Share Your Time. Build Community. Make an Impact.
Ready to get started?
Complete our Volunteer Interest Form and we’ll connect with you about opportunities that match your interests, skills, and availability.
Welcome!
We are so glad you’re here.
At Imagine!, volunteers help create a world of opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, brain injury, and other support needs.
Whether you’re looking to give back, build connections, learn new skills, fulfill a school or service requirement, share a hobby or professional skill, or simply spend time making a difference, there are many ways to get involved.
Volunteers help strengthen our community by supporting activities, building relationships, sharing experiences, and creating opportunities for people of all abilities to participate, connect, and thrive.
Every volunteer brings something unique, and every contribution matters.
Ways You Can Get Involved
Volunteer opportunities vary throughout the year and may include:
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- Community events and special activities
- Supporting people receiving services through shared interests and experiences
- Youth and camp programs
- Food service, hospitality, and café support
- Administrative and behind-the-scenes projects
- Fundraising and donor events
- Sharing a hobby, skill, trade, or professional expertise
- Outdoor, hands-on, and community-based projects
- Group volunteer opportunities for businesses, schools, clubs, and community organizations
Whether you can volunteer once a month, once a week, or for a special event, we’d love to learn more about your interests and availability.
Volunteer Opportunities for Individuals and Groups
We welcome:
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- Individual volunteers
- Families
- Students
- Corporate and business groups
- Community groups
- Service clubs and faith communities
- Retirees
- Skilled volunteers willing to share professional expertise
Limited youth volunteer opportunities may be available for volunteers ages 12 and older, depending on the activity and level of supervision required.
Volunteer at Iris Bistro
Support a unique partnership that brings together older adults, community members, volunteers, students, and people of all abilities through food, hospitality, and meaningful connection.
Thanksgiving Dinner 2025 (Staff)
Two Imagine! staff help make a holiday meal happen
Chef Raul
Preparing our holiday meal
Chef Raul
Delicious!
Iris Bistro Tour May 2026
Imagine! staff and board members enjoy a meal at the Iris Bistro
Golden West Luau
Chef Raul takes a selfie while residents enjoy their summer fun
What is Iris Bistro?
Iris Bistro is a welcoming community café located within Golden West in Boulder. Operated through a partnership between Imagine! and Boulder Housing Partners, the bistro brings together older adults, community members, students, volunteers, and people receiving services around food, connection, and belonging.
More than a café, Iris Bistro creates opportunities for people of all abilities to build relationships, develop skills, and participate meaningfully in community life.
A welcoming place to gain experience, meet people, and give back.
Located near the University of Colorado Boulder campus and downtown Boulder, Iris Bistro offers a unique opportunity to volunteer in a vibrant, intergenerational community setting.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers play an important role in the day-to-day life of Iris Bistro. Opportunities may include:
• Food preparation and baking support
• Hospitality and customer service
• Pantry and food access support
• Stocking and organizing supplies
• Special events and community activities
• Administrative and behind-the-scenes projects
Whether you can volunteer once a month, once a week, or for a special event, we’d love to learn more about your interests and availability.
Service hours for the bistro are 11AM to 1PM; volunteer shifts vary but often begin between 9AM and 10AM.
Why It Matters
Iris Bistro is more than a café. Through a partnership between Imagine! and Boulder Housing Partners, it serves as a welcoming community gathering place where older adults, volunteers, students, community members, and people receiving services can connect, contribute, and build meaningful relationships.
Every volunteer helps create opportunities for connection, belonging, and community participation while supporting a space that brings people together across generations and abilities.
In partnership with
Iris Bistro in the News
Iris Bistro Offers New Option for Golden West Seniors (linked)
“Residents at Golden West Senior Living in Boulder have something to look forward to every day: lunch at The Iris Bistro created by a renowned chef and served on fancy red tablecloths.”
Boulder Housing Partners and Imagine! team up to launch The Iris Bistro at Golden West (linked)
“The Iris Bistro at Golden West is more than just a place to eat – it’s an opportunity to enrich the lives of seniors, promote social engagement and provide access to healthy meals.”