Canisius College and Buffalo Partners in Service
Service Sites
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Service Sites
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A
American Cancer Society- Hope Lodge
101 John James Audubon Parkway
Amherst, NY 14228
Contact: Ann T. Raderman
Phone: 716-882-9244
Email: Ann.Raderman@Cancer.org
Days and times: Flexible hours
Service opportunities: Decorate for the holidays. Cook a meal for the guests once a month (food provided by Hope Lodge). Clean up day, wash woodwork and kitchen cabinets, wipe down baseboards. Paint the doors, baseboards in some of the patients' rooms. Have a movie night for the patients staying at HL, make popcorn and watch one of our collection of videos. Participate on a committee for Relay for Life, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, Daffodil Days, or Distinguished Events. Assist with outreach activities. Participate in a local Advocacy activity. Help with marketing and website.
Required Skills: Project oriented, dynamic, energetic, with demonstrated time management and multi-tasking ability, proven interpersonal, verbal & communication skills. Must be able to think strategically and execute detailed plans to completion. Computer literacy and commitment to the mission of the ACS.
Link to Volunteer Application
Arts Council in Buffalo and Erie County
700 Main St.
Buffalo, NY 14202
Contact: Celeste Lawson
Phone: 716-856-7520, ext. 13
Fax: 716-856-7548
Email: celeste.lawson@artscouncilbuffalo.org
Website: www.artscouncilbuffalo.org
What to do on the website:
1) Click on the link at the top titled "What We Do"
2) Click on the link "Advocacy" which is to the left
3) Under "Get Active" click on the link "Volunteer for the Arts"
Service opportunities: Contact the above telephone number and ask how you can give service to the organization. See what the opportunities are.
Arts in Education Institute of WNY
355 Harlem Road
West Seneca, New York 14224
Contact: Jaqueline Albarella
Phone: 716-821-7516
Fax: 716-821-7564
Email: jackiea@artsined.com
Website: http://www.artsined.com
Agency description: This agency was founded on the belief that works of art have the power to stimulate learning. Their programs bring music, theater, dance, architecture, and visual and media arts into the classroom and encourage students to use their creativity and imagination as tools for learning.
Service opportunities: Help to document the work that is done there, create awareness of the organization through effective marketing, co-teaching with their Teaching Artists, add capacity to their team working in the schools.
Assumption Parish Religious Education
435 Amherst St.
Buffalo, NY 14207
Note: School building is behind church building
Contact: Mary Lou Wyrobek
Email: wyrobekm@canisius.edu
Phone: 716-873-7187
Days: Saturday
Times: 9:30-10:45 am
Service opportunities: Assisting religious education teachers with class preparations, presentations, and interaction with students (K-8).
Note: School building is behind church building.
Autistic Services, Inc.
4444 Bryant Stratton Way
Williamsville, NY 14221
Contact: Veronica Federiconi, Executive Director
Phone: 716-631-5777, ext. 318
Email: veronica@autisticservices.org
Website: www.friendsofasi.org or www.autistecservices.org
Days and times: vary
Agency description: Autistic Services, Inc. works to help integrate people with Autism Spectrum Disorders into the community so they can hold valuable roles and actualize access to the services that society has to offer.
Requirements: If you are interested in working with the population directly, you need to complete an application, reference checks, fingerprinting, proof of PPD test, and a mandated training.
Service opportunities: Autistic Services has an after school program, a Saturday program, and evening art program twice a month, and then day and residential programs. Other opportunities include fundraisers, such as, a spaghetti dinner in April and Arts Works event in October. Art exhibits are held throughout the year and help is needed organizing and running the opening receptions
B
Bornhava
25 Chateau Terrace
Amherst, New York 14226
Contact: Barbara Jo Hard
Phone: 716-839-1655
Email: bjhard@bornhava.org
Website: www.bornhava.org
Days and times: vary
Agency description: Bornhava is an early intervention and preschool program, nurturing and educating children with developmental disabilities. Bornhava partners with families to prepare our students for a full and productive life through encouragement and support.
Service opportunities: Various. Students should have an interest in Special Education, Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy, and/or Psychology. An Orientation program is provided and required of all volunteers
Boys & Girls Clubs of Buffalo (main office)
282 Babcock Street
Buffalo, NY 14210
Contact: Jennifer Mickens, Volunteer Coordinator
Phone: 716-825-1016 ext. 200
Email: jmickens@bgcbuffalo.org
Days and times: vary
Service opportunities: Tutoring, mentoring, reading comprehension program, career launch program, and assisting with computer programs. (Computer programs at 4 clubhouses only.) Activities also include sports, fitness program, and recreation. Special events to be announced.
Buffalo Museum of Science
1020 Humboldt Parkway
Buffalo, NY 14211
Contact: Atticus Ampadu
Phone: 716-896-5200 ext. 344
Email: jprotas@sciencebuff.org
Website: www.sciencebuff.org
Days: vary
Times: vary
Service opportunities: Education facilitator, Camp-In assistant, Camp-Wee explorers, gallery attendant, and greeter. Students will be required to fill out an application and will be interviewed by the Museum.
Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper
1250 Niagara Street
Buffalo, NY 14213
Contact: Kerri Bentkowski, Citizen Action Coordinator
Phone: 716-852-7483 ext. 11
Website: www.bnriverkeeper.org
Days and times: vary
Service opportunities: Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper: Site captains who will adopt a site and find volunteers for that site and cleanup crews for Spring shoreline clean up. Volunteers will help pick up trash along the shore and plant trees. There is also a need to tabling events throughout the spring and summer, Eco Tour Guides, and water quality monitoring.
Beaver Meadow Nature Center/Buffalo Audubon: Nature Tour Guides for
school groups during the week day, help prepare food, children's activities, and other types of service for Earth Day Fest (April), Maple Harvest Fest (March), and other similar events.
Buffalo Olmstead Parks Conservancy
84 Parkside Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14214
Contact: Steven Nagowski, Volunteer Coordinator or Salvatore Sciandra, Assistant Volunteer Coordinator
Email: snagowski@buffaloolmstedparks.org or ssciandra@buffaloolmstedparks.org
Phone: 716-838-1249 ext. 15 or 33
Website: www.buffaloolmstedparks.org
Days and times: vary
Service opportunities: Students are needed to assist in painting projects, trash cleanup, gardening, and general lawn maintenance. Students are also needed to help in the parks throughout the winter months to work outside in the Olmsted Parks. Additional opportunities include:
Fall and Spring Community Tree Plantings: TBD; across all parks
November 14: Tree planting throughout the Olmsted Parks System. 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra (BPO)
499 Franklin St.
Buffalo, NY 14202
Contact: Robin Parkinson, Director of Education
Email: rparkinson@bpo.org
Phone: 716-885-0331, ext. 408
Service opportunities: Check the website for service opportunities: www.bpo.org. Click on the link at the top “Meet BPO”. Then click on the link “BPO volunteer foundation”. You can also request to speak with someone about service opportunities when you call the above number.
Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc.
950 Amherst Street
Buffalo, New York 14216
Phone: 716-877-9295
Contact: Libby
Email: BECandBTRC@aol.com
Website: http://www.thebtrc.org/
Days and times: Program runs on Monday afternoons. Session 6: November 2, November 9, November 16
BTRC Participant Horse Show: November 16, 2009
Classes will be conducted from 2:30-7:00PM. There is always a chance that they will start later that 2:30PM or end earlier than 7:00PM due to enrollment.
Service opportunities: The BTRC currently offers programs for mentally and emotionally impaired, learning disabled and developmentally challenged children ages 6 to 16. Volunteers are always needed and are an invaluable part of the program. They can assist with horse care, handling or serving as a friend.
Special instructions: Interested students need to complete a training.
Buffalo Weed and Seed
65 Niagara Square, 218 City Hall
Buffalo, New York 14202
Contact: Antwan K. Diggs Sr., Program Coordinator
Phone: 716-851-4281
Email: adiggs@city-buffalo.com
Days and times: Flexible
Agency description: Buffalo Weed and Seed exists to improve the quality of life, promote economic development and create safe environments by fostering citizen participation and developing public/private resources and community assets.
Service opportunities: Current East Side Havens include: Lt. Col. Matt Urban ham Services Center of WNY (Polonia Youth Hall). Ellicott-Masten Family YMCA, Crucial Human Services, the Delavan-Grider Community Center, International League of Muslim Women, Saint Columba/Brigid Teen Center and There's None Like You Family Community Outreach. Some of the types of programs available are: academic courses and tutoring, mentoring, prevention education, dispute resolution and mediation: youth forums; mediation training; and youth and family counseling, anti-gang education and training, performance and applied arts.
Burgard High School
400 Kensington Ave.
Buffalo, NY 14214
Contact: Florence Krieter, Principal
Phone: 716-816-4450
Fax: 716-838-7546
Email: fkrieter@buffaloschools.org
Days and times: vary
Service opportunities: Service is to be determined with the principal. There is a 45 minute orientation required.
C
Canine Helpers for the Handicapped, Inc.
5699 Ridge Rd. Lockport, NY 14094
Contact: Beverly Underwood, Executive director
Phone: 716-433-4035
Email: CHHDogs@aol.com
Website: http://caninehelpers.NetFirms.com
Days: vary
Times: vary
Service opportunities: Assisting with and caring for animals.
Cantalician Center for Children
1360 Eggert Road
Amherst, New York 14226
Contact: Colleen O’Connell Jancevski
Email: coconnell@cantalician.org
Phone: 716-833-5353, ext. 132
Website: www.cantalician.org
Days: Monday - Friday
Times: vary
Service opportunities: Students familiarizing themselves with disabled children or young adults, eventually interacting with them and assisting in the classroom.
Catholic Charities: Immigration and Refugee Assistance Program
394 Franklin Street
Suite 200
Buffalo, NY 14202
Contact: Becky Mischler, Volunteer Coordinator
Phone: 716-842-0270
Email: b.mischler@ccwny.org
Days: Monday through Friday
Times: 8:45-4:45
Service opportunities: Assisting adult teachers with ESL in small classes of adults, tutoring, babysitting, immigration assistance work, helping people prepare for employment searches, teaching simple computer programs to staff, and basic adult computer classes. Help get apartments ready for clients. Assist case managers with the needs of refugees.
Character Academy
618 Jefferson (between Sycamore and Broadway)
Buffalo, NY 14204
Contact: Yvette Suarez
Phone: 716-852-5502 ext. 107
E-mail: bestvetever@yahoo.com
Days: last Saturday of each Month
Times: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Service opportunities: The Program is about character development. You will be working with inner-city students who are "at risk". Students’ ages range from 6 to 12 years. Service opportunities include: reading to students, playing board games, health nutrition (mentioning programming). Education students preferred, but other are welcome to participate. *This program runs every third Saturday and will resume in January.
Circle of Women: Reach and Teach Across Borders
P.O Box 381365
Cambridge, MA 02238-1265
Contact: Lauren Daniel, Canisius Chapter
Email: info@circleofwomen.org; daniell@canisius.edu
Website: http://www.circleofwomen.org/index.php
Days and times: vary
Agency description: Circle of Women is a small nonprofit dedicated to building schools for girls in developing countries. Their first project is a secondary school for 1200 girls in Afghanistan, where the female literacy rate is only 12% (UNICEF). While a group of college students and recent grads fund-raise, organize, and spread awareness at home, experienced collaborators manage construction locally.
Service opportunities: On a strictly volunteer basis, the organization communicates with their collaborators, organizes fund-raising and awareness-raising events, and keeps their donors in the loop. Also, students are needed to lend a hand with mailers by addressing envelopes or posting information and/or flyers in the community, helping set up a film screening in the community, or hosting an information session, such as a tea, cocktail party, or breakfast.
The Clean Air Coalition of WNY
2840 Delaware Ave, Suite 202
Kenmore, NY 14217
Phone: 716-873-5608
Contact: Erin Heaney
Email: eheaney1@gmail.com
Website: www.cacwny.org
Agency description: The Clean Air Coalition of WNY is a community-based organization that informs and organizes residents to prevent and reduce pollution. The Coalition is currently running a campaign to reduce benzene and other harmful emissions from the Tonawanda Coke Corporation. A NYS DEC study found benzene levels were 75 times higher than the EPA guideline and that Tonawanda Coke was the predominant source.
Days and times: vary
Service opportunities: Community outreach, volunteer coordination, and environmental research. Please contact Erin directly for more information.
Coalition for Economic Justice
237 Main Street, Suite 1200
Buffalo, NY 14203
Contact: Micaela Shapiro-Shelby
Phone: 716-892-5877
Fax: 716-852-3802
Email: micaela@buffalojwj.org
Website: http://www.buffalojwj.org/index.html
Days and times: vary
Agency description: The Coalition for Economic Justice is an ongoing coalition of labor, faith, community, academic and student activists and organizations. They engage in collective action to promote strong, sustainable communities and economic justice for all. Together, they build and win dynamic campaigns for living wages, rights at work, accountable economic development and health care for all, through education, public advocacy and mobilization of our members, communities, and allies.
Service opportunities: Door to door canvassing, help with newsletter, listserv, blogs, website, research. Contact Micaela for more information.
Compeer of Greater Buffalo
135 Delaware Ave. Suite 210
Buffalo, NY 14202
Contact: Ryan Daley, Director- Compeer Adult Services
Phone: 716-883-3331, ext. 318
Fax: 716-883-3395
Email: ryan@compeerbuffalo.org
Website: www.compeerbuffalo.org
Service opportunities: Partners in Empowerment Program: For the fifth consecutive year Compeer of Greater Buffalo will be partnering with local colleges and universities in the Partners in Empowerment Program (PIE). In this program senior social work, psychology, sociology, nursing students as well as other human service students are paired with adults and seniors that are part of the Compeer program and are living with a mental health issue. The adults and seniors serve in a mentoring role to the student. The goal of this program is to give students the invaluable one-to-one learning experience with a person living with mental illness in the community. Students will learn about symptoms, diagnosis, medication, side effects, therapy, community resources, and stigma in an effort to better prepare them for entry into their field of work, especially those thinking about working with those affected by mental illness. PIE also aims to help overcome stigma and preconceptions of mental illness and learn to analyze these issues. Promotion of resiliency, protective factors, and recovery are key components of this program. While this is clearly of benefit to the students the experience also provides an opportunity to empower, validate, and affirm life experiences of those affected by mental illness.
Volunteer opportunities in Compeer for Kids, Adult Services and Senior Program are also available. For all the programs, student volunteers can spend as little as an hour a week doing fun things or simple activities with a person who needs a friend and is striving for good mental health. Over four hundred people are on the waiting list simply in need of a friend! Link to Volunteer Application
Concerned Ecumenical Ministries: STAR After School Program
286 Lafayette Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14213
Contact: Cynthia Lehman, Program Director
Phone: 716-882-2442 ext. 27
Email: clehman@cembuffalo.org
Days: Monday through Friday
Times: 2:30-5:30
Service opportunities: Tutoring, computer help, peace circles, and activities.
Cornerstone Manor
150 East North Street
Buffalo, NY 14203
Contact: Peggy Johnson, Director of Volunteer Ministry or Kathy King, Assistant
Phone: 716-854-8181 ext. 408 or 404; 716-852-0761
Email: pjohnson@buffalocitymission.org
Website: www.buffalocitymission.org
Days and times: vary
Service opportunities: See Volunteer Opportunities. Complete Volunteer Application.
Creating Assets Savings & Hope (CASH)
742 Delaware Ave
Buffalo, NY 14202
Contact: Kathryn Lawton; Katie Lyons
Phone: 716-887-2706; 716-887-2671
Email: Kathryn.lawton@uwbec.org; katie.lyons@uwbec.org
Website: www.cashbuffalo.org
Agency description: CASH Buffalo works to increase the stability of low-to-moderate income families by increasing access to tax credits and income supports; improving financial literacy, and providing opportunities for affordable housing and other asset development.
CASH currently operates a free tax preparation program at 12-14 sites each year and facilitates access to the Self-Sufficiency Calculator, a web-based tool that enables working families to determine their eligibility for nineteen income supports. CASH members are also working to improve the coordination and consistency of financial education programming and seeking to increase the availability of various asset building opportunities including Individual Development Accounts (IDAS) and microenterprise.
Service opportunities:
Free Tax Preparation: Under the supervision of tax professionals, you will have the opportunity to complete federal and state income tax returns. There is also a need for greeters, translators, tax experts (for students with previous experience), or in a new role as a CASH Advisor. CASH Advisors help families determine eligibility for services and provide information on financial education and asset building opportunities.
CASH Coaches: CASH Coaches is a one-on-one financial mentoring program designed to help low-to-moderate income individuals address common financial concerns. Students will help clients to identify financial values, set fiscal goals, formulate a plan to reach goals, focus on progress toward goals, and address obstacles to success. The pair works together over 3-5 months within community settings.
Crucial Human Services
230 Moselle St.
Buffalo, NY 14211
Contact: Staci Turner, Acting Director
Email: staciaturner@hotmail.com
Phone: 716-895-8891, ext. 14
Days: Monday-Thursday
Times: 3-6 pm
Service opportunities: Tutoring students, grades 1-8, in English, Math, Social Studies, and Sciences. Assistance is also needed in grant research. (9:00 am – 6:00 pm).
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E
El Buen Amigo Fair Trade Store
114 Elmwood Ave.
Buffalo, NY 14201
Contact: Santiago Masferrer
Phone: 716-885-6343
Email: lacanewyork@yahoo.com
Website: ElBuenAmigo.net
Store hours: Monday-Saturday from 11:00 am-7:30 pm. Sunday from 11:00 am -5:00 pm
Agency description: El Buen Amigo is a non-profit Fair Trade store offering both art and imported goods from Central and South American fair trade co-operatives. El Buen Amigo ensures that the people who make these goods get a fair price for their goods. 100% of proceeds from the El Buen Amigo store are put towards eradicating poverty and improving the quality of life for the people of Latin America.
Service opportunities: Working in the store. Help is needed in preparing a business plan and a marketing plan, grant writing, freelance writing about the agency abroad and locally to publicize it in area newspapers, TV or radio stations.
EPIC (Every Person Influences Children)
1000 Main Street
Buffalo, NY 14202
Contact: Liese Ness, Director Ready, Set, Parent! Program
Email: nessl@epicforchildren.org
Phone: 716-332-4192
Website: http://www.epicforchildren.org/parenting.cfm?id=5390
Days and times: vary; evenings and/or weekends available
Agency description: Collaborative program of EPIC and Baker Victory Services will engage education, nursing, social work or other students in learning about and supporting services for mothers of newborn children in local birthing hospitals and at community workshops.
Service opportunities: Help professional Hospital Coordinators recruit parents of newborn infants to attend parenting classes on hospital floors, and/or to participate in community workshops. Work with Hospital Coordinators on other duties and tasks including paperwork, insurance records, planning/staffing events, community outreach and other miscellaneous administrative duties, depending on skills and interest. The exceptional student may help Ready, Set, Parent! Staff teach new parents (in-hospital), how to support healthy infant development and how to prevent shaken baby syndrome, childhood obesity, abandonment, neglect and other issues.
Note: Services delivered at Children's Hospital of Buffalo (Elmwood Avenue), Kenmore Mercy Hospital, Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital, Sisters of Charity Hospital and local community sites (workshops).
F
Family Promise WNY 16 Glendhu Place Buffalo, NY 14210
Contact: Executive Director, to express placement, then the individual site coordinator.
Phone: 716-821-9100
Email: IHNGB@aol.com
Website: www.IHNGB.org
Days and times: vary
Service opportunities: Since the agency is in a state of reorganization, assistance is needed with grant writing, fundraising, and fixing up and cleaning the facilities.
Felician Sisters Villa Maria Infirmary
600 Doat Street
Buffalo, NY 14211-2602
Contact: Sister Carol
Email: felicians@cssfbuffalo.org
Phone: 716-892-4141 ext. 413
Website: http://www.cssfbuffalo.org/
Days and times: The Sisters are available anytime during the week and weekends except during mealtimes: 8:00 am, noon, and 5:30 pm.
Service opportunities: Practicing the Polish language by conversing with and visiting Polish Sisters in the infirmary.
FLARE (Fillmore Leroy Area Residents Inc.)
307 Leroy Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14214
Contact: Ray Walters
Email: cpa898@hotmail.com
Phone: 716-838-6740
Agency description: FLARE was established by concerned residents in the Fillmore-Leroy area of Buffalo over 20 years ago. Its services are focused both on housing and human service issues. As a result of their efforts, FLARE was able to establish the following: 17 rental units that are available to low income people, home improvement grants and low interest loans for low income residents, an acquisition rehabilitation sale program, beautification projects, new construction projects, a food pantry, senior nutrition program, senior transportation, and youth services program. After visiting FLARE and feeling empowered to assist its community members, members of the Youth Leadership Buffalo organization and the East Aurora schools collected 7,000 books to donate to the youth of the neighborhood and to be used in various literacy programs at the FLARE Center.
Service opportunities: Assisting youth in improving hands on science investigation.
G
Gerard Place: Transitional Housing Program For Homeless Single Parent Families
2515 Bailey Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14215
Contact: Karen Kasperek, life skills educator/case manager
Phone: 716-897-9948 ext. 112
Email: kkgerardplace@aol.com
Days: Tuesday through Thursday
Times: 3-5 pm
Service opportunities: Job training, life books (help residents with scrap booking), physical activity or the arts. Participation in a Life Skills Program gives volunteers the opportunity to make life skills presentations to residents on a variety of topics including: interview preparation, budgeting, financial planning, or personal enrichment. Tutoring and story time with children are also available.
New: Community Education Center (Fall 2009): The Community Education Center will be opening to the community this Fall. There will be a need for tutors, after-school help (3:30 pm-5:30 pm), child care, and computer help. The Center will be open from 9:00 am-7:00 pm. Contact: Lisa Jo Schaeffer; 716-897-9948, ext. 110; lisajo311@hotmail.com. Lisa would be happy to come to talk to any student or group about the project.
Gilda's Club
1140 Delaware Avenue.
Buffalo, NY 14209
Contact: Heidi Billittier
Phone: 716-332-5900 ext. 212
Email: hbillittier@gildasclubwny.org
Days: Generally Monday - Friday
Times: vary
Agency description: Gilda's Club Western New York’s Mission is to create welcoming communities of free support for everyone living with cancer - men, women, teens and children - along with their families and friends. This innovative program is an essential complement to medical care, providing networking and support groups, lectures, workshops, and social activities. Noogieland is a special area of every clubhouse designed specifically for children impacted by cancer, whether directly or by having a family member or friend with cancer. There are a variety of volunteer opportunities available ranging from front desk support to gardening to assisting in Noogieland.
Special instructions: If you are interested in doing your service hours at Gilda's Club, you need to email Alexandra Gryta, Graduate Assistant, at grytaa@canisius.edu. Do not contact Gilda's Club on your own.
Link to Volunteer Application
Gloria J. Parks Community Center
3242 Main St.
Buffalo, NY 14214
Contact: Andrew Byrd
Email: accounting@uhcda.org
Website: www.uhcda.org
Phone: 716-832-1010
Days and times: vary
Service opportunities: Help in developing and implementing recreational activities with senior, athletic & youth programs. Students are also needed to work in the computer lab with our senior population between the hours of 10:00 am - 2:00 pm, youth population 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. and young adults 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm. Computer lab time will involve tutoring, basic hardware & software support & teaching opportunities. We are also in need of students to help with capacity planning in our youth, senior & housing departments.
Greenfield Rehabilitation Center
5949 Broadway
Lancaster, NY 14086
Note: A health screening, orientation, and background check (handled
by Greenfield) are required to participate. A minimum of 20 hours is required.
Contact: Vivian Cosentino, Community Relations Coordinator
Email: vcosentino@niagaralutheran.org
Phone: 716-886-4377
Website: www.niagaralutheran.org
Days: Any day of the week; evenings and weekends available.
Times: vary
Service opportunities: Assisting the residents to and from activities, physical therapy beautician, trips, etc. Help during activities, visiting with residents, sharing/teaching hobbies or crafts, clerical work is needed. Group activities are also encouraged. In the spring and at other times, it would be nice to have a group come to help clean park areas.
H
Hamlin Park: P.S. 74
126 Donaldson Rd.
Buffalo, NY 14208
Contact: Tracie-Michele Lewis, Principal
Email: TALewis@buffaloschools.org
Phone: 716-816-3490
Days and times: vary
Service opportunities: Assisting students with school-work in the classroom.
Hawk Creek Wildlife Center, Inc.
655 Luther Road
East Aurora NY, 14052
Contact: Allison Colbourne
Email: ed@hawkcreek.org
Phone: 716-652-8646
Website: http://www.hawkcreek.org/
Days and times: vary
Service opportunities: The center relies on the time, talents, and of course, the elbow grease of the volunteers and interns. The volunteers work with and feed the educational animals, and tend to the temporary residents, the patients. They are also relied upon when newsletters and appeals need to be written. Students are needed to assist with their booth at the Galleria Mall periodically. Also students are needed to help with cleaning days, which are held every Wednesday and Saturday from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.
Link to Volunteer Application
High Hurdles Therapeutic Riding Program of Suburban Adult Services, Inc.
(located in Sardinia, just north of Arcade and 20 minutes from the end of Route 400)
Mailing Address: 960 West Maple Court
Elma, NY 14059
Contact: Judy Feine, Equine Services Supervisor
Phone: 716-496-5551
Email: jfeine@sasinc.org
Website: http://www.sasinc.org/highhurdles.aspx
Days and times: vary
Service opportunities: Assisting High Hurdles riders with developmental disabilities from the age of three. High Hurdles offers cognitively, emotionally and physically challenged individuals a unique opportunity for growth and development. Instructors, students, horses and volunteers all work together to achieve challenging yet attainable horsemanship goals. Learning to care for and about horses while mastering riding skills is what High Hurdles is all about. Students should have an interest in human services, education, OT/PT/Speech, or the mental health field.
Note: High Hurdles requires all prospective volunteers to submit an application with references, have it approved, and attend a one hour orientation. *It is important to get started right away because they application process may take a few weeks.
Hispanics United of Buffalo Advocacy for Disadvantaged Latinos
254 Virginia
Buffalo, NY 14201
Contact: Lourdes Iglesias
Email: liglesias@hubwny.com
Phone: 716-856-7110
Days: Monday-Friday
Times: 8:30 am- 5:00 pm; 8:30 am -7:00 pm on Tuesdays
Service opportunities: Domestic Violence Services: linkage with health, legal and emergency shelter assistance, anger management classes, education to prevent violence and promote healthy relationships. AIDS Outreach and Education: to prevent substance abuse and the spread of HIV/AIDS. Senior Services: on-site weekly lunches and recreation, informational workshops. Senior Citizen center has daily activities from 7:30am to 4:30pm. Youth Services: court advocacy/alternatives to incarceration, tutoring, mentoring, employment preparation and job placement assistance, after school program for 13-18 years of age, youth anger management classes. Housing Services: homeless intervention, transitional housing, homeownership and others.
Saturdays there is an employment and training program as well. Additional volunteer opportunities exist for marketing, accounting, and digital media arts students.
Holy Cross Head Start
150 Maryland Street, Holy Cross Main Center
Buffalo, NY 14201
Note: If you are interested, you need proof of a physical exam, TB test, and PPD test.
Contact: Charla Smith
Phone: 716-852-8373 ext. 31
Email: csmith@holycrossheadstart.org
Days: Monday through Friday
Times: 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Service opportunities: Students can assist with classroom activities, art time, story time, and gym time, among other activities. Opportunities exist for Spanish and Arabic language use.
Hunter’s Hope Foundation
6368 West Quaker Street (Rte. 20A) (For shipping only)
Post Office Box 643
Orchard Park, New York 14127
Phone: 716-667-1200, ext 208
Fax: 716-667-1212
Email: info@huntershope.org
Contact: Tiffany Rolek
Agency description: The Hunter’s Hope Foundation was established in 1997 by Pro Football Hall of Fame member and former Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly and his wife, Jill, after their infant son, Hunter, was diagnosed with Krabbe Disease (Globoid-Cell Leukodystrophy). The Foundation is the Kelly’s lifelong commitment to increase public awareness of Krabbe Disease and other leukodystrophies, as well as to increase the likelihood of early detection and treatment. The Foundation’s goal is to fund research efforts to identify new treatments, therapies and a cure for Krabbe Disease. To date, through the Foundation over $14 million has been awarded to leukodystrophy and other neurological disease related research.
Service opportunities: Hunter’s Day of Hope for Children on February 13, 2010. Help is needed with setup and running of events and cleanup after the event.
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International Institute of Buffalo
864 Delaware Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14209
Contact: Hana Cox
Phone: 716-883-1900 ext. 310
Email: hcox@iibuff.org
Website: http://www.iibuff.org/
Days: Monday through Friday
Times: 8:30-5:00
Service opportunities:
Archival Volunteer: Assist executive director in developing archive system, establishing administrative filing system and in developing agency wide record maintenance system. International Visitor Assistant: help edit, update, and prepare back files for database.
Interpreting and Translation Assistant: assist the Coordinators of Interpreting and Translation Services in receiving service requests, assigning service requests to interpreters and translators, interacting with customers in person, by phone or email. Refugee Arrival assistant: assist in the moving/pick-up of donations, set-up of apartments and help ensure other basic living needs for arriving refugees.
Donation Drive Assistance: identify areas of need for newly arrived refugees/immigrants, organize/solicit other organizers of on-campus or community donation drives to raise needed supplies for newly arrived refugee clients.
Community Cultural Research: research local social outlets/networks for various cultural/ethnic groups; develop linkages between our refugee/trafficking clients and local community support
Babel Cultural Night: research local community resources, organize/assist in the production of “cultural nights” that correspond with cultural backgrounds of the authors participating in the Babel Literary Series. Cultural nights are to occur the month before the author reads.
Short Term Opportunities: Spend a day helping to set up apartments for refugees or prepare a house for a baby’s arrival.
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Jericho Road Ministries
184 Barton Street
Buffalo, NY 14213
Contact: Jaynee Van Wormer
Email: jayneevanwormer@gmail.com
Phone: 716-348-3000
Website: http://www.jrm-buffalo.org/index.html
Days and times: Monday – Friday, 3:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Agency description: Jericho Road Ministries began 5 years ago as a not-for-profit, faith-based adjunct to Jericho Road Family Practice, which has provided safety-net medical care in Buffalo for over 10 years. Its mission is to strengthen the character and relationships of families, children, and individuals through attention to health, wellness, education, and spirituality based on mutual respect, understanding, and trust.
Service opportunities: Tutors are needed for middle school aged refugees students for homework and basic literacy and math skills. Please see website.
Link to Volunteer Application: http://www.jrm-buffalo.org/volunteerapp.pdf
Joan A. Male Family Support Center
Raggedy Ann & Andy Comprehensive Child Care Center
60 Dingens Street
Buffalo, NY 14206
Contact: Holly Hahn-Baker, Volunteer Coordinator
Phone: 716-822-0919
Email: jamvolunteer@aol.com
Website: www.joanamale.org
Days and times: vary
Agency description: The Joan A. Male Family Support Center provides services to families raising children and gives the support you can’t always get from family, neighbors, or even parents. The Center is a multi-service agency, providing in-home support services to all of Erie County.
Service opportunities: Mentoring Program: Mentor children, 14 years and older, who have aged out of foster care or have been freed for adoption with no support system.
Requirement: Volunteers must commit to at least one year of service. Mentors should be willing to spend an average of two hours per week with a child or young adult.
Working with the children: In various capacities.
Requirement: A minimum of 40 hours of service is required.
Giving Tree Event (November & December): Sit at the Giving Tree table to help make the holiday brighter for a needy child.
Requirement: A minimum of 3 hours of service is required.
Important: Orientation and training; In order to work with children, you must go through security clearances.
Journey's End Refugee Services
184 Barton Street
Buffalo, NY 14213
Contact: Elaine Smythe-Bogumil
Phone: 716-882-4963 ext. 15
Email: volunteer@jrsbuffalo.org; esmythe-bogumil@jrsbuffalo.org
Website: www.jerswny.org
Days and times: vary
Service opportunities: Interacting with resettled refugees, assisting with apartment set-up, helping increase financial literacy, employment help, tutoring for the citizen exam (history class), helping with ESL classes, graphic design, giving assistance to French and Spanish speaking refugees, and computer work and programming.
Public Relations: A number of students /groups could do this as there will be various audiences/markets.
Grantwriting: For various programs including sponsorship of special events.
Web Wizards: To assist with linking materials to the website, to work with staff on web based postings, and to work with staff on web-based/on-line skills(teach/mentor).
Hospitality: The Ride will incorporate various ‘hospitality aspects’ including a post ride party.
Computer teaching tools: Create PowerPoint or cds or dvds to assist with basic life skills (Dressing to suit the weather, keeping a safe & healthy kitchen for newcomers who have never experienced a modern kitchen), financial literacy- basic money, banking, bill payment, and American holidays – cultural awareness.
Resettlement aides: Work with staff with clerical and resettlement activities such as household set-up, escort or transport clients to appointments, teach bus system assist with telephone and reception, mailings and client files.
Tutors/ mentors: Will be matched for a minimum of one hour/week to teach laundry, bill payment, shopping, safety in the home, language skills, basic housekeeping.
English, Journalism students: Write articles for newsletter or submission to area news media to assist with creating interesting volunteer job descriptions.
Business/ Management: Assist with the planning, management of event, tracking programs, establishing record systems for volunteer dept. etc.
Foreign Language: Work with clients & practice language skills in Swahili, Arabic, French, Spanish, Burmese, Farsi.
Journey’s End Refugee Services: "Let’s Go to the Library Program"
through Americorps VISTA at the Niagara Branch Library
280 Porter Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14201
Contact: Kelly Cooper, VISTA Volunteer
Phone: 716-882-4963 ext. 20
Email: info@jerswny.org
Website: http://jerswny.org/services.htm
Days and times: Vary
Requirement: Volunteer Orientation (days and times on website)
Service opportunities: The "Let's Go to the Library" program is an exciting program on the West Side of Buffalo that is designed to meet the needs of the growing refugee population. The program is developed by Journey's End Refugee Services and is held at the Niagara Branch Library at 280 Porter Avenue. They are seeking motivated volunteers that enjoy working with children and commit to participating in our six week program this semester. Volunteer tutors will meet with families and help them learn English, basic computer skills, and assist them with homework and other educational activities. All volunteers will receive an orientation and training prior to the start of the program.
Junior Achievement of WNY
275 Oak St.
Buffalo, NY 14203
Contact: Alycia Ivancie or Shannon Bloomquist
Phone: 716-853-1381 (Alicia- ext. 15; Shannon- ext. 16)
Email: aivancie@jawny.org or sbloomquist@jawny.org
Website: http://wny.ja.org
Agency description: Junior Achievement of WNY is a non-profit organization that places student, business, and community volunteers in local classrooms to help children learn about the global economy, the value of free enterprise, and the importance of staying in school. The time commitment is minimal, usually about 10 hours, and includes five, six or seven 45 minute sessions in a classroom. Students choose the grade level and subject matter in which they are comfortable. JA provides training, lesson plans, and materials, so no experience is necessary.
Service opportunity: Education students will learn first-hand about classroom management; Business students can brush up on basic business concepts; Communication students can polish speaking skills. Students of all majors and studies can have fun making a difference for our local youth.
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KC's Fitness/Fight Back Program
First Presbyterian Church, 2nd floor
1 Symphony Circle
Buffalo, NY 14201
Contact: Kevin Cunningham
Email: info@kcsfitness.com
Phone: 716-886-0252
Days: Wednesday
Times: 3:30-5:30 pm
Service opportunities: Tutoring Somali and Bantu children in a variety of subjects.
Kenmore Mercy Hospital
2950 Elmwood Avenue
Kenmore, NY 14217
Phone: 716-447-6189
Contact: Lynn A Overbeck, Director of Volunteer Services
Email: lo8365@chsbuffalo.org
Website: www.chsbuffalo.org
Days: vary
Times: vary
Service opportunities: Aiding nurses and staff with patients. Specific requests can be made to the volunteer coordinator for a particular area of interest.
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Literacy Center at Canisius
2001 Main Street
Health Science 113A
Buffalo, NY 14208
Contact: Stefany Gunderman; Dr. Rosemary Murray, Director of the Literacy Center
Phone: 716-888-3728
Email: gunderms@canisius.edu; murray1@canisius.edu
Website: www.canisius.edu/read
Days & times: Mondays: October 5 – November 30, 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.; Saturdays: October 3 – November 21, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Service opportunities: Assisting children and teens with reading and writing. Tutors will work one-on-one with a child under the direct supervision of a teacher with expertise in reading.
Special instructions: If you are interested in participating, fill out and sign the information form. Please forward the form to the Literacy Center - Health Science Room 113A or scan the signed document and email to Stefany N. Gunderman at gunderms@canisius.edu.
Little Portion Friary
1305 Main St.
Buffalo, NY 14209
Note: Use side door
Contact: Joe Ritzert or Elly (Elly is only there on Saturdays from 9 am - 1 pm)
Phone: 716-882-5705
Days: vary
Times: vary
Service opportunities: Assisting the cook with food preparation(1-6pm) and serving food. You need not stay the entire time if unable to do so. Students can also assist in the shelter.
Loaves and Fishes Dining Room
Lafayette Church
875 Elmwood Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14222
Contact: Anne Harrington, Program Coordinator
Email: annesharrington@yahoo.com
Phone: 716-882-1861
Website: http://bscstudent.buffalostate.edu/lembdl37/web/loaves_fishes/index.html
Days: Monday through Friday
Times: 8:30 am - 2:00 pm
Service opportunities: Food preparation (9-11am), serving food, and interacting on an individual level with guests (11:30-12:30).
Lutheran Church Home
217 East Delevan Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14208
Contact: Joan Griffin, Volunteer Coordinator
Phone: 716-882-1231
Website: www.tlch.org
Days and times: vary
Service opportunities: Participation in the Grandparent Program. Volunteers visit with the residents and participate in monthly recreational activities that may include game night, arts and crafts, and taking a field trip to the park or a ball game. Other opportunities include: Monday 1:15-3:30 pm: Bowling with residents and Thursday 1-3 pm: Retired Senior Volunteer Program-Making quilts for children.
There is also a need for a student to lead an exercise program geared towards the elderly. This can be catered to fit your schedule.There is also a need for a student to lead an exercise program geared towards the elderly. This can be catered to fit your schedule. Lutheran Church Home can use help sometimes with things like cleaning wheelchairs, painting, etc.
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The McGuire Group
Northgate Health Care Facility
7264 Nash Rd.
North Tonawanda 14120
Contact: Katherine Bender, Activity Director
Email: kbender@mcguiregroup.com
Phone: 716-694-7700
Website: www.mcguiregroup.com
Service opportunities: Service providers spend time that enhances the quality of life for the senior residents. There is a flexible schedule. The coordinator will help to orient you to opportunities available including games, crafts, and writing life histories of residents.
Requirements: A background check. A general orientation is given before starting.
Link to Volunteer Application
Meals on Wheels
100 James E. Casey Dr.
Buffalo, NY 14206
Contact: Linda Naylor, Volunteer Coordinator
Email: lnaylor@mealsonwheelswny.org
Phone: 716-822-2005, ext. 12
Fax: 716-822-0932
Agency description: Meals on Wheels is a private, not-for-profit agency which provides home delivered meals to homebound, frail, elderly or disabled persons living within the service area. The greatest need for volunteers is in the City of Buffalo.
Service Opportunities: Contact the coordinator to see how you can be involved and the days and times of availability.
Additional Information
Link to Volunteer Application
The Morlock Foundation
512 Pearl St.
Suites 301-305
Buffalo, NY 14202
Contact: Jill Crandell, Volunteer Coordinator, Carmaletta Zandi, President or Marlyn Euler
Phone: 716-810-2608 (Jill) or 716-842-1300
Email: TheMorlockFoundation@Buffalo.com or tmfbod@verizon.net
Website: www.themorlockfoundation.org
Agency description: The Morlock Foundation is a non-profit devoted to helping Western New York families with unfortunate circumstances. Our programs are targeted to assist those faced with overwhelming medical bills and grocery needs, and to offer support to those who are in crisis.
Service opportunities: Vary. See website.
Mount St. Joseph Academy
15 Jewett Parkway at Main St.
Buffalo, NY 14214
Contact: Mary Bunich (if unavailable, contact the Principal: Dr. Scott Fike)
Phone: 716-833-1515 (Mary- ext. 306; Scott- ext. 315)
Website: http://www.msja.org/
Days and times: flexible
Service opportunities: General tutoring and tutoring in French, Latin, Math, and Spanish, Reading, and general homework help. Help in the classrooms is needed as well (K-8). There is a need for a Business student who could assist in Development.
Msgr. Peter Adamski Polish Saturday School
93 Gualbert Ave.
Cheektowaga, NY 14211
Contact: Mira Szramel, Principal
Phone: 716-681-6739
Email: info@polishsaturdayschool.com or ziggyszr@msn.com
Website: http://www.polishsaturdayschool.com
Days: Saturdays (10:30 am-1:30 pm)
Times: 10:30-1:30 pm Children's Classes K-8 (with lunch break)
10:30-1:30 pm Adult Class (with lunch break)
Service opportunities: Working with children and adults who are studying the
Polish language and culture. Please direct all questions to email with contact information.
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Niagara Lutheran Health and Rehabilitation Home
64 Hager Street
Buffalo, NY 14208
Note: A health screening, orientation, and background check (handled
by Niagara Lutheran) are required to participate. A minimum of 20 hours is required.
Contact: Vivian Cosentino, Community Relations Coordinator
Email: vcosentino@niagaralutheran.org
Phone: 716-886-4377, ext. 365
Website: www.niagaralutheran.org
Days: Any day of the week, weekends and evenings available
Times: vary
Service opportunities: Help is needed assisting the residents to and from activities, physical therapy beautician, trips, etc. Help is needed during activities, visiting with residents, sharing/teaching hobbies or crafts, clerical work. Group activities are also encouraged. In the spring and at other times, it would be nice to have a group come to help clean park areas. Help is also needed entering information into excel.
None Like You After School Program
595 Sycamore Street
Buffalo, NY 14204
Contact: Mrs. Elizabeth Triggs, Director
Email: nonelikeyou_triggs@yahoo.com
Phone: 716-444-5108
Days: Monday through Friday
Times: 4:00-6:00
Service opportunities: Tutorial help for children and teens with writing, reading, and science skills. Opportunities also include teaching children about computers, Photoshop, and researching on the computer. There is also a need for tutoring senior citizens in reading and math during the day. Other opportunities include help with environmental research, accounting, finance, science research, all of which can be done between 9 am - 6 pm.
North Buffalo Community Center
203 Sanders Rd.
Buffalo, NY 14216
Contact: Joann Williamson
Email: jwilliamson@northbuffalocdc.org
Phone: 716-874-2199, ext. 16
Days and times: vary; Tutoring begins at 2:30 pm
Service opportunities: Recreational activities and tutoring in the afternoon. There is a need for help in senior services, especially on Wednesday and Friday mornings as well. Help with data entry for the Benefits and Entitlement Program is needed also.
Northeast Family Branch YMCA
4433 Main Street
Amherst, NY 14226
Contact: Jody Hares, Fitness Director
Email: jhares@ymcabuffaloniagara.org
Phone: 716-839 - 2543
Website: www.ymcabuffaloniagara.org
Days and times: vary
Service opportunities: Youth Activities Assistant: Monday - Thursday 6:30 - 7:30 Team up with a YMCA Staff member to deliver programs. Assist with activities like Kids Fit, Kids Yoga, Messy Play,Bookworms, etc. Experience working with youth ages 3 and up is required.
Fitness Programs (Flexible Schedule): Work with members one-on-one to develop fitness programs. CPR Certification and prior experience/course work in exercise science is required. The YMCA is able to provide training courses as well (at no charge to the volunteer).
Aquatics Progams (Flexible Schedule): Train to teach Aquatic Fitness classes and/or assist with youth or adult swim lesson instruction. Requires CPR certification.
Afterschool Program: Monday - Friday from 2:30- 6:00p.m. The students are from grades K-5. Assist with afterschool activities including homework help, craft projects, physical activity, group projects, and more.
Senior Services (mornings): Assist with our SilverSneakers Fitness Programs,make phone calls to participants who we have not seen in our facility, and plan monthly special events.
Member Services/Marketing (flexible schedule): Assist in all aspects of member service and marketing. Duties may include making phone calls to inactive members,
writing press releases, developing flyers, preparing mailings, etc.
Requirement: All YMCA after-school programs are licensed by the Office of Children and Family Services and require all staff and volunteers to complete a comprehensive background check, annual physical, TB Test, and fingerprinting.
Northwest Buffalo Community Center, Inc.
155 Lawn Ave.
Buffalo, NY 14207
Contact: Tony Williams, Director of Operations
Email: tonywilliams20@hotmail.com
Website: http://www.nwbccinc.org
Phone: 716-876-8108 ext. 13
Times: Youth (6 – 13 years of age): 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Teenagers (14 – 18 years of age): 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Seniors: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm.
Days: Monday-Friday
Service opportunities: Working with seniors during the day. Tutoring and recreation (ages 6-13) from 3-7 pm, and recreation/ SAT-ACT prep (ages 14-18) from 7-9:30 pm.
New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG)
Buffalo State College Chapter
Campbell Student Union, Room 419
1300 Elmwood Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14222
Contact: Ms. Corey Tarreto, NYPIRG Buffalo State Project Coordinator
Email: ctarreto.nypirg@gmail.com
Phone: 716-882-1549
Website: www.nypirg.org/oncampus/buff
Days and times: Monday-Friday, 10:00 am-4:00pm
Agency description: NYPIRG is the state's largest student-run, not-for-profit, nonpartisan organization with chapters located at over 20 different schools across the state. NYPIRG focuses on five areas which include the environment, hunger and homelessness, higher education, voters' rights, and consumer rights. NYPIRG is always looking for students to help with various campaigns.
Service opportunities: The type of work NYPIRG does is broad but includes public speaking, creative design, event planning, lobbying, writing for the media, holding press conferences, engaging and empowering fellow students, and running effective meetings and campaigns. NYPIRG houses a Small Claims Court Action Center where they assist individuals who need help understanding the Small Claims Court system by taking phone calls from the public who need their help. NYPIRG also has a significant amount of data basing that needs to be done on a regular basis.
Requirements: NYPIRG provides training for this and many other projects so that students will have the proper skills needed to successfully accomplish any task that might be asked of them.
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Occupational Training Center
Tri-Main Building
2495 Main Street
Buffalo, New York 14214
Contact: Nancy De Peters
Phone: 716-816-3250
Email: ndepetersn@buffaloschools.org
Days: Tuesdays and Fridays
Service opportunities: Assisting the teacher in the classroom.
Our Lady of Pompeii School (Lancaster)
129 Laverack Ave
Lancaster, NY 14086
Contact: Harlean Nehrbass, Principal
Email: hnehrbass@yahoo.com
Phone: 716-684-4664
Days: vary
Times: vary
Service opportunities: Tutoring children after school.
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The Paint Box Project through the Roswell Park Alliance Foundation
Elm and Carlton Streets
Buffalo, NY 14263
Contact: Alicia Becker, Manager
Phone: 716-845-8119
Email: alicia.becker@roswellpark.org
Website: www.PaintBoxProject.com
Days: vary
Times: vary
Service opportunities: The Paint Box Project is a program that uses the healing power of art to help young cancer patients and their families express themselves during and after cancer treatment. They host art parties where children create original designs that are featured on holiday and all-occasion cards and gifts. This year, the Paint Box Project is looking for volunteers to support the Packaging & Shipping and Adopt-a-Retail-Location teams. They also have seasonal (October-December) in-office opportunities, requiring skills in marketing, communications, customer support and general support.
Peace of the City- Homework Club
567 Hertel Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14207
Contact: Lena Sweet
Phone: 716-474-4370
Email: lenvelope@aol.com
Website: www.peaceofthecity.org
Agency description: Peace of the City Ministries employs a “roll up your sleeves and get to work“ attitude. They feel constrained by the call of Jesus Christ to care for those our society would rather forget. Their ministry seeks to provide for the physical, spiritual, and emotional needs of the poor and “working poor”.
Days and times: Monday – Thursday 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Service opportunities: Tutor students in grades 1 – 6. Children enjoy homework help, tutoring, crafts, board games, and devotions focusing on Jesus, in a safe, family-like atmosphere. The goal is to provide hope, peace and purpose to young people that are without a place to call home.
P.S. 17: Early Childhood Center
1045 West Delevan
Buffalo, NY 14209
Contact: Greg Johnson
Email: GAJohnson@buffaloschools.org
Website: http://www.buffaloschools.org/EarlyChildhoodCenter17.cfm?subpage=44685
Phone: 716-816-3150
Days: Monday through Friday
Times: 9:30-3:00
Service opportunities: Assisting in classrooms mainly for Math (small groups for reinforcement), English, and Reading. Help is also needed in the cafeteria from 11:10 am to 1:10 pm to role model positive behavior and to build relationships.
Note: S-L students will not ever be alone with school students because you will not have been fingerprinted.
Special instructions: Please complete the Application Form and read Service-Learning Expectations
P.S. 45 International School
141 Hoyt Street
Buffalo, NY 14213
Contact: Kathy Foy, Program Coordinator
Phone: 716-816-3300
Email: kfoy@buffaloschools.org
Days: Monday through Friday
Times: 7:55 am-2:00 pm—other options can be arranged
Service opportunities: ESL, tutoring in various subject areas, music, special ed., and computer work.
P.S. 54 Dr. George E. Blackman
345 Olympic Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14215
Contact: Elizabeth Martina, Principal
Phone: 716-816-3340
Email: Emartina@Buffaloschools.org (use email before calling)
Website: http://www.buffaloschools.org/Blackman54.cfm
Days: Monday through Thursday
Times: 3:00-5:30 (Other times during the day may be arranged)
Service opportunities: Read First Program, tutoring, after school program, technological projects.
P.S. 59 Dr. Charles R. Drew Science Magnet- Museum Site (located by the Museum of Science)
1 Martin Luther King Park
Buffalo, NY 14211
Contact: Sue Hunt
Phone: 716-816-3370
Email: shunt@buffaloschools.org
Website: http://www.buffaloschools.org/DrewScienceMagnet.cfm
Service opportunities: Read First Program, tutoring, after school program, technological projects with 2nd-6th graders.
PUSH Buffalo
Grant Street Neighborhood Center
271 Grant St
Buffalo, NY 14213
Contact: Briana Roy
Phone: 716-884-0356
Email: briana.a.roy@gmail.com
Website: http://www.pushbuffalo.org/
Days and times: after school hours, Monday through Friday
Agency description: The agency is working with SUNY Buffalo to reinstate the library. The drop in center/afterschool program is in full operation 5 days a week with clients ranging from 11-17 years old.
Service opportunities: Help is needed in the areas of art and health (ie. create a mural for the library, present on healthy eating, etc.). Other suggestions are encouraged.
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Sabah (Skating Athletes Bold at Heart)
2607 Niagara Street
Buffalo, NY 14207
Contact: Sheila O’Brien
Phone: 716-362-9600
Email: sabah@sabahinc.org
Website: www.sabahinc.org
Service opportunities: As an ON-ICE Volunteer, you will help with group skating lessons. Lessons are held six days a week at five rinks throughout WNY. One or more volunteers will be paired with a skater and expected to work with this athlete from October until the Annual Ice Show (March/April). This position is an ongoing commitment requiring dedicated attendance. On-Ice Volunteers help skaters reach personal goals and learn basic skating skills and techniques. Volunteers also help the skater improve coordination, balance and communication.
As an OFF-ICE or ICE SHOW Volunteer, you will help with equipment, registration,
and fundraising, or as ticket takers, ushers, program sellers and
special event aides. Throughout the year, SABAH hosts numerous
community events, and we are always in need of volunteers to help
by staffing tables for events, making phone calls or assisting with mailings.
Science Firsthand: First Hand Learning
2495 Main Street, Suite 559
Buffalo, NY 14214
Contact: Stephanie Sears, Program Manager-At-Large
* Students who are interested in volunteering as Science Firsthand mentors at these sites can contact the Youth Director at Valley and the principal at St. Monica's for more information.
Phone: 716-831-8722 or 716-831-9160
Email: stefsears@gmail.com
Website: www.firsthandlearning.org/sciencefirsthand
Days and times: vary
Agency description: Science Firsthand matches adult mentors with middle school students to do hands on science investigations. The Science Firsthand programs are site based at out - of - school time programs in Buffalo, addressing both the need for meaningful programming and the opportunities that this time presents for science exploration. The mentoring relationship is an additional asset for both youth and mentor. There is a great need for adult mentors for the youth we serve
Service opportunities: Science Firsthand mentors are matched with youth at the after school programs at St. Monica's Scholars and The Valley Center. Service Learning students who volunteer at those sites can become Science Firsthand mentors. In this capacity, volunteers become partners with 1 youth or with a small group of 2-3 adults and 4-6 youth, to engage in hands on science exploration. A Science Firsthand manager supervises the program and meetings, and helps mentors develop the investigations.
Schofield Residence
3333 Elmwood Avenue
Kenmore, NY 14217
Contact: Mary Lou Tarquini de la Plante, Asst. Director of CR&VS
Phone: 716-874-1566 ext. 324
Email: mldelaplante@schofieldcare.org
Website: http://www.schofieldcare.org/volunop.html
Days: vary
Times: vary
Agency description: Schofield Residence is a long term skilled nursing facility that offers personal care assistance, rehabilitation services and it also has an Adult Day Program on the entire 3rd floor of Sheehan Medical Center (425 Michigan Ave, Buffalo NY 14203).
Service opportunities: Volunteers visit residents, provide support in our Adult Day Health Care Program, lead activities programs, give clerical support, and offer their help in countless other ways. The time and service they devote to Schofield's residents, registrants and patients make our volunteers a vital component of the Schofield family. All volunteers receive a thorough orientation to Schofield and training by employees and other volunteers. Service needs at Schofield also include:
• Sharing a skill: clergy, card players, musicians & entertainers, etc.
• Assisting with special events or field trips
• Transporting residents to activities, religious services, meals, and therapy sessions
• Delivering residents' mail
• Helping various departments with clerical work
• Assisting on group outings to museums, concerts, and shopping malls
• Visiting residents and providing companionship
• Accompanying residents to medical appointments off-site
Seneca Babcock Community Center
1168 Seneca Street
Buffalo, New York 14210
Phone: 716-822-5094, ext 11
Contact: Brian Pilarski (716-560-6442)
Email: Senecababcock@aol.com
Agency description: This is a non-profit, multi-faceted human service agency, providing services and programs to the residents of the Seneca Babcock Community. The programs include senior citizen services and programs, family support services, and youth services and programs.
Service opportunities: "Prime Time" Youth Program:
Monday - Friday from 2:30-7:00 program based upon the 40 Developmental
Assets with activities including homework help, one on one tutoring, computer instruction, physical education, art classes, science program, a meal program, field trips, family events, game room recreation, prevention trainings and workshops.
Sisters of Charity Hospital
2157 Main Street
Buffalo, NY 14214
Contact: Lynn A Overbeck, Director of Volunteer Services
Phone: 716-862-1106
Email: lo8365@chsbuffalo.org
Website: www.chsbuffalo.org
Days: vary
Times: vary
Service opportunities: Aiding nurses and staff with patients. Specific requests can be made to the volunteer coordinator for a particular area of interest.
South Buffalo Community Table
185 Southside Parkway
Buffalo, NY 14220
Phone: 716-822-3193
Email: vanvolkj@canisius.edu
Service opportunities: Wednesdays from 2:45-5:45pm to help prepare and serve meals to the less fortunate and needy of South Buffalo and the city. Transportation is provided. Please contact Joe Van Volkenburg in order to participate in this experience. He is located in Campus Ministry, 888-2875.
SPCA
205 Ensminger Rd.
Tonawanda, NY
Contact: Kim Zolnowski
Phone: 716-875-7360
Email: Kimz@spcaec.com
Service opportunities: Kennel helper, assist with farm animals and wildlife, humane education (giving tours), data entry, and special events. More information on specific service opportunities: Humane Education; TLC; Volunteer Coordinator
Special Olympics
Contact: Shelby Baker, Program Director, Western Region
Phone: 716-530-3346
Email: sbaker@nyso.org
Website: www.specialolympicsny.org
Days and times: vary
Agency description: Special Olympics New York provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-style sports for all children and adults with intellectual disabilities, including mental retardation giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of skills and friendship with their families, Special Olympics athletes and the community. Through their participation in Special Olympics New York athletes gain confidence and build a positive self-image, which carries into the classroom, the home, the workplace and the community.
Service opportunities: More information is on the website or you can contact Shelby Baker.
St. Ambrose Catholic Academy (Champ Program)
Choosing Healthy Alternatives for Mind and Play
260 Okell Street
Buffalo, NY 14220
Contact: Laura Kazmierczak, Principal
Phone: 716-824-6360
Email: es19@buffalodiocese.org
Website:
http://www.wnycatholicschools.org/index.php?src=gendocs&ref=ACA__Home
Days and times: Tues & Thurs - from 2:45 pm - 4:15 pm.
Service opportunities: Volunteers will work with middle school students (grades 6th-8th). They will run/supervise program, and tutoring/Homework Assistance. The students will do a 45 minute athletic session and will be followed by 30 minutes of tutoring/study table. There is also an option to help with intramural sports.
St. Augustine Campus for Young Men
21 Davidson St.
Buffalo, NY 14215
Contact: Father Durkin, Program Director; Nancy Langer, President
Phone: 716-984-5146
Email: NMLanger@aol.com
Website: www.NativityMiguelMiddle.org
Agency description: Provides a structured, stable environment, and personal mentoring to African-American, Latino and African “asylees” from violence and persecution in Africa to prepare them for the ability to enter high school. When these students first enter the school, many of them are performing below grade level academically and are already showing signs of negative street influence including poor self esteem, lack of self confidence, and limited anger control.
Days and times: vary
Service opportunities: After school tutoring, sports, music, art, specialized tutoring of African-American, Latino, and African students. In addition to direct service to students, there is also a need in the areas of marketing, recruiting, grant writing, communications and fundraising. Your service will be instrumental in sustaining the Jesuit middle school apostolate on the middle school level in Buffalo.
St. Augustine and St. Monica Scholars Program
One M&T Plaza, 4th Floor
Buffalo, NY 14203
Contact (for this project): Bart Kresse. Marketing Manager, M&T Bank
Phone: 716-842-4660
Email: BKresse@mtbank.com
Days and times: vary
Agency description: /videoinstitute/staugmon.asp.
Service opportunity: M&T Bank is looking for students to be a part of a committee that is redesigning the website for St. Augustine and St. Monica Scholars Program. The committee is being organized by one of their trustees, Bart Kresse, the Marketing Manager for M&T Bank. As part of this committee, the students will design, code and maintain a web site for the program. Ideally, the student will have experience with web site design (HTML and some web design software programs) and/or experience producing and maintaining web sites.
St. Francis Nursing Home
147 Reist St.
Williamsville, NY 14221
Contact: Sr. Bea Vendetti
Phone: 716-633-5400 x249
Service opportunities: Adopt-a-resident, friendly visitor, transporting residents to activities, book buddy, activity volunteer, religious services (playing instrument/singing), assisting at bingo programs, pet visits, plus other ideas you may suggest.
Note: You need to call for an interview, at which time you will fill out an application. The interview is used to get acquainted and to discover the skills, abilities, and preferences of the service provider in relation to the needs of the resident.
St. Joseph's University School
Extension After School Program
3275 Main Street
Buffalo, NY 14214
Contact: Sister Fredericka Polanski
Phone: 716-835-7395
Website: www.stjosephbuffalo.com/school.htm
Days: Monday through Friday
Times: 2:30 - 4:30 pm
Service opportunities: Tutoring, children ages 4-14 in a variety of subjects including Math and Spanish. Additional opportunities include arts, crafts, and assisting teachers in the Pre-K or kindergarten at any time during the school day. Spanish language opportunities also exist, including the opportunity to create a Spanish club. There is the opportunity to do lead music activities in the after school program.
St. Joseph University Parish Center
3269 Main St.
Buffalo, NY 14214
Contact: Sister Elizabeth Buchala, SSMN
Phone: 716-833-0298
Email: ebssmn@juno.com
Website: http://www.stjosephbuffalo.com/ and www.stjoesfaith.com
Days and times: vary
Service opportunities: Assisting religious education teachers with class preparation, presentations, and being involved in interaction with students.
Assist with technology, such as power point, filming, editing homemade videos, etc.
St. Mary of the Assumption Parish
Office of Faith Formation
2 St. Mary’s Hill
Lancaster, NY 14086
Contact: Elaine Driscoll, DRE
Email: elained@stmarysonthehill.org
Phone: 716-683-8564
Website: http://www.stmarysonthehill.org/
Days and times: Tuesday evenings: 6:30-8:00 PM (grades 5-8)
Small group leaders are needed for Grades 6, 7 and 8.
Sunday mornings: once a month, 9:30-10:45 AM (grades 4-8)
Sunday evenings: Catechists for grades 9 and 10.
Requirements: Participant must be of the Catholic faith.
Service opportunities: To share your Catholic faith with youth of a suburban parish while gaining valuable classroom experience. You will be teaching religious education according to a set curriculum.
St. Mary’s School for the Deaf
2253 Main St.
Buffalo, NY 14214
Contact: Paul Crowley
Email: pcrowley@smsdk12.org
Phone: 716-834-7200 x195
Service opportunities: Helping students in a tutorial situation.
St. Monica Scholars Program
Jesuit Middle School Program for Girls
201 Winston Road
Buffalo, NY 14216
Contact: Mrs. Laura Derigo, Program Director; Nancy Langer, President
Phone: 716-984-5146
Email: NMLanger@aol.com
Website: www.NativityMiguelMiddle.org
Agency description: Provides low income middle school students at risk of academic failure the character, strength, and skills needed to succeed in high school, continue onto college and become successful members of the community.
Days and times: vary
Service opportunities: After school tutoring, sports, music, art, specialized tutoring of African-American, Latino, and African students. New: Science Firsthand mentors are matched with youth at the after school programs at St. Monica's Scholars. Service Learning students who volunteer at those sites can become Science Firsthand mentors. In this capacity, volunteers become partners with 1 youth or with a small group of 2-3 adults and 4-6 youth, to engage in hands on science exploration. A Science Firsthand manager supervises the program and meetings, and helps mentors develop the investigations. Interested student should contact the principal at St. Monica's for more information.
In addition to direct service to students, there is also a need in the areas of marketing, recruiting, grant writing, communications and fundraising. Your service will be instrumental in sustaining the Jesuit middle school apostolate on the middle school level in Buffalo.
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Tapestry Charter School K-8
40 North Street
Buffalo, NY 14202
Contact: Inge Baeumler-Monin
Phone: 716-332-0754, ext. 133
Email: inge@tapestryschool.org
Website: www.tapestryschool.org
Days: Monday through Friday
Times: vary
Service opportunities: K-8 Spanish, physical education, 5-8 math, multi-age classrooms K-8, and tutoring.
Tapestry High School
2253 Main St.
Buffalo, NY 14208
Contact: Jack Turner
Phone: 716-204-5883 x117
Email: turnerj@tapestryschool.org
Website: www.tapestryschool.org
Days: Monday through Friday
Times: vary
Service opportunities: Assistance with Academic Support Program from 1:20-2:10, 2:10-3:00, and 3:00-3:45. Presentations may be made on different topics during the day or during academic support times.
TRY Program: A Residential Program for Young Women
(Teaching and Restoring Youth)
228 Brinkman Ave.
Buffalo, NY 14211
Contact: Sr. Janet DiPasquale, Director; Betsy Harris
Phone: 716-892-2814
Fax: 716-891-4408
Email: tryinfo@adelphia.net; bharris2003@verizon.net
Website: www.tryprogram.org
Days: vary
Times: anytime after 3:30 pm
Agency description: TRY is a transitional housing program which offers a loving and supportive structured environment to young women between the ages of 16 and 25 who are homeless and have suffered from abuse, violence and victimization. The goal is to help these women develop independent living skills, explore in-depth issues of self-esteem, anger, and conflict as well as heal from the scars of emotional and physical abuse.
Service opportunities: Tutoring, preparing small presentations on life skill topics such as anger management, self esteem, personal budgeting and other independent life skills. There is an opportunity to incorporate creative services, such as arts and crafts, dance, photography, music etc. to do with the women. Also, students can take the women out for social events such as bowling.
Consult with the director to see what you may do.
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UB Center for Advanced Biomedical and Bioengineering Technology (UB CAT) - NYS Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics & Life Sciences
701 Ellicott Street
Buffalo, NY 14203
Contact: Renata M. Bator MBA, Business Development Associate
Email: rmbator@buffalo.edu
Phone: 716-881-7588
Days and times: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM; vary
Service opportunities: This program will only be able to bring one student on board given the types of events that would be relevant to this experience. Since the program is a blend of science and business, interested students are asked to contact Renata Bator regarding their interest and to discuss the types of experiences available to determine appropriate fit. Initial projects may include event management, marketing projects, market research exposure, and/or workforce development initiatives. Please visit their website at http://www.bioinformatics.buffalo.edu for more information.
Universal School of Buffalo (Islamic)
1955 Genesee St
Buffalo, NY 14211
First Contact: Kathy Ahmed - Principal
Email: admin@myuniversalschool.org
Second Contact: April Arman - Vice Principal
Email: april_arman@yahoo.com
Phone: 716-689-6050
Days and times: vary
Agency description: The Universal School of Buffalo is an independent Islamically based educational institution committed to academic achievement and spiritual excellence.
Service opportunities: Helping in the classroom during the day, assisting a child in need, or working with the teacher in a religion class or other type of class, helping to create and run an after school program for children having difficulty with their studies. All of these opportunities will give Canisius students a chance to also learn more about Arabic culture and the people of Middle-Eastern origin. Also there is an opportunity for office related support or other program support.
Upstate New York Transplant Services
110 Broadway Ave.
Buffalo, NY 14203
Contact: John Graves, Community Relation Specialist
Phone: 716-512-7908
Email: jgraves@unyts.org
Website: http://www.unyts.org
Days: vary
Times: vary
Mission: Upstate New York organization's mission: organ, tissue and blood donation. With that in mind, here is a short list of some of the ways that Upstate New York Transplant Service and local colleges/universities can work together:
1. Donate Life Awareness Campaign Development
2. Donate Life Awareness Campaign Development and Implementation
3. Donate Life Blood Drive Support
4. Donate Life Blood Drive Support Implementation
5. Donate Life Research Program
6. Donate Life Presentation
Upstate New York Transplant Service can provide with access to any promotional materials or supplies that are needed as a part of their work with our organization, such brochures donor registry cards and more.
Service opportunities: Planning and implement an on-campus awareness event encouraging giving "the gift of life" and marketing. For more information please visit: www.studentdonor.org.
Link to Volunteer Application
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VA Hospital
3495 Bailey Ave.
Buffalo, NY 14215
Contact: Shawn Gall, Voluntary Specialist Intern
Phone: 716-862-8671
Email: Shawn.Gall@va.gov
Website: http://www.visn2.va.gov/vet/volunteer.asp
Days: vary
Times: vary
Requirements: TB skin test required. 20 hour minimum.
Service opportunities: Please see website. Many assignments can be fit to accommodate your schedule. There is a need for a patient escort, clerical support, nutrition and food assistance, physical, occupational, and recreational therapy assistance, non-emergency and intensive care unit assistance. More information: VA Volunteer Opportunities
Link to Volunteer Application
Valley Community Center
93 Leddy St.
Buffalo, NY 14210
Contact: Brian Pilarski
Phone: 716-823-4707 ext. 117
Email: bpilarski@thevalleycenter.com
Agency description: This is a non-profit, multi-faceted human service agency, providing services and programs to the residents of the Buffalo River Community in southeast Buffalo and beyond. The programs include child care, senior citizen services and programs, family support services, and youth services and programs.
Service opportunities: “Striving for Excellence” After School Program: Monday –Friday from 2:30-5:30pm. The students are from grades K-8.
This is a comprehensive youth program based upon the 40 Developmental Assets with activities including homework help, one on one tutoring, computer instruction, physical education, art classes, science program, a meal program field trips, family events, prevention trainings and workshops. New: Science Firsthand mentors are matched with youth at the after school programs at Valley Center. Service Learning students who volunteer at those sites can become Science Firsthand mentors. In this capacity, volunteers become partners with 1 youth or with a small group of 2-3 adults and 4-6 youth, to engage in hands on science exploration. A Science Firsthand manager supervises the program and meetings, and helps mentors develop the investigations. Interested students should contact the Youth Director at Valley.
Veterans History Project
Website: http://www.loc.gov/vets/vets-home.html
About: The Veterans History Project (VHP) collects and preserves the remembrances of American war veterans and civilian workers who supported them. These collections of first-hand accounts are archived in the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress for use by researchers and to serve as an inspiration for generations to come. The Project collects remembrances of veterans who served in World War I, World War II, the Cold War, Korean War, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War (1990-1995), or Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts (2001-present). U.S. citizen civilians who actively supported war efforts (such as war industry workers, USO workers, flight instructors, medical volunteers, defense contractors, etc.) are also invited to share their valuable stories. VHP relies on volunteers throughout the nation to collect veterans’ stories on behalf of the Library of Congress. These stories are made available to researchers and the general public, both at the Library in Washington, D.C., and via the VHP website.
Service opportunity: A participant may be a veteran, an interviewer, or person donating a veteran’s collection. Student participation is valued and there are special resources for educators and students.
Special instructions:
1. Register using the online form
2. Print the Veterans History Project Field Kit (required forms)
3. Prepare for the interview according to the guide
4. Conduct the interview
5. Send your collection to the Library of Congress
VIVE, Inc.
50 Wyoming Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14215
Contact: Brian Brown-Cashdollar, Executive Director
Phone: 716-892-4354, ext. 402
Email: bbc@vivelacasa.org
Website: http://www.vivelacasa.org/
Agency Description: Vive is a non-profit organization located on the east side of Buffalo, New York. The organization advises clients as to their eligibility to enter Canada as refugee claimants, and sends names of clients to the Canadian government when they are ready to enter. When clients are not eligible under the exceptions to the Safe Third Country Agreement, we discuss other possibilities with them. While people are in Buffalo, Vive houses many of the clients and provides them with food, clothing, and medical (nursing) care. People come to Vive from countries all over the world.
Days and times: The hours are flexible, but the early part of the week is busiest, and mornings are busier than afternoons.
Service opportunities: Taking refugees for an outing, talking with them and creating experiences for them, computer lab help, help with cooking, nursing aid, morning greeter, playing with refugee children, and sharing meals with the refugees. French and Spanish students will have opportunities to interact with French and Spanish speaking refugees. Vive is also looking for volunteers who will register new clients and work with the lawyers to determine the options that are available to clients. No experience is necessary, but strong verbal abilities in English are essential, and ability to speak other languages, such as Spanish, French, and/or Creole is an asset.
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Weinberg Campus
2700 Forest Road
Getzville, NY 14068
Contact: Nicole Passantino, Volunteer Coordinator
Phone: 639-3311, ext. 2233
Email: npassantino@weinbergcampus.org
Website: www.weinbergcampus.org
Days and times: vary
Service opportunities: Activity Assistant: Volunteers may help by transporting residents to and from the activity site on campus, assisting those who need help with specific tasks related to the activity, or serving refreshments. Requirements: It is suggested that volunteers should be able to push a wheelchair of 150lbs.
Activity Instructor: Activity Instructors are responsible to plan the activity, obtain the supplies, and execute the activity on a regular basis. Schedule: 1-3 hours weekly, Bi-weekly, or monthly.
Centerpiece Designer: Dressing up the tables is key to great dining experience for residents. Seasonal centerpieces add a special decorative touch to the table setting. This position calls for volunteers to occasionally design, produce and donate these centerpieces.
Day Trip Assistant: Residents take monthly outings to the mall, grocery stores, movies, restaurants, and community events. Volunteers can assist a resident by pushing him/her in a wheelchair, helping a resident reach items off of a shelf, or guiding a resident through buildings.
Day Program Assistant: Volunteers at the various day programs assist with a variety of tasks, including: transporting participants, assisting in activities, visiting with participants, and helping serve meals.
Eco-Ambassador: Assist with the recycling program and efforts to reduce utilities that impact the environment. This volunteer opportunity offers a unique chance to help the environment by engaging the residents.
Friendly Visitor: Friendly visitor are volunteer that visit residents on a regular basis to share stories, pictures, and jokes. 1-3 hours weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly.
Helpful Neighbor: Tenants have a need for assistance with things such as opening and reading their mail and organizing their clothing and personal belongings. The helpful neighbor will also assist the Garden House with a daily snack cart and assisting new tenants on moving day.
Musician: Whether you choose to bring in your own instrument, or use one of our pianos or organs, your musical talents are always welcome at Weinberg. Musicians are especially encouraged to add a nice ambiance at meal time.
Pet Visitor: Pet Visitors are volunteers that bring their pet with them to visit residents on a regular basis. Link to Volunteer Application
Western New York Children’s Psychiatric Center
1010 East and West Rd.
West Seneca, NY 14224
Contact: Patricia Moran, Coordinator of Volunteer Services
Phone: 716-677-7198
Email: wcvspmm@omh.state.ny.us
Service opportunities: Interacting under supervision in a variety of ways with children from the ages of 6-18. Project ideas may be proposed to the Coordinator. Evening and week end hours are also available. Public relations experiences may be an aspect of service involvement. There is a need for web design work (Dreamweaver is used).
Westminster Economic Development Initiative, Inc.
724 Delaware Avenue
Buffalo, New York 14209
Contact: Bonnie C. Smith, Economic Development Director
Phone: 716-870-6843
Email: bsmith@wedibuffalo.org
Service opportunities:
Helping to build our Habitat houses on Ferguson Ave on the West Side
This project will start in the late winter or early spring. Often the work days are on Saturday but there will also be some days during the workweek.
Contact: Brad Smith
After school tutoring program
The kids are in grades 2 - 5 and many are refugee children who come for a meal and help with their homework. It is preferred that students commit to work in the program at least one but preferably two days per week ( Tuesday and Wednesday) from about 4:30 - 6:30. There is training available to help with the experience.
Contact: Kathy Vitagliano
West Side Community Collaborative: Rebuilding Neighborhoods Block by Block
414 Richmond Ave.
Buffalo, NY 14222
Phone: 716-603 9762
Contact: Harvey Garrett
Email: hgarrett@adelphia.net
Days: vary
Times: vary
Service opportunities: Community organizing, business and economic development, communications, landscape beautification, diversity, youth, and housing.
WNED-TV
140 Horizons Plaza
Lower Terrace Street
Buffalo, NY 14202
Contact: Lisa Napier, Volunteer Manager
Phone: 716-845-7025
Email: volunteers@wned.org
Website: www.wned.org
Days: vary
Times: vary
Service opportunities: Volunteers answer phones during fundraising drives.
Women for Human Rights and Dignity (WHRD)
2278 Main Street
Buffalo, NY 14214
Contact: Constance Eve, Founder/Chairperson of the Board of Directors
Phone: 716-832-6918
Email: whrd2278@aol.com
Days and times: vary
Service opportunities: Accompany social worker and client to courtroom, can assist in class training, and visits to prisons. Thursday evening theme-based programs (6:00PM-9:00PM) can be created with a specific goal in mind.
Women's and Children's Hospital (Kaleida Health)
219 Bryant Street
Buffalo, NY 14222
Contact: Jennifer Flood
Phone: 716-878-7241
Email: jflood@kaleidahealth.org
Days: vary
Times: Must commit to a minimum of one day per week, 3-4 hours per day, for a commitment of 1 year.
Service opportunities: Service-learners are placed in a variety of positions in the hospital and at our off site locations, including clinical and non-clinical areas. Assignments may vary according to the applicant’s availability, skills and area of interest. Benefits include free parking and a free cafeteria meal during your shift.
Link to Volunteer Application
Note: Must fill out an application and a health form.
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YES Program through the Buffalo Urban League
at the Equal Opportunity Center
465 Washington Street
Buffalo, NY 14203
Contact: Lamont Williams, Youth Program Coordinator
Phone: 716-849-6727 ext. 174
Email: LWilliams@BuffaloUrbanLeague.org
Website: www.buffalourbanleague.org
Days: Monday - Thursday
Times: 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Service opportunities: Tutoring students in 11th and 12th grades in various subjects.
Young Audiences of Western New York, Inc.
16 Linwood Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14209
Phone: 881-0917
Contact: Cynnie Gaasch, Director of Development
Email: development@yawny.org
Service opportunities:
Arts Administration - Take part in the many facets of an arts organization that works with 150 artists and schools across WNY. General office help, management of art materials, assistance with fundraising, booking programs, and database management.
Program Evaluation & Documentation - Visit schools and after school programs to evaluate and document Young Audiences programs. Making use of a standardized assessment form, writing qualitative narrative, and/or interviewing participants. Also document programs with photography, sound recording, and/or video.
YWCA of Western New York
385 Franklin Street
Buffalo, NY 14202
Contact: Alexander J. Wright, JD, Education & Leadership Development Director
Email: awright@ywca-wny.org
Website: http://www.ywca-wny.org/
Service Opportunities: in-depth description
Jobs for Youth Leadership and Training program (JOBS)
This program uses the Experience-Based Career Education (EBCE) model to assist eligible “at-risk” youth to define career goals, facilitate career planning, develop decision-making and job seeking skills and prepare for completion of high school, ultimately leading to apprenticeship placement or post secondary education.
Girls Incorporated (Girls INC)
This is a national research, education, and direct advocacy organization that inspires girls to be strong, smart, and bold. As a licensee of Girls, Inc.®, the YWCA of WNY uses the organization’s research-based educational programs to empower girls to understand, value, and assert their rights. This program focuses on girls ages 10-18 on the following three areas: preventing adolescent pregnancy, media literacy, and economic literacy.
Tutoring
Osa Amadasu is in need of volunteers interested in tutoring for the after school program. This program services "at risk" high school students. Volunteers help to improve their academics, assist them with better life skills and choices, develop career explorations, and to perform community service. The hours of the program are Monday through Thursday from 4:00 pm -6:00 pm. Email oamadasu@ywca-wny.org if interested or call Helene McGee Program Manager for the YWCA at 716-332-3633 ext. 301.