Get Involved – Volunteer!

Volunteers are a vital part of the Anixter Center community. By offering their time, wisdom and unique talents, volunteers further the organization's mission: they make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities by supporting them to live, learn, work and play in the community. 

Live: Volunteers help individuals with disabilities learn independent living skills such as cooking, shopping and exercising.

Learn: Volunteers assist in teaching reading, writing, computer or math classes to individuals with disabilities.

Work: Volunteers help individuals with disabilities improve their chances for better and more meaningful employment; they teach interview, money management, appropriate job behavior skills and many more.

Play: Volunteers help individuals with disabilities build circles of support and facilitate opportunities for fun.  They help plan and throw a party, facilitate a play group for kids, share a hobby or go to the movies. Volunteers use fun activities to assist in the development of social skills.

Becoming a volunteer at Anixter Center will allow you to use your talents to make a positive impact on someone else's life... and your own.

We have many types of volunteer opportunities for individuals or groups at many locations in Chicagoland. Here are some examples of how you can be an advocate for individuals with disabilities to be a full and equal member of their community:

Mentor – Work alongside staff to support individuals with disabilities to engage in healthy, active lifestyles and utilize their community. You will be matched with individuals and programs based on your interests, skills and availability. For instance, become an exercise partner, go to sporting events, take a class together, or go to the movies.

Life Skills Tutor –Facilitate independence and inclusion by teaching, encouraging and supporting life skills. This role requires an ongoing commitment to work with one individual or teach a small class. Life Skills include literacy, communication, activities of daily living such as cooking, learning public transportation, money skills, job skills and more.

Administrative and Special Project Volunteer: Many important projects are put together behind the scenes to ensure quality services for people with disabilities.  Use your talents and skills to help Anixter Center administratively in the office, beautify and make our program space functional (sign up for a one-time painting or maintenance project), or help us with a special event.

Create your own opportunity! Do you have a special skill or talent? Do have an idea on how you can help that you don't see listed here? E-mail Amy Laboy at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call her at (773) 929-8200 ext. 270 to talk about your suggestions. We are open to new ideas!

Our community is very diverse and we are always looking for volunteers who are fluent in American Sign Language or Spanish to help in the provision of services throughout our agency. Contact Amy Laboy to learn about specific opportunities.

Get started now! Click here to fill out our online application and we will contact you soon to talk in details about volunteer opportunities at the Anixter Center.

Jose has been a part of Anixter Center's Literacy Program for 2 years.  Jose has produced some very powerful written works during his time with Literacy and is a very loud voice advocating for his rights – and the rights of all people with disabilities.  An example of one of his pieces:

In My Shoes
In my shoes
I walk
and they're in the form of two wheels of steel.
Yes, it is hard to walk in my shoes
but my fighting spirit holds me up
and won't let me drop.
People ask if the steel shoes hurt
When I walk in them
and I tell them the steel shoes
help me through this cruel world.
In my shoes
people try to put me in a jail cell
but I pick the lock and walk two blocks
where I can catch my breath before I break free.
You are who you are no matter
how many times the government puts you and  your chair aside
Injustice only greases these wheels of steel.
~Jose O.

Heather has been Jose's volunteer since he started Anixter Center's Literacy Program.  They meet weekly at the Harold Washington Library to work on Jose's personal goals of writing and improving his math skills.