Community Service and Volunteering

Explore meaningful opportunities for volunteering and community service in Goodyear.

Community Engagement & Volunteering at Avila University Arizona

At Avila University Arizona, we are deeply committed to serving the community while embracing diversity and inclusion. These values form the foundation of our approach, driving us to foster meaningful relationships through community-focused initiatives, volunteer opportunities, and partnerships with local organizations.

By actively engaging with the community, we aim to create an inclusive environment where students can make a positive impact and develop a lifelong dedication to service and compassion.

Avila Service Course

Each academic year, students are required to complete 15 hours of community service through partnership locations such as local food banks, shelters, and community centers.

This course enables students to actively engage with the local community through hands-on experiences. Beyond fulfilling an academic requirement, this strengthens the connection between students and the community, as well as their ties to our founding principles of service and compassion.

Students may select a community service opportunity from the following options:

Community service through the student’s employment
Tutoring services
Supporting donation drives
Assisting with non-profit fundraising
Coaching sports for children
Volunteering at shelters
Community service with political organizations
Helping with blood drives
Volunteering at an animal shelter or rescue
Assisting at a soup kitchen
Remote volunteer opportunities with organizations
Getting involved with religious organizations
Supporting youth organizations
Serving as a mentor

Community service can be verified by completing and submitting a form to the Student Services team.

Volunteer Opportunities in Goodyear

Our Student Services team will support you in finding a volunteer position that works for you. For guidance and resources on volunteer opportunities, please reach out to Student Services at studentservices@arizona.avila.edu

For other volunteer positions in Goodyear, here is a list below of volunteer opportunities with the City of Goodyear, community centres, churches, and more.

Goodyear Ballpark Volunteer Opportunities

The Goodyear Ballpark offers exciting volunteer opportunities for those who want to be part of the action during events, including Major League Baseball Spring Training. Volunteers at the ballpark provide essential support in enhancing the fan experience in many ways:

Game-day volunteers: Assist with game-day operations, helping with ticketing, guest services, and crowd management during Spring Training games.
Event support: Help with special events hosted at the ballpark, including community and corporate events.
Administrative help: Support the ballpark staff with various administrative duties during peak seasons.

Volunteering at the ballpark is a great opportunity to meet new people, gain hands-on experience, and enjoy the excitement of sports events. For more information, visit the Goodyear Ballpark Volunteer Program.

City of Goodyear Volunteer Program

The City of Goodyear offers a wide range of volunteer opportunities, including community service at food banks, shelters, and city events. Contribute to making Goodyear a thriving, supportive community while developing valuable skills and connections through some of the following volunteer opportunities:

Library assistants: Support local libraries by helping with literacy programs, managing inventory, and providing customer service to visitors.
Recreational program support: Help facilitate recreational activities such as sports leagues and youth programs.
Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS): Assist the Goodyear Police Department with administrative tasks, data entry, and public outreach events. Volunteers also help run the You Are Not Alone (YANA) Program, which provides regular check-ins and reassurance calls to seniors, individuals with disabilities, and homebound residents in Goodyear. VIPS play a vital role in building community safety and support through this program. Learn more about YANA.
Make a Difference Day: Join fellow residents in community service projects, improving local neighborhoods and facilities.
Special events and group projects: Work with city staff to support large-scale special events and group projects across Goodyear, including festivals, races, and city celebrations. Volunteers assist in community outreach, event logistics, and more.

Learn more about volunteering with the City of Goodyear here: Volunteer Opportunities | City of Goodyear (goodyearaz.gov)

Volunteer Opportunities at Community Centers

There are several community centers in Goodyear that offer diverse opportunities for volunteering and community service and engagement, including the below.

Optum Community Centers — 1981 N. Pebble Creek Parkway, Ste. 8, Goodyear
- Services: Primarily focused on wellness for seniors, this center offers fitness classes, healthy living workshops, and social engagement opportunities.
- Volunteer opportunities: Students can volunteer by supporting wellness activities, organizing social events, or assisting with senior fitness classes.
  For more information, click here.
Southwest Valley Family YMCA — 2919 North Litchfield Road, Goodyear
The Southwest Valley Family YMCA in Goodyear offers a variety of programs designed to support wellness, youth development, and community engagement. It is a vibrant community hub providing activities and resources for individuals and families of all ages.
- Services: The YMCA provides a variety of group fitness classes, personal training programs, swimming lessons, sports leagues, after-school programs, summer camps, family events, childcare services, and more.
- Volunteer opportunities: Students can volunteer at the YMCA in various roles, including assisting with youth and family programs, helping organize community events, and supporting wellness and fitness initiatives.
  For more information, click here.
Goodyear Recreation Campus — 420 S. Estrella Parkway, Goodyear
- Services: The Goodyear Recreation Campus leads fitness classes, sports leagues, community events, festivals, and more.
- Volunteer opportunities: Students can volunteer to help with community programs and sports events, organize city-wide events such as festivals and health fairs, and assist with other recreational community activities.
  For more information, click here.

Volunteer Opportunities with AARP Arizona

AARP Arizona provides various opportunities for individuals to give back to the community through unique events and public service projects. For students at Avila University Arizona, AARP Arizona offers a way to make a meaningful impact, especially in areas focused on supporting seniors and at-risk populations.

Services: AARP Arizona organizes various events and public service projects, contributing to causes that support the community, including health fairs, public policy initiatives, and senior support programs.
Volunteer opportunities: Volunteers can assist with organizing and running events, along with public service projects like community outreach and workshops. AARP Arizona offers flexible roles that can fit into busy student schedules, with opportunities ranging from in-person events to remote advocacy work.

For more information, visit the AARP website.

group of people helping with packaging products in a box

Churches in Goodyear: Community Engagement and Volunteer Opportunities

In Goodyear, Arizona, several churches not only provide spiritual support but also offer community engagement and volunteer opportunities for students at Avila University Arizona. Here are some notable churches where you can get involved:

St. John Vianney Catholic Church — 539 E. La Pasada Boulevard, Goodyear
- Community engagement: This church offers various opportunities for community engagement, including joining the Fellowship of Catholic Christian Women, Men's Fellowship Group, or Youth Ministry.
- Volunteer opportunities: Volunteers can assist with community services by supporting events, organizing retreats, preparing meals for the needy, and contributing to faith-based initiatives.
  For more information, click here.
Christ Presbyterian Church — 925 N. Sarival Road, Goodyear
- Community engagement: This church encourages students to join their Community Groups, offering opportunities for personal growth and community service.
- Volunteer opportunities: Volunteers can join the Men's Ministry, Women's Ministry, or Youth Programs to assist in local outreach, community and charity events, and church programs.
  For more information, click here.
Desert Springs Community Church — 14440 W Indian School Road, Goodyear
- Community engagement: The church provides various ministries for youth, adults, and seniors, along with evangelism and outreach programs. Students can participate in mission trips, local service projects, and community support programs.
- Volunteer opportunities: Volunteers can support with local missions and assist with events, community support, and youth outreach programs.
  For more information, click here.

By volunteering at these churches, students can engage in meaningful community service while building connections and contributing to Goodyear’s broader community. Many churches in Goodyear offer diverse programs that align with Avila University Arizona’s commitment to service and inclusion.

Group of people gathered outside a park and sitting on the chair

Discover More Volunteer Positions with VolunteerMatch

VolunteerMatch is a leading platform that connects you with meaningful volunteer opportunities in your local community. VolunteerMatch offers a range of volunteer roles in Goodyear and surrounding areas, making it easy to get involved and give back.

How VolunteerMatch Works:

Search and explore: You can search by interest, cause, or location to find volunteer roles that align with your passions. See volunteer opportunities in Goodyear here.
Remote and in-person options: Whether you prefer in-person community engagement or remote volunteering, VolunteerMatch provides flexible options to fit your schedule.
Wide range of opportunities: From working with youth programs to healthcare support and environmental conservation, there’s something for everyone.

VolunteerMatch offers a great way for students at Avila University Arizona to engage with the local community, develop skills, and contribute to meaningful causes. You can search for opportunities specific to Goodyear, AZ, or find remote options that allow for flexible volunteering.

Visit VolunteerMatch to sign up and get started!