New Horizons Un-Limited is a Milwaukee-based, non-profit organization that provides individuals with lifelong disabilities increased access to the information, tools and life experiences that will enable them to improve their lives. To learn more about our mission and activities, please visit the New Horizons Un-Limited Website or E-mail Us.
Five reasons why every person with a disability should volunteer
Life is about fulfillment. You know…that feeling that gets you up and going in the morning. If you haven’t felt it in a while, we have an idea that just might help you get it back. Volunteer!
Giving of yourself is an act like no other. Its rewards are vast and numerous. Here at NHU we believe strongly in a mind-body-soul connection. Each aspect of our “self” thrives and withers as an interdependent unit. To nourish one is to nourish them all. At the same time, to ignore one is a detriment to them all. We must work every day to feed our mind, body and soul.
Disability or no, we all have limitations that too often stop us from moving forward in our lives. We must strive to push past our limitations and do the best we can, with what we have, if we hope to lead a life of purpose and fulfillment.
Aside from the obvious benefit of one human helping another, Volunteering has all these amazing little side effects that can help you too. Even if you don’t have a lot of energy, just a few hours each week could set you off on a journey you never thought possible.
If you need a little more convincing, here are five reasons why you should volunteer.
1. Volunteering Keeps You Active
There is no quicker and quieter path to non existence than being idle for extended periods of time. A growing body of evidence suggests that those who volunteer have lower mortality rates, greater functional ability, and lower rates of depression later in life than those who do not volunteer.
We must fill our days with activities that challenge our mind and body if we hope to maintain our health. Volunteering will not only get you up and moving around, but it will also provide opportunities to expand your breadth of knowledge and experience. It’s a triple win; nourishing your mind and body will in turn improve your health.
2. Volunteering Gives You Purpose
Wake up. Do “stuff.” Go to sleep. Repeat. That’s life in its most simple form. Of course the “stuff” in the middle is what defines us as humans. It’s what we do with our time that either propels us forward or keeps us in place. If we hope to move forward in our lives, we must wake up with a sense of purpose, a drive to do. Helping others can give you this purpose!
3. Volunteering Makes You Feel Good
You don’t necessarily have to earn a paycheck to feel good. One could argue that doing something noble for nothing tangible in return is, in itself, the greatest gift. In our humble opinion, there is no greater feeling than seeing the work that you do directly benefit another human being. It gives you a sense of self-worth, it gives your life meaning, and it motivates you to take care of yourself.
4. Volunteering Connects You to AWESOME People
We all strive to find a sense of connection with like-minded people. Volunteering will help you find that connection. For the most part, inherently good people volunteer and work on behalf of the causes that matter to them. Find a cause and an organization that makes you excited and the wonderful people will surely follow. It is far too common for people with disabilities to isolate. Having awesome people in your life will protect you from this inclination to isolate during difficult times. They will become your reason to get out and experience life.
5. Volunteering Improves YOU
Whether you’re looking to find employment, or simply wanting to fill your time, volunteering can provide tons of experience and knowledge. You might learn a new software program, improve your organizational skills, or better yet, come to understand a social issue you knew very little about. Volunteering provides all of these opportunities. It isn’t about what you do, but how you do it. Even a task as simple as assembling meal packages can teach you something.
There are thousands of causes that need your help with every task under the sun. You can give a few hours per week or even just a few each month. Get started on your volunteer journey by checking out 
