Center for Values and Community Service:
All Volunteer Opportunities

Click on a link below to find out how you can make a difference! Contact Heather Stoltz at 212-877-4050 x244 or CommunityService@swfs.org for more information or to sign up for one of the events listed below.

Give 100 Minutes to:

The SWFS CommunityHungry, Homeless, & UnemployedAbuse Victims
Sick and Terminally IllDisabled PeopleElderly
Children & TweensTeens & Young AdultsAnimals
Environment & Public SpacesOther Opportunities

SWFS Community

SWFS Caring Community
The SWFS Caring Community provides assistance to members in times of need and celebrates with them in times of joy.
Volunteer Roles: Friendly phone calls or visits; assistance driving members to and from synagogue or appointments; attend or lead shiva minyan; assemble or deliver holiday packages.
Times, Commitment, and Location: Varies.
Click here for more information.

Hungry, Homeless, and Unemployed

Food and Shelter

Emergency Food Program
Every Saturday morning, SWFS volunteers prepare hot chocolate, and add fresh fruit and whole grain bread to our prepared non-perishable food packages and give them to anyone in need. Our guests represent a wide range of ethnic, racial, age, and gender categories.
Volunteer Roles: Help to prepare and distribute food packages to guests in need.
Times Available: Saturday mornings 8:00-9:15am
Time Commitment: As often as you would like
Location: SWFS lobby
Click here for more information.

Next Step! Men’s Shelter
The SWFS Homeless Shelter provides shelter for ten men, five nights a week, nine months of the year. Our goal is to provide a warm, caring, and safe environment for these men who are in a transitional period in their lives.
Volunteer Roles: Help to set up and cook for the men; sleep at the shelter; or provide training in resume writing or computer skills.
Times Available: Sunday through Thursday evenings. Set up and cooking 6-8pm; Sleepover volunteers 8pm-6:30am; Other programs vary.
Location: SWFS Berns Lounge
Click here for more information.

City Harvest
In an attempt to end hunger in communities throughout New York City, City Harvest rescues and distributes food, educates the public, and seeks other practical, innovative solutions.
Volunteer Roles: Visit the market to collect excess food from farmers and load it onto City Harvest trucks, which deliver the food directly to community programs in the five boroughs; Help with SWFS High Holiday Food Drive to benefit City Harvest.
Times Available: 5:30-7pm Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday evenings between April and January.
Time Commitment: As often as you would like.
Location: Union Square Greenmarket; SWFS

The Bowery Residents’ Committee (BRC)
BRC offers outreach to homeless people living in public spaces through drug treatment, mental health care, comprehensive medical services, vocational services, and supportive communities in which to live.
Volunteer Role: Outreach volunteers, in groups of 3-4, go out and approach individuals who are potentially homeless, asking if they’d like to receive services that might help them get off or stay off the streets.
Times Available: 7-9:30pm
Time Commitment: Once a week for 3 months.
Location: Varies.
Requirements: Volunteers most be at least 18.

Community Lunch Soup Kitchen
Community Lunch serves disadvantaged people in the Morningside Heights, Harlem, and Washington Heights communities.
Volunteer Roles: Help prepare and/or serve a 3 course meal.
Times Available: Fri 10am-1pm (1 or 2 hour shift)
Time Commitment: Come one time or many!
Location: 114th and Broadway

FoodChange
FoodChange provides emergency meals and nutritional education to New York City’s hungry children and adults.
Volunteer Roles: Help prepare food in kitchen, stock pantry shelves, or deliver meals on foot to homebound elderly.
Times Available: 9:00am-6:30pm Mondays through Fridays
Time Commitment: As often as you would like
Location: 252 West 116th Street
Requirements: Volunteers must be 14 or older.

Goddard Riverside Community Center
Goddard Riverside Community Center is a nonprofit organization that provides housing, meals, social services, affordable childcare, educational counseling and vocational training for New Yorkers in need.
Volunteer Roles: Help set up for or work at annual book sale, mentor or tutor a child, or serve holiday meals to their clients.
Times and Commitment: Varies.
Location: 593 Columbus Avenue (88th Street)
Requirements: Volunteers under 16 should be accompanied by an adult.

Sanctuary for Families
Sanctuary for Families is dedicated to the safety, healing, and self-sufficiency of battered women and their children, offering a broad range of high-quality services including shelter, legal assistance, and counseling.
Volunteer Roles: Help set up for or work during events, translate documents, help sort through donations and set up the "boutique" for the clients, or tutor a child or adult.
Time Commitment: Any time you can give is helpful for events and translation. Weekly commitment required for tutoring.
Times and Location: Varies.

West End Intergenerational Residence
West End Serves young homeless mothers age 18-24 with one or two children age 0-7 and single low-income adults age 55 years and older.
Volunteer Roles: Volunteers are needed to assist with child care for the children of single homeless mothers.
Times Available: Weekdays 9-11am and 2-6pm and 6-8pm Monday and Tuesday evenings.
Time Commitment: Any time you can give would help.
Location: 483 West End Ave (at 83rd Street)

Literacy and Mentoring

I-PREP
I-PREP is a FEGS (Federation Employment and Guidance Service) program which helps clients prepare for job interviews. In partnership with UJA/Federation.
Volunteer Role: Conduct mock interviews and assist in resume writing.
Times Available: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 12-2pm
Time Commitment: Flexible.
Location: 315 Hudson Street
Requirements: Volunteers must be 21 or older and should have experience conducting job interviews.

Minds Matter
Minds Matter helps top academically performing high school students in the inner city get into college. Average student GPA is about 3.6 (on a 4.0 scale) while the students’ average family income is about $20,000.
Volunteer Roles: Mentor a high school student by working with them on SAT and other test preparation, writing skills, and college selection.
Times Available: Saturdays late morning/early afternoon.
Time Commitment: At least 3 Saturdays a month for the academic year.
Location: Midtown or downtown Manhattan.
Requirements: Volunteers must have at least a college degree.

Jericho Project
The Jericho Project provides safe housing, personalized support, and skills training so homeless men and women can maintain sobriety, gain employment, reunite their families, and resume productive lives in the community.
Volunteer Roles: Work one-on-one with an adult learning to read.
Time Available: Flexible.
Time Commitment: Depends on the needs of the adult with whom you are paired.
Location: 121st Street and 7th Ave
Requirements: Volunteers must have the patience and sensitivity required to work with illiterate adults.

Jobs and Education Empowerment Program
JEEP helps individuals achieve their career goals.
Volunteer Roles: Prepare adults for job interviews, teach ESL, or teach high school subjects to adults working toward their GED.
Times Available: Various times Mon through Thurs.
Time Commitment: 2 hours/week for 10-12 weeks.
Location: Columbia University Campus or Beacon Cntr
Requirements: Volunteers must be 18 or older.

Upwardly Global
Upwardly Global helps highly-skilled immigrants, refugees and asylees reclaim their careers here in the United States and helps American employers discover and understand this hidden talent pool.
Volunteer Roles: Help an immigrant fine-tune his/her resume, practice for a job interview, or mentor a job seeker as they go through the process.
Time Commitment: Come one time or many for resume review and mock interviews; 5 hours/month for 3-5 months for mentoring.
Times and Location: Varies.

Art Programs

Art Start
Art Start connects New York City’s fine artists with homeless and underserved children to make masterpieces with messages that challenge the students’ self-perceptions, their views of society and current events.
Volunteer Roles: Teach and/or assist in art workshops for homeless and underserved children.
Time Commitment: One evening a week (1-1.5 hours) for 3 months.
Location: Workshops take place at two different transitional housing shelters in Downtown Manhattan.
Requirements: Most volunteers should be 18 and older, but teens may be able to help with specific programs aimed for younger children.

Free Arts NYC
Free Arts NYC provides creative arts programs directly to abused and neglected children and families in group homes, shelters, schools, hospitals and community centers.
Volunteer Role: Mentor a child during an arts program or help guide families through the PACT (Parents and Children Together with Art) program.
Times Available: 10am-3pm Saturdays from Sept to June (2 events per month)
Time Commitment: Volunteer as your schedule allows for Saturday programs or attend weekly programs in the evenings.
Location: Partner agencies in Manhattan.
Requirements: No experience in the arts or working with youth necessary.

Clothing

Suit Up @ F.E.G.S.
Suit Up provides welfare clients, mainly men, with a free brand-new suit and related accessories for job interviews and employment. In partnership with UJA/Federation.
Volunteer Role: Volunteers help clients find the "perfect fit" in a professional outfit or help with donations outreach by contacting companies to increase community support for the program.
Times Available: Anytime from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday.
Time Commitment: A minimum commitment of once a month is requested.
Location: 315 Hudson Street
Requirements: Volunteers must be 18 or older.

Housing Works
Housing Works strives to ensure that homeless and low-income people living with HIV/AIDS and their families have adequate housing, food, social support, drug treatment, health care, and employment.
Volunteer Role: Help sort and organize donations in the 23rd Street Donation Basement or become a sales assistant in the Upper West Side store.
Times and Location: Varies.
Time Commitment: Any time you can give is helpful for organizing the 23rd St store; Regular commitment preferred in the UWS location.

Abuse Victims

Sanctuary for Families
Sanctuary for Families is dedicated to the safety, healing, and self-sufficiency of battered women and their children, offering a broad range of high-quality services including shelter, legal assistance, and counseling.
Volunteer Roles: Help set up for or work during events, translate documents, help sort through donations and set up the "boutique" for the clients, or tutor a child or adult.
Time Commitment: Any time you can give is helpful. Weekly commitment required for tutoring.
Times and Location: Varies.

New York City Alliance Against Sexual Assault
New York City Alliance Against Sexual Assault develops and advances strategies, policies and responses that prevent sexual violence and limit its destabilizing effects on victims, families and communities through research, education, and advocacy.
Volunteer Roles: Various opportunities from assisting with their Media Response Unit to volunteering at SAY SO!, an annual community event to raise public awareness about sexual violence in New York City.
Times and Location: Varies.

RAINN: Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network
The National Sexual Assault Online Hotline, operated by RAINN, provides live, secure, anonymous crisis support to the growing number of people who prefer communicating via the Internet, giving those affected by sexual assault a safe place to turn when they can't find their voice.
Volunteer Roles: Provide much-needed support to victims of sexual assault and their friends and family members.
Times Available: The online hotline runs Monday through Friday 12pm-12am; Saturday and Sunday 12-6pm.
Time Commitment: 6 hours/month in 1-3 hour shifts.
Location: Can be done from any location.
Requirements: Volunteers must be 18 or older and will be trained by RAINN

Free Arts NYC
Arts NYC provides creative arts programs directly to abused and neglected children and families in group homes, shelters, schools, hospitals and community centers.
Volunteer Roles: Mentor a child during an arts program or help guide families through the PACT (Parents and Children Together with Art) program.
Times Available: 10am-3pm Saturdays from Sept-June (2 events per month) for Free Arts Days; times vary for other programs.
Time Commitment: Volunteer as your schedule allows for Saturday programs or attend weekly programs in the evenings.
Location: Partner agencies in Manhattan
Requirements: No experience in the arts or working with youth necessary.

Gina Gibney Dance Company
A pioneering force in linking dance with social service, the company's groundbreaking community initiatives use the transforming power of movement to assist survivors of violence, youth-at-risk, and individuals affected by HIV/AIDS to heal, find their voice and build new lives.
Volunteer Roles: Assist at open studios and performances by setting up, ushering, working in the box office, or helping in other ways as needed.
Times and Location: Varies.
Time Commitment: Come one time or many.

Sick and Terminally Ill

Knit or Crochet for Children
Help bring warmth and comfort to children. Knit or crochet stuffed animals for children at St. Luke's Hospital or blanket squares for adolescents living in a residential treatment center in Westchester.
Time, Commitment, and Location: can be done anywhere at any time.

Musical Mitzvah
SWFS members perform at hospitals, nursing homes, and others places where people could use extra song in their day.
Volunteer Roles: Use your musical talents to bring a smile to someone’s face.
Times, Commitment, and Location: Varies. A rehearsal may or may not be required.

The Family Center
The Family Center works to create a more secure present and future for children whose parents have a life-threatening illness by providing comprehensive legal and social services, education and research.
Volunteer Roles: Mentor or tutor a child, help supervise children while their parents are with the Family Center staff, be a friendly visitor for a caregiver, or help at special events.
Time, Commitment, and Location: Varies.

Gina Gibney Dance Company
The company's groundbreaking community initiatives use the transforming power of movement to assist survivors of violence, youth at risk, and individuals affected by HIV/AIDS to heal, find their voice and build new lives.
Volunteer Roles: Assist at open studios and performances by setting up, ushering, working in the box office, or helping in other ways as needed.
Times and Location: Varies.
Time Commitment: Come one time or many.

Make-A-Wish Foundation
Make-A-Wish Foundation enriches the lives of children with life-threatening medical conditions through its wish-granting work.
Volunteer Roles: Volunteers serve as wish granters, fundraisers, special events assistants and in numerous other capacities.
   Wish Granters meet with the child and family to determine the child’s wish, stay in touch with
   the family until the wish is granted, and present the wish and an enhancement gift to the
   child.
   Phone Greeters call children who come to visit NYC as part of their wish to welcome them to
   the city.
   Story Writers talk to children and families after their wish has been granted and record the
   story for fundraising or other uses.
   Community Outreach volunteers represent the Make-A-Wish Foundation at various events.
   Other volunteers are needed to help at special events and other programs.
Time and Location: Varies depending on volunteer role.

Marty Lyons Foundation
The Marty Lyons Foundation was established in 1982 to fulfill the special wishes of children ages three to seventeen, who have been diagnosed as having a terminal or life threatening illness by providing and arranging special wish requests.
Volunteer Roles: Assist with special events.
Times, Commitment, and Location: Varies.

Only Make Believe
Provides theatrical workshops free of charge to children living with chronic illnesses and disabilities.
The Only Make Believe Costume Collective
   Volunteer Role: Help build costume pieces, backdrops, and props used in the performances.
   Times Available: First Wednesday of every other month 6:30-8:30pm
    Time Commitment: Come one time or many!
    Location: 410 West 40th at 9th Ave.
Only Make Believe Buddy
   Volunteer Role: Help dress children in costumes, assist hospital staff in bringing kids to the
   workshop, and brightening a kid's day.
   Time Commitment: Approximately two hours a week for 6 weeks; most workshops take
   place during business hours.
   Times and Location: Varies.

Soaringwords
Soaringwords empowers communities to embrace hospitalized children and their families and inspires then to "never give up."
Volunteer Roles: Help with a special event; mentor students who make items for hospitalized children; assist with creative projects for children in hospitals.
Times, Commitment and Location: Varies.

Disabled

SWFS Young Adventurers
SWFS provides programs to enrich the lives of challenged adults.
Volunteer Roles: Make a difference in the lives of these friends of the synagogue by spending time with them at a program or service.
Times and Location: Varies.

Achilles Track Club
Achilles Track Club trains athletes with various disabilities for road races.
Race Day Assistance: Set up, register athletes, help along course, present awards, and/or clean-up.
   Times and Location: Various NYC locations. Many races take place in Central Park.
Coaching/Training: Work one-on-one to train an athlete for races.
   Times Available: Training takes place Tuesdays 6:15pm and Saturdays 10:15am.
   Time Commitment: Attend weekly practice to train athletes.
   Location: Weekly training at 90th St. and 5th Ave; location of races varies.

Jewish Guild for the Blind
The Jewish Guild for the Blind serves persons of all ages who are visually impaired, blind and multidisabled. The Guild offers a broad range of programs that include: medical, vision, low vision, psychiatric and rehabilitative services, managed long-term care, residential services, day health programs, schools and educational training programs for independent living.
Volunteer Roles: Work one-on-one with clients reading to them, helping them sort through their mail, and/or just visiting.
Times and Commitment: Monthly, bi-weekly, or weekly commitment requested.
Location: 15 West 65th Street
Requirements: Volunteers must be 14 or older.

Kids Enjoy Exercise Now (KEEN)
KEEN provides recreational opportunities for children and young adults (ages 5-18) with mental and physical disabilities at no cost to their families and caregivers.
Volunteer Roles: Supervise one or two athletes as they enjoy a variety of sports.
Times Available: Saturdays 2:00-3:00pm.
Time Commitment: Come one time or many!
Location: 348 East 54th Street
Requirements: Volunteers must be 18 or older.

Lighthouse International
Lighthouse International provides critically needed vision and rehabilitation services to help people of all ages overcome the challenges of vision loss. Through clinical services, education, research, and advocacy, the Lighthouse enables people with low vision and blindness to enjoy safe, independent and productive lives.
Volunteer Roles: Read to clients, work with the youth programs, assist at special events, and much more.
Times, Commitment, and Location: Varies.
Requirements: Volunteers must be 18 or older.

New York Therapeutic Riding Center
Help children and adults with cerebral palsy, mental retardation, blindness, and other disabilities enjoy the pleasures and therapeutic benefits of horseback riding in New York City.
Volunteer Roles: Assist rider by walking next to them and/or lead horse in the ring.
Times Available: Saturdays 11:00am-1:00pm or 1:00-3:00pm.
Time Commitment: Regular attendance preferred.
Location: Chateau Stables 608 West 48th Street (btwn 11 & 12th Avenues)
Requirements: Volunteers must be 18 or older.

Project HAPPY
Project HAPPY promotes the well-being of New York City's children, youth and young adults with disabilities by providing them with individual and team sports and recreational activities.
Volunteer Roles: Assist disabled children and young adults in various sport programs or make lunch for students and volunteers.
Times Available: Saturdays 10am - 4pm
Time Commitment: Regular attendance preferred.
Location: Hunter College, 425 East 25th Street
Requirements: Volunteers must be 13 and older (15 and up to work in the pool).

Special Olympics
An international program of year-round sports training and athletic competition for more than one million children and adults with mental retardation.
Volunteer Roles: Volunteer at a competition/special event or coach a sport.
Times, Commitment, and Location: Varies.
Requirements: Volunteers under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Sprout
Sprout is dedicated to helping individuals with developmental disabilities and mental retardation grow through challenging and safe travel experiences. The participants have the opportunity to experience age-appropriate, recreational and leisure activities in a small group setting which help enhance their mobility, self-confidence and socialization.
Volunteer Roles: Help supervise day trips or overnight programs for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Times, Commitment, and Location: Varies.
Requirements: Volunteers must be 21 or older.

Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic
Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic (RFB&D) is the leading producer of accessible educational materials for students with disabilities such as visual impairment or dyslexia that make reading standard print difficult or impossible. Titles are available in every subject area and grade level from kindergarten through graduate studies.
Volunteer Roles: Read for or assist with recording of educational books on tape.
Times Available: Monday through Thursday 9am-9pm; Friday 9am-5pm; Saturday 10am-2pm
Time Commitment: Regular commitment preferred (monthly, weekly, or bi-weekly).
Location: 545 5th Avenue (at 45th Street)
Requirements: Most volunteers are 16 and older, but exceptions can be made.

VISIONS: Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired
VISIONS develops and implements programs to assist blind and visually impaired people of all ages to lead independent and active lives in their homes and communities and educates the public to understand the capabilities and needs of people who are blind or visually impaired so that they may be integrated into all aspects of community life.
Volunteer Roles: Help clients sort through mail and magazines, write checks, or complete applications; Escort clients to appointments or stores; Organize a class for the clients (arts, book club, acting, creative writing,...)
Times Available: Monday through Thursday 9am-8pm, Friday 9am-6pm
Time Commitment: Regular attendance preferred.
Location: 135 West 23rd Street

Elderly

SWFS Caring Community
The SWFS Caring Community provides assistance to members in times of need and celebrates with them in times of joy.
Volunteer Roles: Friendly phone calls or visits; assistance driving members to and from synagogue or appointments; attend or lead shiva minyan; assemble or deliver holiday packages.
Times, Commitment, and Location: Varies.

Musical Mitzvah
SWFS members perform for residents in local nursing homes, people in hospitals, and others who could use extra song in their day.
Volunteer Roles: Use your musical talents to bring a smile to someone’s face.
Times, Commitment, and Location: Varies. A rehearsal may be required.

The Blue Card
The Blue Card provides direct assistance to needy Jewish survivors of Nazi persecution.
Volunteer Roles: Telephone or in-person conversations (in English, German, Russian, or Yiddish); monthly vitamin delivery; transcribe Rabbi Hirsch’s weekly sermons to be distributed to the survivors.
Times, Commitment, and Location: Varies.

Project Ezra
Project Ezra is an independent, non-profit grass-roots organization serving the frail elderly on New York's Lower East Side. We provide a variety of services to a largely homebound population.
Volunteer Roles: Weekly or bi-weekly visits; assist with food deliveries for holidays; assist with group activities or trips.
Times and Commitment: Varies.
Location: Lower East Side

DOROT
DOROT enhances the lives of Jewish and other elderly in the greater New York metropolitan area through a dynamic partnership of volunteers, professionals, and elders, fosters mutually beneficial interaction between the generations, and provides education, guidance, and leadership in developing volunteer-based programs for the elderly, nationally and internationally.
Volunteer Roles: Friendly visits and/or holiday package delivery.
Time Commitment: One time package delivery or weekly visits to one senior.
Location: Upper West Side or Upper East Side depending on your preference.

JASA: Jewish Association for Services for the Aged
JASA sustains and enriches the lives of the aging in the New York metropolitan area so that they can remain in the community with dignity and autonomy.
Volunteer Roles: Telephone or in-person visits; Lead a class, lecture or activity at a senior center; Lead group trips; Help an elder care for his/her pet; Puppy-sit for a guide dog in training and bring him/her to visit homebound elderly.
Times, Commitment, and Location: Varies.

Kateri Residence
Kateri Residence provides short-term rehabilitation, subacute and long-term care. SWFS programs at the Kateri Residence are in partnership with UJA/Federation.
Volunteer Roles: Join other SWFS members as we visit the Jewish residents at the Kateri with various programs for Shabbat and Jewish holidays.
Times Available: Once a month on Saturday afternoons (other times may be available if desired).
Time Commitment: Come one time or many!
Location: 87th and Riverside

The Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty
The Met Council is the voice of the Jewish poor, fighting poverty through comprehensive social services designed to treat every individual with dignity and respect.
Volunteer Roles: Become a phone pal, help seniors get to an evening event, make cards for isolated seniors, or help home attendants improve their resume and learn basic computer skills.
Times, Commitment, and Location: Varies.

Medicare Rights Center
Medicare Rights Center (MRC) is the largest independent source of health care information and assistance in the United States for people with Medicare. MRC helps older adults and people with disabilities get good, affordable health care.
Volunteer Role: Help people understand their Medicare options by providing over the phone support or by giving presentations to senior centers.
Times Available: Varies.
Time Commitment: Call clients from home on your own schedule or present at nursing homes approximately once a month. A weekly commitment is expected from hotline volunteers.
Location: Varies.
Requirements: Volunteers must be 18 or older and are required to attend a series of training sessions on Medicare.

Children and Tweens

Literacy and Mentoring

Tutor or mentor an elementary or middle school student to help them succeed in reading, math, and other subjects or assist with skits, games and sports.
Time Commitment: Unless otherwise stated, a weekly commitment is required for these programs.

Partners for Literacy
Partners for Literacy helps children struggling to read by matching each volunteer with one student.
Times Available: Various times available 7:30am to 8:00pm
Location: Local schools.
Requirements: Volunteers must be 12 or older.

I Have a Dream Foundation
The "I Have A Dream" Foundation empowers children in low-income communities to achieve higher education by equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and habits they need to gain entry to higher education and succeed in college and beyond.
Times Available: 4-6pm Monday through Friday; infrequent weekend programs
Time Commitment: Any time you can give is helpful.
Location: 201 W. 93rd St, Ground floor, btwn Broadway and Amsterdam
Requirements: Volunteers must be at least 15 years old.

Learning Leaders
Learning Leaders helps New York City public school students succeed by training volunteers to provide individualized instructional support and other school-based support, and by equipping parents to foster their children’s education development.
Time Commitment: Two hours a week for the accademic year.
Location: NYC public schools
Requirements: Volunteers must be at least 18 years old.

REACH Program
The REACH Program at the Goddard Riverside Community Center is a college awareness program that matches volunteers with middle or high school students to work together towards the student’s goals.
Times Available: Varies.
Location: Upper West Side

The Star Learning Center
By matching low-income children with a volunteer mentor, The Star Learning Center helps each child by improving his/her academic skills, meeting their educational potential, and fostering positive attitudes towards school.
Times Available: Mondays/Wednesdays 3-7pm; Tuesdays-Friday 3-6pm during the school year; times vary in the summer
Location: 26 West 84th Street
Requirements: Volunteers must be high school age or older.

Top Honors
Top Honors is a not-for-profit, mathematics tutoring program for middle school students from the Upper West Side and Harlem.
Times Available: Saturdays 10:30am-12:30pm or 1:30pm-3:30pm
Location: Joan of Arc Middle School (JHS 118), 154 West 93rd Street (between. Amsterdam & Columbus Avenues)
Requirements: Potential volunteers should feel comfortable with math (through algebra) and should be enthusiastic about helping kids succeed.

Arts Programs

All Stars Project
The All Stars Project creates extracurricular, educational and performing arts activities for thousands of poor and minority young people.
Volunteer Roles: Join the theatre team which welcomes guests, works in the box office, and staffs the Center during performances or work directly in inner city communities to help young people produce neighborhood talent shows.
Time Commitment: Flexible.
Location: 543 West 42nd Street
Requirements: Volunteers must be at least 15.

Art Start
Art Start connects New York City’s fine artists with homeless and underserved children to make masterpieces with messages that challenge the students’ self-perceptions, their views of society and current events.
Volunteer Roles: Teach and/or assist in art workshops for homeless and underserved children.
Time Commitment: One to one and a half hours a week for 3 months in the evening.
Location: Workshops take place at two different transitional housing shelters in Downtown Manhattan.
Requirements: Most volunteers should be 18 and older, but teens may be able to help with specific programs aimed for younger children.

CITYarts
CITYarts empowers children and youth by bringing them together to create public art that addresses civic and social issues, impacts their lives, and transforms their communities.
Volunteer Roles: Help students create public art by assisting in a mural project or help behind the scenes preparing for special events.
Time and Location: Varies depending on need.

Creative Arts Workshop
The Creative Arts Workshop utilizes visual and performing arts to empower youth from economically disadvantaged backgrounds to improve their leadership and public speaking skills, build self confidence, and deepen the relationship between art and community.
Volunteer Role: Mentor students ages 5-11 as they work on an art project.
Times Available: Saturdays 11:00am - 3:00pm
Time Commitment: Come one time or many!
Location: 120th Street between 1st and 2nd

Free Arts NYC
Free Arts NYC provides arts programs for abused and neglected children and families in group homes, shelters, schools, hospitals and community centers.
Volunteer Roles: Mentor a child during an arts program or help guide families through the PACT (Parents and Children Together with Art) program.
Times Available: 10am-3pm Saturdays from Sept-June (2 events per month) for Free Arts Days; times vary for other programs.
Time Commitment: Volunteer as your schedule allows for Saturday programs or attend weekly programs in the evenings.
Location: Partner agencies in Manhattan
Requirements: No experience in the arts or working with youth necessary.

Only Make Believe
Provides theatrical workshops free of charge to children living with chronic illnesses and disabilities.
The Only Make Believe Costume Collective
   Volunteer Role: Help build costume pieces, backdrops, and props used in the performances.
   Times Available: First Wednesday of every other month from 6:30pm - 8:30pm
    Time Commitment: Come one time or many!
    Location: 410 West 40th at 9th Ave.
Only Make Believe Buddy
   Volunteer Role: Help dress children in costumes, assist hospital staff in bringing kids to the
   workshop, and brightening a kid's day.
   Time Commitment: Approximately two hours a week for 6 weeks; most workshops take
   place during business hours.
   Times and Location: Varies.

Knit or Crochet for Children
Help bring warmth and comfort to children. Knit or crochet stuffed animals for children at St. Luke's Hospital or blanket squares for adolescents living in a residential treatment center in Westchester.
Times and Location: Can be done anywhere at any time.

Other Programs

The Family Center
The Family Center works to create a more secure present and future for children whose parents have a life-threatening illness by providing comprehensive legal and social services, education and research.
Volunteer Roles: Mentor or tutor a child, help supervise children while their parents are with the Family Center staff, be a friendly visitor for a caregiver, or help at special events.
Time, Commitment, and Location: Varies.

Little Baby Face Foundation
The Little Baby Face Foundation transforms the lives and faces of children born with facial deformities through corrective surgery.
Volunteer Roles: Spend time with a child in NYC for surgery and bring them to a park, museum, or other child-friendly location.
Times and Locations: Varies.
Requirements: Volunteers must be 18 or older, but children are welcome to participate with an adult.

Wendy Hilliard Foundation
Founded in 1996 by international gold medalist Wendy Hilliard, The Wendy Hilliard Foundation offers free gymnastics classes, and an annual sports clinic to inner-city youth.
Volunteer Roles: Assist with special events; help to set up for classes and sign in students.
Times Available: Special Events and Programs vary; Classes held Saturdays 1-3pm
Time Commitment and Location: Varies.

West End Intergenerational Residence
West End Serves Young homeless mothers age 18-24 with one or two children age 0-7 and single low-income adults age 55 years and older.
Volunteer Roles: Volunteers are needed to assist with child care for the children of single homeless mothers.
Times Available: Weekdays 9-11am and 2-6pm and 6-8pm Monday and Tuesday evenings.
Time Commitment: Any time you can give.
Location: 483 West End Ave (at 83rd Street)

CASA: Court Appointed Special Advocate
CASA supports and promotes court-appointed volunteer advocacy for abused and neglected children so that they can thrive in safe, permanent homes.
Volunteer Role: Research foster care cases by interviewing the parties involved, making sure that deadlines are met, ensuring that required services are provided.
Times Available: Work can be done over the phone and via e-mail from home and in accordance with your own schedule.
Time Commitment: Approximately 5 hours each week for one year.
Requirements: Volunteers must be at least 21.

Teens and Young Adults

Literacy and Mentoring

iMentor
iMentor provides a flexible and meaningful way to make a difference in the lives of high school students from underserved communities in New York City.
Volunteer Roles: Mentor one high school student through email and in-person meetings. Volunteers are matched one-on-one with students (mentees) based on shared career or personal interests.
Times Available: On your own schedule.
Time Commitment: Mentors and mentees correspond weekly via email and meet in person monthly at iMentor-hosted events, so the overall time commitment averages 4 to 6 hours a month. iMentor requires a minimum of a one year commitment to the program.
Location: Varies.
Requirements: Volunteers must be at least 21 and live or work in NYC.

Minds Matter
Minds Matter helps top academically performing high school students in the inner city get into college. Average student GPA is about 3.6 (on a 4.0 scale) while the students' average family income is about $20,000.
Volunteer Roles: Mentor a high school student by working with them on SAT and other test preparation, writing skills, and college selection.
Times Available: Saturdays late morning/early afternoon.
Time Commitment: At least 3 Saturdays a month for the academic year.
Location: Midtown or downtown Manhattan.
Requirements: Volunteers must have at least a college degree.

HarlemLive
HarlemLive is award winning, critically acclaimed web magazine produced by teens from throughout New York City. Students (ages 13 to 21) participate in a technology and leadership program which teaches them how to run an online newspaper, organize events, conduct workshops and sit on panels.
Volunteer Role: Serve as an email editor by assisting students with editing and brainstorming possible story ideas.
Time, Commitment, and Location: Proofread and respond to students’ emails on your own time from home.
Requirements: Experience in English, editing, journalism, media or broadcasting preferred.

StreetWise Partners
SWP's unique volunteer network of emerging leaders, representing companies in the hedge fund, private equity, investment banking, management consulting, technology, media, and other industries, helps to mentor and empower people to overcome their employment barriers, attain quality jobs and achieve economic self-sufficiency.
Volunteer Role: Mentor a participant in career development (curriculum provided).
Times Available: Adult Program: Saturdays 10:00am-1:00pm;
Young Adult Program: Wednesdays 6:00-9:00pm
Time Commitment: Once a week for 14 weeks.
Location: Varies.

Youth Action Programs and Homes
Youth Action Programs and Homes provides mentoring for young adults in an effort to create a community of youth and young adults committed to taking responsibility for their own lives and for improving the larger community.
Volunteer Roles: Mentor a young adult (age 17-24) as s/he works toward a GED and undergos leadership development and job readiness training.
Times Available: 9am-3:30pm Monday through Friday.
Time Commitment: 2 visits/month.
Location: 1325 5th Ave (at 111th Street)
Requirements: Volunteers must be 21 or older.

CASA: Court Appointed Special Advocate
The National Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Association, supports and promotes court-appointed volunteer advocacy for abused and neglected children and teens so that they can thrive in safe, permanent homes.
Volunteer Role: CASA volunteers research foster care cases by interviewing the parties involved, making sure that deadlines are met, ensuring that required services are provided and that safeguards are enforced. Work can be done over the phone and via e-mail from home and in accordance with your own schedule.
Times Available: Flexible.
Time Commitment: Approximately 5 hours each week for one year.
Requirements: Volunteers must be at least 21and must be able to talk to everyone involved in a case and remain objective in their recommendations.

Art Programs

All Stars Project
The All Stars Project creates extracurricular, educational and performing arts activities for thousands of poor and minority young people.
Volunteer Role: Join the theatre team which welcomes guests, works in the box office, and staffs the Center during performances or work directly in inner city communities to help young people produce neighborhood talent shows.
Times Available: Varies.
Time Commitment: Flexible.
Location: 543 West 42nd Street
Requirements: Volunteers must be at least 15.

CITYarts
CITYarts empowers children and youth by bringing them together to create public art that addresses civic and social issues, impacts their lives, and transforms their communities.
Volunteer Roles: Help students create public art by assisting in a mural project or help behind the scenes preparing for special events.
Time and Location: Varies depending on need.

Knit or Crochet for Children
Help bring warmth and comfort to adolescents living in a residential treatment center in Westchester by knitting or crocheting squares for a blanket or knit stuffed animals for children at St. Luke's Hospital.
Times and Location: Can be done anywhere at any time.

Animals

PETS Project
JASA matches volunteers with elders who need help caring for their beloved pets.
Volunteer Role: Opportunities range from helping to walk a dog or clean a litter box on a weekly basis, to escorting pets and elders to the vet, serving as an emergency contact, or providing emergency boarding for an animal.
Times, Commitment, and Location: Varies.

Uptown Cats
Uptown Cats rescues, socializes, and puts cats up for adoption.
Volunteer Role: Help find good homes for these cats by assisting at the adoption stand.
Times Available: Thursday through Saturday 2:00-8:00pm
Time Commitment: Any time you can give is helpful.
Location: 82nd Street and Broadway.
Requirements: Volunteers must be 18 or older.

Paws and Reflect
JASA has formed a partnership with Puppies Behind Bars, a non-profit organization that trains prisoners to train guide dogs for the blind. Volunteers puppy-sit on weekends for Puppies Behind Bars and take the puppies to visit homebound elderly through the Paws & Reflect friendly visiting program.
Volunteer Roles: Puppy sit for a guide dog in training and bring the dog to visit an elderly person.
Times Available: Weekends
Time Commitment: Two weekends a month.
Location: Pick up and drop off the puppy in midtown and bring him/her home with you.

Kitten Little Rescue
Kitten Little rescues kittens and places them with caring homes.
Volunteer Role: Assist families adopting a rescued kitten or become a foster home for a kitten in need.
Times Available: Weekends
Time Commitment: Regular assistance preferred.
Location: 72nd and Columbus

Animal Care & Control of NYC
Animal Care & Control of New York City (AC&C) is the largest pet organization in the North East, with an estimated number of 44,000 animals rescued each year. As a not-for-profit organization since 1995, Animal Care & Control has been responsible for New York City's municipal shelter system, rescuing, caring for, and finding loving homes for homeless and abandoned animals in New York City.
Volunteer Roles: Dog walking, cat socialization, cat and dog adoption counseling, fostering, offsite adoption events, photographing animals for website, youth supervisor, Safety Net Program, Fundraising, Media Events, And Much More!
Times and Commitment: Because of the many volunteers who want to help, preference is given to those who can make a weekly commitment.
Location: Shelters at 326 E. 110th Street; 2336 Linden Blvd, Brooklyn; and 3139 Veterans Road West, Staten Island. Adoption events at various locations.

Mighty Mutts
Mighty Mutts is a no-kill, wholly volunteer organization dedicated to helping to save stray animals of New York City.
Volunteer Roles: Help to change food and water, clean crates, and give much needed attention to the 40 cats in the center. Other duties include keeping the center clean and speaking to prospective adopters about the program.
Times Available: Weekdays 7:30am - 8pm; Saturdays 12-3pm; Sundays 12-7pm. (Sundays are "power clean" days.)
Time Commitment: Weekly commitment preferred.
Location: 203 East 26th (off 3rd Av).
Requirements: Volunteers must be at least 18 years old.

KittyKind
KittyKind is a New York City not-for-profit, no-kill, all-volunteer cat rescue and adoption group. Every one of the thousands of cats saved from neglect or abuse is given food, shelter, and medical care.
Volunteer Roles: KittyKind volunteers provide care for the cats available for adoption. Feed the cats fed and clean their cages cleaned or administer medication and socialize the cats.
Times Available: 2-4 hour shifts starting at 8:00am or 6:00pm. Weekend help is especially needed.
Time Commitment: Regular assistance preferred.
Location: Petco Union Square (17th and Broadway)
Requirements: Volunteers must be 18 or older.

Environment and Public Spaces

Central Park Conservancy
The Central Park Conservancy's mission is to restore, manage, and preserve Central Park, in partnership with the public, for the enjoyment of present and future generations.
Volunteer Roles: Work with a group of volunteers to complete large-scale horticulture and maintenance projects throughout the Park.
Times Available: 10:00am-1:00pm Every other Saturday - year round.
Time Commitment: Attendance at 4 meetings each year requested.
Location: Various locations in Central Park.

CITYarts
CITYarts empowers children and youth by bringing them together to create public art that addresses civic and social issues, impacts their lives, and transforms their communities. CITY arts’ projects frequently foster community revitalization by galvanizing businesses, schools, and community organizations in to developing youth programs and constructing playgrounds, green gardens and pocket parks.
Volunteer Roles: Help students create public art by assisting in a mural project or help behind the scenes preparing for special events.
Time and Location: Varies depending on need.

Office of Recycling Outreach and Education (OROE)
OROE seeks to educate New Yorkers so they understand what, when and how to recycle, and we work with residential buildings to create their own recycling plans.
Volunteer Roles: Help at events in various capacities to spread the word and educate the public about recycling.
Times Available: Varies.
Time Commitment: Any time is helpful.
Location: Varies.
Requirements: Volunteers must be 18 or older.

Riverside Park Fund
Volunteers help to keep the parks beautiful by planting and maintaining gardens.
Volunteer Roles: Help maintain the gardens which beautify Riverside Park.
Times Available: Fridays through Sundays, times vary depending on location
Time Commitment: As often as you would like.
Location: Various locations in Riverside Park between 91st and 120th.

Other Opportunities

The International Center
The International Center in New York (ICNY) is a unique community where immigrants, refugees, students and other newcomers to the United States come to practice English and learn about American culture.
Volunteer Role: Help immigrants improve their English skills through conversation.
Times Available: Mondays through Fridays from 10 AM to 8 PM, and Saturdays from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM
Time Commitment: Two hours/week for four-to-six months.
Location: 50 West 23rd Street
Requirements: Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and must have native English fluency.

HeadCount
HeadCount was created by a group of artists, music industry professionals and fans determined to make sure the live music community is well-represented at the polls.
Volunteer Role: Proactively register voters at concert venues at a designated HeadCount table.
Time Commitment: One night or many.
Times and Location: Varies.
Requirements: Volunteers must be at least 18 and must be enthusiastic, good communicators and reliable.

For more information or to volunteer for any of these programs, please contact Heather Stoltz, Community Service Coordinator, at 212-877-4050 x244 or CommunityService@swfs.org.

Also check out these other ways to help:

Also check out our Mitzvah of the Month and see how SWFS Members are giving back to the community in our 100 Minutes in Action Article.