Neighbors 4 Neighbors Is Helping You To Help Others

MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Do you want to help others but don't know where to start? Neighbors 4 Neighbors can help.

HelpingFeelsGood.org is a new website created by Neighbors 4 Neighbors which matches volunteers to those in need. But it's much more than that.

Volunteers sign up and share their interests, expertise and skills and the website then sends a list of projects that match their profile once a week. Volunteers can also search the site via zip code, agency name or key word to find projects.

For local non-profits, the site is a free resource that case workers can use to advocate on behalf of the clients they serve. By posting projects, connecting with local skilled volunteers and sharing the stories behind those connections, the non-profits are able to get great exposure to new audiences.

Since the launch of HelpingFeelsGood.org on March 4th, more than 200 volunteers have registered on the site and many have already been matched with projects at non-profits like Casa Valentina.

Casa Valentina provides resources to young adults aging out of foster care. They're using HelpingFeelsGood.org to post projects and connect with volunteers like professional organizer, Gayle Jacobs.

"There's nothing better than to be able to volunteer doing something you love to do, and I love organizing!" said Jacobs, who runs her own business, Actually Organized.

Jacobs made over the community room for Casa Valentina and continues to give back to the organization by teaching life skills classes to residents.

"There was just such a connection with an organization that I could do what I'm best at," Jacobs explained.

The connection was also valued by Casa Valentina residents and staff.

"I never would have dreamed to have come into contact with a volunteer who could bring so much to our organization," explained Assistant Executive Director Melissa Peerless.

But the residents benefitted most from the match.

"It's an amazing feeling when you have that kind of support behind you," said 21-year-old, Angel Smith. Smith said seeing people donate their time and talents has helped her learn new things and dream big about her future. "It opens a lot of doors a lot of opportunities," said Smith.