Seasoned citizens in Springfield, Mo., have a resource to help them enjoy more meaningful lives by volunteering at a variety of non-profit organizations.
Give 5, which is a United Way of the Ozarks organization, has had a big impact on their local community. It is something I wish more communities would embrace.
For many retirees, leaving the workforce creates a void. Work provides structure, social connections, and a sense of accomplishment,” Give 5 noted in a press release. “When that chapter ends, it can be difficult to know where to focus time and energy. Give 5 helps fill that gap, offering a way for retirees to stay engaged while making a meaningful impact in their community.
“The program isn’t just about volunteering — it’s about rediscovering purpose,” the release added. “Participants don’t simply show up to help; they become part of something bigger, forging relationships and contributing in ways they never imagined.”
Participants visit various nonprofits to gain firsthand insight into the challenges facing their community. They learn about opportunities in food banks, shelters, mentoring programs, environmental initiatives, and education, allowing them to find the right fit for their skills and passions.
Give 5 conducts a free, month-long class to acquaint seasoned citizens with a wide variety of non-profit groups. Each organization is looking for people with specific talents and abilities, or simply a desire to make a difference.
For example, Chris Crawford had been retired for two years when he found himself searching for something more. He wanted to stay engaged, to find purpose, and to use his skills in a meaningful way. That’s when he discovered Give 5.
As a member of Class 26, which met in August and September of 2024, Chris learned about a variety of community resources available in Springfield. He didn’t realize at the time that one of those resources would put him in the right place, at the right time, to help save a life, the release explained.
One day, Chris met a young man who had been homeless for years, living in his van, struggling with unemployment and addiction. He had just been released from a month in jail, and although the experience was difficult, the man saw it as an opportunity — a forced break from his meth addiction that gave him a sliver of hope.
As they talked, the man expressed that he wanted to change but wasn’t sure where to start. He had spent years without stability, without resources, and without a clear path forward.
Reflecting on what he had learned through Give 5, Chris remembered hearing about 2-1-1, a community resource hotline that connects people with essential services. He realized this was his moment to act.
Chris initiated a single phone call, which set off a chain reaction that changed the young man’s life.
With Chris’s guidance, the man was able to apply for a federal program that provides food assistance to low-income individuals. He also received a large supply of groceries through Crosslines, ensuring that he wouldn’t have to worry about his next meal.
But more importantly, Chris helped him connect with a sober living house, where his rent was covered through a grant. This gave him not only a safe place to stay but also the structure and support necessary to maintain his sobriety and rebuild his life.
People can learn more about Give 5 at www.give5program.com/springfield.
Photo: Chris Crawford, with Give 5 Class 26 during a partner visit – Photo by Give 5
After closing his business and enduring several painful years of uncertainty regarding what to do with his life, Greg founded Forward From 50 to help men and women over 50 to live more purposeful lives by pursuing things they are passionate about. A Wisconsin native, Greg currently lives in Arizona.