Thank you so much for your interest Community Cooperative Ministries, Inc. (CCMI). We have a number of programs designed to address the unserved and underserved members of our community. The opportunities for volunteering are numerous.

A few hours each week can make a difference.

Come talk to us and share some time at CCMI’s outreach programs: The Soup Kitchen, Meals on Wheels, Hands & Hearts Childcare, and Faith in Action. Our programs rely on volunteers, and opportunities are available all around Lee County. We need you.

Senior Transportation is a program that matches volunteer drivers with seniors who need rides to doctors’ appointments or to the grocery/pharmacy.

Meals on Wheels drivers usually volunteer one morning per week, for two -three hours, to deliver meals to some of the neediest elderly and disabled residents of Lee County. We also need back-up drivers and volunteers to transport meals to pick-up locations for drivers.

Family Services division connects needy individuals, families and the elderly, with services including hospice, walk-in clinics, Medicaid and Food Stamp applications and other types of assistance.  Volunteers also help the Home Assessment Team to visit and assess the needs of homebound residents.

Montessori Preschool volunteers work with the children or assist teachers preparing work for projects.

Soup Kitchen volunteers help to prepare Meals on Wheels meals and to prepare and serve the lunchtime meal. Volunteers are needed for food preparation, serving or making up pantry bags for needy residents.  We ask volunteers to work one of the three “shifts” available from 6:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Homeless Services linking the homeless to community services, housing, employment

Administrative Help is needed in all areas – phones, filing, data input, mailings, projects.

Volunteer FAQs

1. What kinds of volunteer opportunities are available to me with CCMI? Volunteers help those in need by providing many valuable services such as transportation to and from medical appointments, working in the Soup Kitchen or the office, aiding with home assessment and Delivering meals to homebound individuals.

2. What kind of training do you provide?
Individual training is conducted as needed. Training and overview of programs are provided on an annual basis.

3. I only have a few hours to give. Can I still volunteer?
Absolutely. Any amount of time would be a tremendous help that would positively impact the lives of those we serve.

4. Are there any age requirements? To work in the Soup Kitchen, anyone under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult. A valid Drivers license is required to deliver Meals on Wheels or to transport care partners for Faith in Action.

5. I work full-time / attend school during the day. Can I volunteer on weekends or after hours?
Yes. Saturday volunteer hours are needed in the Soup Kitchen and for special events.

6. I am only in the SW Florida area a short time during the year. Can I still be a volunteer?
Yes. Any amount of time is greatly appreciated!

7. Can I get community service hours for the time I spend volunteering with CCMI?
IF you are enrolled in high school or college you may get community Service hours. Those referred by the accountability board may also receive hours.

8. If I drive a care partner to an appointment or to the grocery store, what happens if we’re involved in a car accident?
Supplemental liability and accident Insurance is available through our community partner RSVP. RSVP is a national organization that provides recognition and support to volunteers 55 and older. For those not 55, protection is provided by Florida Statute 768.1355, “Florida Volunteer Protection Act.”

9. My faith community takes care of our members’ needs – why should I volunteer with CCMI?
Partnering with CCMI expands everyone’s abilities to meet needs: your carepartners can become our carepartners, eliminating the need for church staff to coordinate transportation, and by volunteering with CCMI, you expand our pool of potential volunteers to meet the increasing needs of our community.

10. How long does it take to deliver a Meals on Wheels route?
It takes an average of 90 minutes.

Click here to download the Volunteer form.

Please print it, fill it out and mail it to:
CCMI, C/o Director of Volunteer Services, P. O. Box 2143, Fort Myers, FL 33902

Call CCMI’s Director of Volunteer Services at 332-0441, or email her at Volunteers@CCMILeeCounty.com. She’ll help you work out the best “volunteer fit” for your schedule.