce, Florida, the Museum resides on the training grounds of the original Navy combat divers. The Museum promotes public education by providing hands-on opportunities for all ages to explore the history of the Navy SEALs through interactive exhibits.

The Center for Spiritual Care's mission is to provide individual and small group spiritual and holistic growth experiences leading to personal clarity, emotional empowerment, freedom and authenticity. They do this in an interfaith setting, through spiritual direction, psychological counseling and programs and services that strengthen the relationship between body, mind, spirit and creativity. 

CWC is an independent, unifying voice to protect and restore the surface and ground waters of Indian River County; connecting and coordinating with community partners to maximize effort toward this shared vision. Our vision is for the waters of IRC, both surface and aquifer, to be clean and safe to support a healthy ecosystem for current and future generations.

The American Legion was chartered by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic, mutual-help, war-time veterans organization. A community-service organization which now numbers nearly 3 million members -- men and women -- in nearly 15,000 American Legion Posts worldwide. These Posts are organized into 55 Departments -- one each for the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, France, Mexico, and the Philippines.

The Samaritan Center is an inter-faith transitional, temporary shelter for homeless families in Indian River County. Families experiencing ‘homelessness’ are often plagued by a variety of financial, emotional, social, interpersonal, medical, legal and parenting problems. In addition to giving a family temporary housing, the Samaritan Center provides intensive case management to address the factors that have caused the ‘homeless’ problem.

The Indian River County Sheriff's Office (IRCSO) is located in Vero Beach, Florida. The Sheriff's Department is a public service facility providing a range of services for a county of over 150,000 citizens.  The IRCSO employs more than 450 employees and provides an array of services for the community.

SCORE is a national organization of volunteer business entrepreneurs and executives which was founded in 1964. Nationally there are almost 400 chapters and over 10,000 counselors. The Treasure Coast Chapter has been assisting businesses since 1972.

Since September 2010, Shining Light Garden Foundation, Inc. has distributed thousands of bushels of bushels of fresh produce to those in need in our community. You can help!

There are many types of short term mission teams that serve through Epic Missions. They accommodate your team based upon its' average age, talents, desires, skill sets, size and level of missions experience. They will invest a great amount of resources listening to the team leader and Epic Missions will produce a top notch missions trip custom made to your team!

Keep Indian River Beautiful (KIRB) is a community improvement 501c3 organization whose mission is to empower individuals to take greater responsibility for our community by involving volunteers in litter prevention, beautification, recycling, and conservation education.

The YSF Community Sailing Vero Beach mission is to provide Indian River County with educational, recreational, and competitive sailing programs for all ages in a fun and safe environment. We offer a variety of programs, including group classes, private lessons, and boat rentals through the new YSF Sail Club.

Senior Resource Association (SRA) has provides nourishment, supervised socialization, transportation and information referral services for seniors and their families. The goal is to help keep older adults healthy and in their own home for as long as safely possible. SRA is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization serving all of Indian River County, Florida.

Volunteer Indian River County is an online volunteer and donor opportunity system offered by United Way. This website serves to connect volunteers with over 80 not-for-profit organizations and volunteer opportunities in Indian River County. This site is presented to the community free of charge in an effort to increase the collaboration, connections, and relationships among local non-profits and community members.

Inspired by the life and work of poet Laura (Riding) Jackson, the foundation, a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization, promotes a passion for the written word through literary programs for writers of all ages in Indian River County. In addition, with its focus on history, literature and the relationship of man to the natural world, the foundation preserves Laura’s home as an example of environmentally sensitive Florida architecture.

Dogs For Life specializes in training Hearing Dogs, Mobility Assistance Dogs and Service Dogs for veterans & non-veterans to assist with daily challenges, as well as the effects of Post-Traumatic Stress. Dogs for Life also operates a  Dog Park at 12th Street and 16th Avenue that provides a clean and safe environment for dogs to exercise and socialize. Annual membership is $100 for dogs that are inoculated, neutered and social.

Indian River Habitat for Humanity is an ecumenical Christian ministry that works in partnership with people from all walks of life and faiths to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness by constructing simple, decent homes with those in need.

VNA Hospice’s Hidden Treasures thrift stores offer high-quality merchandise at low prices. Proceeds from the stores help to offset the day-to-day operating expense of the VNA Hospice House and benefit VNA Hospice’s mission of providing compassionate care for any Indian River County resident facing a life-limiting illness.

The Salvation Army’s religious and social-service activities serve millions of men, women and children in more than 125 nations. Volunteers, contributors and other supporters make those services possible in local communities. 

The Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County (HSVB) enhances the quality of life in the community. They provide humane care and shelter for homeless animals; place adoptable pets in loving homes, promote spaying and neutering of companion animals; promote responsible pet ownership and the respect for all life through humane education; protect animals from cruelty, and advocate for animal protection.

Operation hope was created to make a difference in the lives of hard working migrant laborers and their families. With numerous diverse individuals and corporate partners, Operation Hope seeks to improve the sometimes-desperate living conditions of those that labor so tirelessly. Operation Hope accepts donations of food, clothing and other household necessities and distributes these to migrant workers and their families.

The Manatee Observation and Education Center is a waterfront wildlife observation and nature education center located on Florida's east coast in downtown Fort Pierce. The endangered Florida manatee, also called sea cow, is the main attraction. Manatees can be viewed at The Center year-round! Stand along the covered observation walkway or climb the second story observation tower to see Florida's "Gentle Giants" resting or playing in Moore's Creek. These are wild, not captive manatees, so one never knows when they might swim by.

The Friends of St. Sebastian River is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, with the mission to maintain and improve the health and beauty of the St. Sebastian River and its watershed.

In the youth orchestra, children quickly make friends. While they are learning  music, they are learning teamwork and pride in the community. New children are welcomed with open arms and feel at home right away.

Any person age 16 and up may apply for volunteer work. Minors must have a release form signed by their guardian, and a consultation will be requested with their guardian. All minors must have their parents accompany them to the orientation. Children ages 12 through 15 may apply for the Care Cadet volunteer program.

The Arc is the oldest local 501 (c) 3 non profit dedicated to meeting the needs of people with developmental disabilities in Indian River County. The Arc was founded by a group of parents, friends, volunteers and professionals.

I AM MINISTRIES, INC. DBA
The Source is a Christ-Centered outreach and resource center for people who are homeless or on the brink of becoming homeless.  We provide support through our volunteer workforce, a network of community service providers and our many Dignity Programs. All services are offered free of charge, thanks to the generosity of our Source friends and family. We are home to the Dignity Bus®, an overnight emergency shelter on wheels, and the first of its kind in the country.

Gifford Youth Achievement Center is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization which provides children a place to go after school to help with their studies and homework while parents are at work and adults and seniors may attend classes and invaluable programs in the Gifford/Indian River community.

The Indian River Genealogical Society, Inc. had its beginnings when the Colonial Dames of the XVII Century met and discussed forming a genealogy society to help their members and increase membership. On 6 April 1983, the first meeting and founding members met---Louise Auten, George Wilson, Freda Hoppe, Carolyn Scagnetti, Ruth McConathy, Edward Hungerford, Martha Dodd, Burton Holt and Mabel Lutz. The original meeting place was the social hall of the Roseland United Methodist Church. Since 1991 when the new library was built, the Society has met in the large meeting room at the Indian River County Main Library.

United Way of IRC is a locally governed and managed nonprofit organization. United Way volunteers run an annual campaign, coordinate a Community Investment Process, manage a Foundation, provide emergency and special project grants to agencies, coordinate volunteer programs like Day of Caring and Santa's for Seniors, and manage the United Way Center which houses our Community Room, Board Room and a Nonprofit Incubation Center.

The Archive Center and Genealogy Department is specialized and unique from the rest of the Indian River County Main Library. Since the department was voted the 'Best Genealogy Library in a small town' people travel a long way to use the collection.In addition, the Florida and local history collection is very extensive. Since the hurricanes of 2004, the library has received 10-15,000 photographs and 50,000+ documents.

Our mission is to educate, inspire and empower all people to be active stewards of the environment and their own well-being.

Founded by internationally renowned deep sea explorer Dr. Edie Widder, ORCA (Ocean Research & Conservation Association) focuses on preserving the Indian River Lagoon through science, restoration, advocacy and education.  

Interesting and educational small museum about the Spanish treasure fleet, laden with gold, silver and other precious cargo that sank off our coast in 1715.  After 300 years, treasure is still washing ashore.

United Against Poverty’s primary objective is to provide programs that improve the income levels of participants living below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level, increase the number of people lifted to self-sufficiency each year, and provide access to nutritious food products, personal care, and household items which allows participant families to save up to 65% of their budget on these items. The four main programs include our Member Share Grocery Program, Workforce Development Program, Education Program, and Crisis Stabilization Program.

Refuge Recovery is a community of people who are using the practices of mindfulness, compassion, forgiveness and generosity to heal the pain and suffering that addiction has caused in our lives and the lives of our loved ones. The Refuge Recovery community feels confident in the power of the Buddha’s teachings, if applied, to relieve suffering of all kinds, including the suffering of addiction.

The Homeless Family Center provides Emergency and Transitional Shelter for Homeless Families from Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin, and Okeechobee Counties. 

The 4th Street facility can accommodate seven families in the Emergency Shelter and twelve families in the Transitional Shelter which translates into a total of 72 individuals that may be housed on any given day. In addition, three stand-alone homes are occupied by families who have transitioned from the Center to greater self-sufficiency.

The VBPS with a stake in Vero Beach, located at 301 Acacia Road, Vero Beach, FL is a non-profit boating safety education organization. Most of the activity takes place at the squadron building located in Mac Williams Park boat basin, on the Indian River and in the Indian River in Vero Beach.