UNITED 55+

Discover Purpose and Connection with UNITED 55+

Stay Connected, Make a Difference, and Enrich Your Community

Explore Meaningful Ways to Volunteer and Make Lasting, Positive Impact in Our Community

Book Buddy
- Book Buddy pairs caring adult volunteers with preschoolers for regular, one-on-one reading sessions that boost pre-reading skills and confidence—paving the way for kindergarten readiness.
Power Read
- Through mentorship and reading, you’ll play a pivotal role in helping kids overcome challenges, improve their academic performance, and gain the confidence they need to succeed.

Not New Shop
- Volunteer at the Not New Shop thrift store to assist with customer service, sorting donations, and organizing merchandise. Located at 705 E. University Ave. Contact Maci Andersen for details.
VITA
- Volunteer with VITA to provide free tax preparation for low-income families. Training and IRS certification provided. Greeters and Spanish translators also needed.
Transportation
- Seniors and adults with disabilities often struggle with transportation for medical, dental, or essential errands. Volunteer drivers in Grimes and Urbandale provide rides and companionship.
Fraud Fighters
- Trained by the Iowa Insurance Division, Fraud Fighters educate central Iowans on scams like fraudulent investments and Medicare offers. Volunteers give free 40-minute presentations, sharing tips to prevent fraud and vet money-making offers.

Our Stories

“When you read with a child over the course of a school year and spend time with them, you can see the changes and the growth taking place in them. You see the smiles; you see their self-esteem increase; you can’t buy that sort of experience.”

Ray Yori
UNITED55+ Volunteer
“Many people are scared of taxes, but having done my own, and working with numbers all my life, it (volunteering for VITA) was no big deal for me. The clients are SO grateful for the help. It’s very gratifying to have a client come back year after year and ask that I help them again.”

Nancy Adams
UNITED55+ Volunteer