Court-appointed community service in West Palm Beach, FL, comes with certain criteria that must be adhered to. First, a community service sentence will include a deadline. The community service hours assigned must be completed within a certain time frame determined by the court to avoid fines or other repercussions. Second, the organization that you complete volunteers hours through must be an approved place by the court for community service. The court will often have a list you can request that includes approved organizations.

It’s important to remember that these organizations often accept volunteers that have not been assigned community service by the court. If you enjoy your time working with them, or are seeking volunteer opportunities outside of court-appointed community service, then speak with someone within the organization to volunteer on your own time. Here are a few examples of places in West Palm Beach where you can volunteer and have the time count toward your community service hours.

The Salvation Army of Palm Beach County

The Salvation Army does a multitude of good for its community. In Florida, it provides assistance by feeding the hungry, supplying groceries through its food pantry, offering rent and mortgage assistance, after school programs, boys and girls groups, music lessons, summer camps, and more. They’re always in need of volunteers to assist with their community programs. In order to complete community service hours through The Salvation Army of Palm Beach County, certain restrictions are in place. You must be at least 18 years old with a valid photo ID and documentation of the court required hours. You must also be able to complete a minimum of 5 hours per day of service.

Habitat for Humanity Palm Beach County

Habitat for Humanity is another community oriented organization in Palm Beach County that allows people to complete their community service hours through their volunteer program. Habitat for Humanity of Palm Beach County seeks to help individuals build strength, stability, self-reliance, and a brighter future through affordable shelter. Volunteering with Habitat for Humanity directly impacts the community. This organization has been providing Palm Beach County with assistance for over 30 years. Court ordered volunteers must meet the organization’s set requirements. This includes attending a mandatory orientation prior to service hours. Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age and the offense the person was assigned community service hours for must not relate to internet crimes, acts of violence, sex-related crimes, or theft crimes. Community service hours cannot be completed at construction sites.

Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League

Those looking to complete community service hours to benefit shelter animals have the option of volunteering through Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League. The facility has a Court Appointed Community Service Worker (CSW) program available to help people meet their mandatory service hours. The program meets the objectives of providing daily, non-animal shelter and equipment maintenance, enrichment, and food bank support. Volunteers must be at least 17 years old with a photo ID or driver’s license, proof of required service, and offenses must be non-violent, non-drug, and non-animal related. Eligible volunteers cannot work directly with the animals. They can volunteer in roles of enrichment prep, feral cat trap maintenance, food bank assistance, and kennel care.