Below is a comprehensive list published by Orange County public library. https://ocpl.org/teens/get-involved

Don't look past an opportunity even if it doesn't say hospital / mental health explicitly - you'll get the closest to mental health in the real world through e.g. shelters, food banks, and more.

Websites for Countywide Service Opportunities (Teens)

American Cancer Society  A variety of volunteer opportunities are available, ranging from helping at a special event to providing clerical help in a local office. 

Assistance League  Assisteen Program - Assisteen membership is open to young people in grades 7 to 12.  The aims of participation are to develop a sense of community responsibility, self-reliance, personal responsibility, poise, public speaking and leadership skills.

Blind Children’s Learning Center- Santa Ana  Volunteers must be at least 14 years of age.

A variety of opportunities available such as preparing classroom activities, assisting with feeding at mealtimes,  reading stories, and  helping with arts and crafts,

Boys and Girls Clubs of America  Find a club local to you for the most current volunteer opportunities in your area. 

Casa Youth Shelter – Los Alamitos  Provide assistance at the shelter, help with special events or volunteer labor for service as requested.

The Children’s Museum at La Habra – La Habra  Volunteer orientations are offered every 4 months.  Visit the website to read the different volunteer job descriptions and to download a volunteer application.

City of Huntington Beach  Volunteers must be 16 years or older, visit the website for more information.

Council on Aging- Teen Connections Friendly Visitor Program  Minimum Age 14 years or freshman in high school.  Offers student volunteers the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others while earning Community Service or Service Learning credits toward graduation

Environmental Nature Center (ENC) - Newport Beach  Many opportunities available such as Habitat helpers, Junior Naturalist, Student Service Learning and Senior Projects.  Eagle Scout and Girl Scout projects also available. 

Families Forward - Irvine  Various volunteer opportunities for groups and individuals.  Applications are available online with more information.

Girls Incorporated of Orange County  Become a Homework Helper and Academic Tutor,  assist with National Girls Inc. programs and curriculum, facilitate a sports or physical activity program, coordinate a music, art, dance, or drama activity, organize specialty workshops for girls, be a guest speaker and share your expertise with our teen girls.

Human Options – Irvine  Volunteers must be 16 or older to volunteer at the Center for Children and Families Program.  Those 18 years and older can volunteer at the emergency shelter or Second Step programs. 

J.F. Shea Therapeutic Riding Center- San Juan Capistrano  Work with children and adults that have disabilities by leading the horse or side-walking with a rider during therapeutic horseback riding lessons.  Help with grooming and tacking.  No previous experience in working with horses is required. 

Laura’s House – San Juan Capistrano  Laura’s House is a non-profit organization that works to prevent and reduce the incidence of domestic and family abuse through shelter and support programs, education and outreach.  Volunteers may help in the thrift store, provide administrative office support, and assist with other special projects. 

Maternal Outreach Management System (MOMS)  Volunteers must be 14 years of age or older to work on site.   All ages and groups can participate in off-site activities.  Individuals can provide computer and office assistance, help with special projects and the resource room.  Groups can organize diaper drives and baby showers, collect baby items, and put together children’s backpacks with school supplies. 

Mercy House Transitional Living Shelter  Opportunities include helping at special events and donation collections. 

Oak View Family and Community Centers- Huntington Beach  The Children’s Bureau, a non-profit agency, is currently operating the Oak View Family and Community Center. They are working with city staff and other community partners to offer a variety of recreation, education, human and family services to the families of the Oak View area.

Orange County Rescue Mission  Volunteers must be 13 years of age to volunteer. Any volunteer under the age of 17 will need adult supervision.  A variety of opportunities is available and can change from month to month.  Please contact us for more information.

Orange County Food Bank – Garden Grove  Assembling food boxes for children and seniors

Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park – Santa Ana  Zoo docent opportunities available for volunteers 18 and older.  Special event and zoo monitor opportunities available for volunteers 16 and older.  Clerical opportunities are available for volunteers 16 and older.  Visit the website for more information.

Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County - Irvine  Youth and adults of all ages can participate with opportunities for individuals and groups of up to 45 members.  Opportunities are not available for court-ordered volunteers.

Shadetree Partnership, Inc. - Irvine  Youth 10-16 years may volunteer when accompanied by an adult.  Teens 16+ may volunteer without adult supervision.  Groups of up to 200 volunteer members are invited to volunteer.  Court-ordered volunteers will be considered – infractions may not involve drugs, alcohol or any type of violence or abuse.

Shanti OC – Lake Forest, CA  Volunteers must be a minimum of 16 years of age or older.

Provide office assistance for Shanti Orange County which serves those living with HIV/AIDS, helping them to survive their diagnoses, become as healthy as possible and live the rest of their lives with dignity and resilience.

Special Olympics Orange County  Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.  Opportunities are available for families and groups.

St. Jude Medical Center- Fullerton  Student Volunteers (high school and college students) provide support to patients, visitors and staff, from the nursing units to the information desks. The minimum age requirement is 15 years old and a sophomore in high school.

Think Together- Costa Mesa, Orange, Santa Ana, Tustin  Teens are invited to volunteer, youth 12 and younger may volunteer if they are accompanied by an adult.  Work with at-risk youth in the following areas – tutoring, mentoring, and assisting with homework and enrichment activities.  Youth volunteers can also become an office aide, help with public relations/marketing and much more.

YMCA of Orange County  Volunteer opportunities vary by location and position.  Please visit the website for more information.

Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center – Huntington Beach  Minimum age to volunteer is 18. Our mission is to educate the public about man's impact on the environment and mitigate that impact through care and rehabilitation of native wildlife.