I don't know what your skill set is, but a potential opportunity would be working as a temp for a while. You might end up answering the phone or billing invoices or something else that isn't your passion but you'd get a foot in the door, meet people and have the opportunity to show that you can get things done properly. If you could find a temp firm that would work to place you in non-profits, that would for sure be a plus. The good thing about temp work is that it can certainly be short-term. If you're fearful of the experience, you could go in knowing it is short-term. That might relieve some of the anxiety. And if you need to leave, well, that happens a lot with temps. No stigma there. But it could also be a way in to a full time job. A lot of companies use temps because it gives them a trial period before the actual hiring.

Good luck!

volunteer at your local shelter.

You don't have to deal with people that much, and you'll be helping those animals so much.

You'll be appreciated and get some rec letters just from that.

Also my experience is that most small, local organizations will pretty much be happy for ANY volunteer that just shows up when expected (even just most of the time) and makes any net positive contribution at all. So maybe start small with some local org that interests you and ask them "how can I help?"

That is a wonderful idea - thank you

(but how do I resist the overwhelming urge to adopt them all?)

That's a tough one.

At a church = getting a priest/monsignor/rabbi as a personal reference is a big get!

At a hospital = getting Dr's, Directors of departments as references is highly respected. My wife did this & it led to a job offer & a whole new career for her. She's got a LOT of Dr's that will give her references that make her seem like the 2nd coming of Mother Theresa.

Go to a soup kitchen, animal shelter, any where but just get out there & try to get to know the big people there. This stuff really works.

After being disabled, I landed my first new job because I had volunteered for a hospice and they provided me with a RECENT reference. Temping is good too.

They may not start out as paid positions, but I've known several people who worked into paid positions within six months to a year if they showed had the background (education, certificates, and 1099's or tax forms showing the 1099's from other non-profits that they had worked with) and were proven reliable.
Non-profits have networks across similar fields. So go ahead and use the organizations you worked with previously as references; even if they are no longer active, or were never active in the area you are currently applying in, or even if you don't remember who you could put down as a reference, remember - if the organization you apply for is interested in you from the interview, they will find out the information they need to bring you aboard.
I've worked over the past 25+ years as a contractor, for over a dozen companies; half which are no longer in business, and have lists of personal "references" that I have no idea where they are now, or if they're even alive.
I've never had an issue with prospective employers questioning what I did with a particular company or if I could get ahold of the supervisor I had when I was working on the other coast five years ago, etc...They've always been able to find whatever they wanted off my resume and off the interviews.

As for starting over as a volunteer, I'd suggest checking with the local non-profit/charity aggregates such as the United Way to see what sort of volunteer organizations are around that you are interested in and then call to see how you can help.
The most important thing to do when starting as a volunteer is to be available and dependable, and most places will be happy to bring you on.

On edit - the suggestion to check with "temp" agencies above is a good one, also. A good temp agency (Kelly, Apple, Mantech) will have the ability to verify where and for how long you had worked previously through the IRS, even if the organization is no longer in business.

Good Luck.

Haele

And you spent years doing just that. Highlight those skills. If the idea appeals to you, consider getting an CNA, as they are ALWAYS in demand and you WILL find work. You won't have to do it forever, just long enough to establish a couple of references. You will ace the classes. Good luck.

or food pantry/kitchen. The hours may not be much, but it would get you out interacting with people, plus you would get the reward of helping people, especially at a food pantry/kitchen. Not sure you'd need many references, if any.