Rochester's Community Wishbook

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Have an Interest in Volunteering?
There's an Agency that Needs You!

- Click a volunteer category below (or scroll through the list) for a list of agencies that have a need for volunteers in a specific area.

- Click on the agency's name in the list to go directly to the agency's page.
   (The page lists the contact person, email address, phone number, and details on the volunteer skills requested.)

- Call or email the contact person at the agency to get details on volunteering.

Activities and Programs

AutismUp (various opportunities)
Camp Good Days (summer volunteers for week-long program)
Center for Disability Rights, Inc. (help decorate, run games, pass out candy at Accessible Halloween event)
Charles Settlement House, Inc. (board and committee members, program assistants)
CP Rochester (adaptive sports)
Empowering People's Independence (EPI) (camp counsellors, ages 18+)
Kirkhaven (life enrichment volunteers)
One Soldier at a Time (make homemade cards for Veterans)
Rochester Accessible Adventures (help with activities for individuals with disabilities: canal pal, events and sports team support; assess sites for accessibility)
Youth for Christ, USA (Rochester Chapter) (basketball coaches)

Administrators, Professionals, Grants

Agape Haven of Abundance (grant writer, office administrator)
Al Sigl Community of Agencies (committee members - wide range of committees available)
Bridges for Brain Injury, Inc. (board members)
Crossroads of Caring, Inc. (fundraising and grant writing assistance; human resource policy)
Empowering People's Independence (EPI) (young professionals to serve as Associate Board Members)
Friendship Children's Center, Inc. (serve on the Board, serve on the Board as Secretary)
Gathering Place of Purpose, Inc. (grant writers)
Girl Scouts of Western New York (troop leaders, group leaders, program consultants)
Home Start Hope (Board members)
Open Door Mission, Inc. (administrative)
Perinton Historical Society & Fairport Museum
(work on various committees - see list)
St. Joseph's Neighborhood Center (committee and special events)
St. Vincent DePaul Society (grant writer)
Saint's Place (public relations/marketing, grant-writing strategies and activities)
Spiritus Christi Mental Health Center (board members, committee members)
Villa of Hope (board members)
The Wonderful Project (board members)
Young Women's College Prep, Inc. (advisory committee members)
Youth for Christ, USA (Rochester Chapter) (grant writing)

Animal Care, Work with Animals

Bridges for Brain Injury, Inc. (pet therapy)
GRASP, Inc. (temporary foster homes for cats, kittens, and dogs)
Lakeroad Ferret Farm Rescue-Shelter Inc. (play with ferrets)

Baby and Child Care

Center for Youth (assist with child care at Crisis Nursery)
Children's Center at the Hall of Justice (care for children while families are in court)
The Crisis Nursery of Greater Rochester / Owen's House (child care)
Friendship Children's Center, Inc. (classroom aides: play activities, care for children)
The Margaret Home (child care)

Caregivers, Friendly Visitors

Advent House (resident care)
AmeriCorps Seniors at Lifespan (ombudsman, advocates, give caregivers a break)
Aurora House (provide care for our residents)
Bridges for Brain Injury, Inc. (human services/social work, psychology, music therapy, art therapy, speech therapy, occupational and physical therapy)
Catholic Charities Family and Community Services (CCFCS) ("adopt" a family at Christmas)
Compeer of Livingston County (provide mentoring, companionship to adults who are receiving mental health care, provide interaction with group of clients in staff-supervised setting)
Dimitri House (Desperate need for volunteers: please contact LauriePrizel: Ljprizel@dimitri-house.org) or 585-325-1796)
Dream Factory of Rochester, Inc. (Help fulfill a child's dream)
Friendly Senior Living (one-to-one visits with residents)
Friendship Children's Center, Inc. (special guests to perform music, art, gym, dance, etc)
Harbor House of Rochester, Inc. (welcome guests home after visiting hours)
Isaiah House (urgent need for caregivers)
Journey Home, Inc. (resident caregivers: meet the basic needs of our residents)
Kirkhaven (friendly visitors)
Mary's Place Refugee Outreach (case management)
Monroe Community Hospital (provide social support and companionship to residents)
Mt. Carmel House (resident care: feeding, bathing, toileting, medication administration, companionship)
St. John's Home (transporters to push wheelchairs within the building to and from social events, visitors to reminisce with elders, musicians, seamstress)
St. Joseph's House of Hospitality (help staff the night shelter October through April)
St. Vincent DePaul Society (home visits)
Sunset House (resident care: bathing, repositioning, bed changes, feeding, giving meds, mental/emotional support)
Twelve Corners Day Care Center (musical person: perform for children)
VA Medical Center (friendly visitors)

Computer and Technology Applications

Agape Haven of Abundance (web designer, social media)
Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse Historical Society (person with computer experience: MS Word & Excel, Quickbooks person with database experience)
Children Awaiting Parents (web design)
Crossroads of Caring, Inc. (database and form creation for inquiries and alumni, social media analysis and reach)
FISH/RHAFT, Inc. (Rush-Henrietta) (share technology info with admin volunteers)
Kirkhaven (tech-savvy: help with Facetime, etc.)
Literacy Rochester (Digital Literacy Volunteers: assist with immediate computer needs, and teach basic skills)
Recovery Houses of Rochester (social media person)
Rochester Regional Coalition Against Human Trafficking (graphic design: website graphics, edit brochures and flyers, etc.; Wix-based web design)

Distribution of Clothing, Food, Donations

Angel Care Ministry (get information from remote phone number, return call, assemble requested items for pickup - sub for regular person;
give out requested orders from Angel Care site - sub for regular person)
FISH/RHAFT, Inc. (Rush-Henrietta) (pack emergency food, verify eligibility for food)
Focus Pregnancy Help Center (help put away donations)
Friends and Foundation of the Rochester Public Library (receive book donations, help with book sale set up)
Gathering Place of Purpose, Inc. (help distribute bread and pastries from Panera on Mondays at noon)
Greece Ecumenical Clothing Closet (shopping assistants: take orders from clients' cars and shop for them)
Greece Ecumenical Food Shelf (help clients who come to the Food Shelf)
Home Start Hope (shopping assistants for families that come to Home Start Hope)
Joseph's Place Food Pantry (sort, stock shelves, distribute food)
Life Solutions of Hamlin, Inc. (sort food, stock shelves)
Loop Ministries Food Pantry (food pantry distribution)
One Soldier at a Time (pack baskets, boxes, and bags for military members and their families; deliver baskets Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, Christmas)
Open Door Mission, Inc. (food pantry)
St. Joseph's House of Hospitality (sort clothes)
Saint's Place (sort and organize donations, assist refugees in selecting clothing)
SewGreen @ Rochester (sort donated items, prep items for sale)

Drivers, Transportation, Delivery

American Red Cross (Transportation drivers to pick up and deliver blood products)
AmeriCorps Seniors at Lifespan (give a lift to older adults for appointments)
Brighton Food Cupboard (drivers to deliver food)
Brightstar Community, Inc. (drivers: grocery, prescriptions, meetings)
Charles Settlement House, Inc. (van driver)
FISH/RHAFT, Inc. (Rush-Henrietta) (drive ambulatory residents to medical and certain essential appointments)
Friendly Senior Living (accompany/transport residents from their rooms to in-house church services)
Greece Ecumenical Food Shelf (drivers: deliver food to families in Greece, Charlotte deliver to people with special needs)
Kirkhaven (wheelchair transportation to chapel, etc.).
Life Solutions of Hamlin, Inc. (pick up donations)
The Margaret Home (take moms and babies to appointments)
Mary's Place Refugee Outreach (deliver food every Wednesday at 11 am and 12 noon: 10 to 13 stops, contact-free)
Meals On Wheels, Monroe County (deliver Meals on Wheels)
Monroe Community Hospital (transporters: escort residents in wheelchairs to and from on-site events and activities)
Rochester Refugee Resettlement Services (transportation to medical appointments and job interviews in northwest Rochester)
St. Vincent DePaul Society (drivers for donation pickups)
SOFI On-the-Go (transport clients to medical appointments, essential errands, etc.)
Spencerport Area Ecumenical Food Shelf (deliver food to families in need)
SWEM (Southwest Ecumenical Ministries) Community Services (unload large orders some Mondays, drivers third Saturday of month)
VA Medical Center (drive vans local or long-distance runs)
WestSide Express (drivers)

Education, Tutors, Docents

AmeriCorps Seniors at Lifespan (heath and wellness classes, financial management consultants, insurance counsellors)
Braddock Bay Raptor Research (nature interpretation, lead walks outdoors, public programs)
Bridges for Brain Injury, Inc. (presentations: woodworking, computers, cooking, horticulture, etc.)
Cameron Community Ministries (adults to tutor youth program)
Care Net Pregnancy Center of Canandaigua (peer counseling)
Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse Historical Society (guides to give tours of museum, tower, and grounds)
Cobblestone Arts Center (teacher's aide for persons with disabilities)
CP Rochester (integrated preschool program)
East House (Instructors for June project)
Gathering Place of Purpose, Inc. (educational seminars)
Girl Scouts of Western New York (trainers, outdoor program trainers, panel-discussion leaders, special-interest program leaders)
Girls on the Run of Greater Rochester (coaches)
Literacy Rochester (one-to-one tutors for reading, conversational English, math)
Notre Dame Learning Center, Inc. (Math and English Language tutors, grades 1-9)
Open Door Mission, Inc. (tutoring service)
Perinton Historical Society & Fairport Museum (museum greeters)
Recovery Houses of Rochester (group facilitators)
Rochester Refugee Resettlement Services (tutors and mentors for high school students: English, school work, college preparation)
Saint's Place (two tutoring programs)
SewGreen @ Rochester (instructors)
Young Women's College Prep, Inc. (enhance students' learning experiences)

Food Preparation and Service

A Meal and More, Inc. (setting tables, assist with meal preparation, serve food, help with clean up)
Aurora House (meal preparation)
Cameron Community Ministries (assist in kitchen with meal prep and clean-up)
Friendship Children's Center, Inc. (kitchen volunteers)
Journey Home, Inc. (cooking support)
Mt. Carmel House (cooking)
Open Door Mission, Inc. (breakfast and dinner service)
St. Joseph's House of Hospitality (prepare and serve lunch)
St. Peter's Kitchen (food prep for lunch)
Salem Nutrition Center (cook hot meals, make sandwiches, work on serving line, bag cookies, etc.)
SWEM (Southwest Ecumenical Ministries) Community Services (buy fresh produce at farmers' markets; obtain, pack, and deliver food)

Fundraising Administration

Advent House (fundraising)
Agape Haven of Abundance (fundraiser)
Aurora House
Birthright of Rochester, Inc. (fundraising)
Bridges for Brain Injury, Inc. (plan and implement fundraising events)
Charles Settlement House, Inc. (fundraising)
Children Awaiting Parents (fundraising)
Cobblestone Arts Center (fundraising committee members)
Crossroads of Caring, Inc. (fundraising assistance)
Dream Factory of Rochester, Inc. (coordinate and/or assist at fundraisers)
Friendship Children's Center, Inc. (fundraising specialist)
Greater Rochester Habitat for Humanity (plan and implement fundraising events)
Joseph's Place Food Pantry
One Soldier at a Time (fundraising ideas)
Patrick Place - A Comfort Care Home (fundraising)
Recovery Houses of Rochester
Regional Center for Independent Living
Spiritus Christi Mental Health Center (fundraisers)
The Wonderful Project

Gardening, Landscaping, Yard Work

Aurora House (gardening)
Brightstar Community, Inc. (planting of bushes and bulbs)
Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse Historical Society (gardeners are needed regularly)
CP Rochester (fall yard cleanup, weeding)
Downtown ROCs (litter pickup, plant and water flowers)
Friends and Foundation of the Rochester Public Library (gardeners at the Central library)
Mary Cariola Children's Center (spring and fall yard and garden volunteers or groups)
Mt. Carmel House (gardening, lawn care)
New York Museum of Transportation (mowing)
Patrick Place - A Comfort Care Home (gardening)
Rochester Refugee Resettlement Services (landscaping of refugee homes)
St. Joseph's Neighborhood Center (gardeners)
Twelve Corners Day Care Center (minor landscaping: trimming around trees and bushes)
VA Medical Center (in Veteran Serenity Garden on Canandaigua campus)
Villa of Hope (property beautification programs)

General (various)

Agape Haven of Abundance (productions)
American Red Cross (disaster responders, service to armed forces, blood drive sponsors, blood drive volunteers)
Angel Care Ministry (shop garage sales for baby clothing for layettes, knit or crochet baby sweaters, hats, and crib blankets for layettes)
Catholic Charities Family and Community Services (CCFCS) (visit fcscharities.org/volunteer)
Center for Youth (Teen Court jurors, teen lawyers: prosecution and defense counsel)
Cobblestone Arts Center (musicians, vocalists, dance and art assistants, stage hands, box office help)
DePaul (call if you or your group has a special talent that you would like to share)
Golisano Children's Hospital (seehttp://www.urmc.rochester.edu/childrens-hospital/giving/Ways-to-Give/Volunteer.aspx)
Kirkhaven (on call for most needed projects)
The Margaret Home (General house coverage: being present for the moms, general house cleaning, and helping moms prepare dinner.)
Mary's Place Refugee Outreach (translators: see list)
Meals On Wheels, Monroe County (various opportunities)
New York Museum of Transportation (Operating personnel: run model RR, run trolleys on full-size track)
Open Door Mission, Inc. (chapel service, Bible study leader)
The Salvation Army of Greater Rochester (college internships may be available)
VA Medical Center (recreational therapy activities, special projects and events, Red Coat Ambassador "Greeter" at Calkins Clinic)
Villa of Hope (videography, photography)

Gift Shops, Retail Sales

Care Net Pregnancy Center of Canandaigua (Boutique help for sorting and organization)
Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse Historical Society (cashier wiling to learn operation of cash register and credit card machine)
Friendly Senior Living (gift shop: assist guests, arrange displays, use cash register)
Friends and Foundation of the Rochester Public Library (cashier in bookstore)
Greater Rochester Habitat for Humanity (help in ReStore)
Life Solutions of Hamlin, Inc. (greet customers, run the store, sort donated items)
Monroe Community Hospital (gift shop and thrift shop associates: greet and assist customers cashier, keep shop tidy and organized.)
Mt. Carmel House (support: cleaning, maintenance)
New York Museum of Transportation (Visitor Center personnel: sell tickets, gift shop sales)
St. Vincent DePaul Society (store volunteers)
SewGreen @ Rochester (shop attendants)
Wild Wings, Inc. (gift shop 9:30 am to 2:00 pm)

Housekeeping, Cleaning

Advent House (housekeeping)
Aurora House (housekeeping)
Friendship Children's Center, Inc. (housekeeping volunteers)
Harbor House of Rochester, Inc. (prepare rooms for families, clean common areas, etc.)
Isaiah House (light housekeeping)
Journey Home, Inc. (cleaning, cooking, and maintenance support)
The Margaret Home (monthly, bi-weekly deep cleaning)
Mt. Carmel House (cleaning)
Regional Center for Independent Living (organize the loan closet)
St. Joseph's House of Hospitality (cleaning)
Sunset House (wash clothes and linens, cleaning)

Maintenance, Repair, Painting, Skilled Trades

Braddock Bay Raptor Research (maintenance/construction for trails & banding stations)
Brightstar Community, Inc. (gutter cleaning, power washing, exterior painting)
Charles Settlement House, Inc. (handyman: building and grounds)
Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse Historical Society (short jobs requiring plumbing and electrical experience; maintenance in Keeper's House, lighthouse tower, annex buildings)
Greater Rochester Habitat for Humanity (help build houses)
Journey Home, Inc. (maintenance support)
The Margaret Home (snow removal, sidewalk shoveling)
Mt. Carmel House (support: secretarial, gardening, lawn care, cooking, cleaning, maintenance)
New York Museum of Transportation (routine maintenance: mowing, electrical and mechanical repairs)
Perinton Historical Society & Fairport Museum (woodworker to create a box in the image of the museum)
Rochester Refugee Resettlement Services (painting, minor repairs)
St. Joseph's Neighborhood Center (mason)
Twelve Corners Day Care Center (handy people for minor maintenance and small repairs)
Youth for Christ, USA (Rochester Chapter) (building renovation, spruce up the building)

Medical

St. Joseph's Neighborhood Center (health care providers: nurses, podiatrists, orthopedists, therapists, medical specialists)
Spiritus Christi Mental Health Center (licensed therapists, social workers, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, wellness practitioners)
VA Medical Center (nurses, health care providers, cardiologist)

Mentors

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Rochester (mentors to be matched with youth 8 to 16 awaiting friendship)
Birthright of Rochester, Inc.
Bridges for Brain Injury, Inc. (mentoring assistance with community outings and classroom activities)
Compeer of Livingston County (provide mentoring, companionship to adults receiving mental health care)
Girl Scouts of Western New York (mentors, Gold Award mentors)
SewGreen @ Rochester
Villa of Hope (internship or career exploration opportunities for adults and youth)
The Wonderful Project
Youth for Christ, USA (Rochester Chapter) (mentors for youth)

Office, Clerical, Receptionists

Advent House (office work)
Agape Haven of Abundance (bookkeeper, data entry)
Baden Street Settlement (receptionist)
Birthright of Rochester, Inc. (office, clerical)
Care Net Pregnancy Center of Canandaigua (office help for cleaning and sorting)
Charles Settlement House, Inc. (receptionist)
The Child Advocacy Center of Greater Rochester (CACGROC) (reception, office work)
Children Awaiting Parents (clerical support)
FISH/RHAFT, Inc. (Rush-Henrietta) (administrative: work from home, organizational support)
Focus Pregnancy Help Center (greeters)
Friendly Senior Living (Linden Knoll reception desk: welcome guests, answer phones, assist with inquiries)
Friendship Children's Center, Inc. (office volunteers small duties: write newsletter, obtain tickets & items)
Golisano Autism Center (reception desk)
Kirkhaven
Meals On Wheels, Monroe County (help answer phones, filing)
Mt. Carmel House (secretarial support)
Recovery Houses of Rochester (receptionist)
St. Joseph's Neighborhood Center (front-desk receptionist)
VA Medical Center (office, clerical, receptionists with or without computer experience)
WestSide Express (office work, answer phones)

Publicity, Promotion, Advocacy

Birthright of Rochester, Inc. (publicity including social media and newsletter)
Girl Scouts of Western New York (recruitment ambassadors)
Rochester Accessible Adventures (represent RAA at events: describe services, opportunities)
St. Vincent DePaul Society (marketing person)
Saint's Place (public relations/marketing)
The Wonderful Project (community outreach, communications)

Speakers, Readers

Kirkhaven (share your talents)
Niagara Frontier Radio Reading Service (read to people who are blind or have visual disabilities)

Special Events

Al Sigl Community of Agencies (help with specific events throughout the year)
American Cancer Society (host a dinner for a Hope Lodge guests)
The Arc of Monroe (host a third-party event)
Aurora House (special events)
Bridges for Brain Injury, Inc. (plan and implement special events)
Charles Settlement House, Inc. (special events)
The Child Advocacy Center of Greater Rochester (CACGROC)
CP Rochester
Downtown ROCs (musicians and artists for special events and programming at downtown parks)
Dream Factory of Rochester, Inc. (Teens and groups of teens can organize a fundraising activity to help fulfill all or part of an upcoming child's dream.)
Empowering People's Independence (EPI) (Chocolate Ball committee members, help with general special events)
Gathering Place of Purpose, Inc. (fundraising events)
Girl Scouts of Western New York (cookie moms and dads, special events)
Golisano Autism Center (stuff envelopes, call donors)
Harbor House of Rochester, Inc. (fundraising events)
Hilton Parma Emergency Food Shelf (food drives and collections, Stuff-A-Bus programs)
Home Start Hope (Help plan special events throughout the year)
Kirkhaven (group volunteering for larger projects, and special activities plan a fundraiser)
The Margaret Home (organize, plan and staff events)
Mary Cariola Children's Center (event volunteers, residential and classroom outings)
Notre Dame Learning Center, Inc. (committee members for events)
One Soldier at a Time (small groups to suggest and implement special fundraising ideas)
Regional Center for Independent Living (help decorate, run games, pass out candy at Accessible Halloween event)
Rochester Regional Coalition Against Human Trafficking (coordinate Care Pack parties by collecting wish list items for distribution)
Rush Public Library (help with community projects, fundraisers)
St. John's Home (wheelchair escorts for Lilac Festival, summer picnic volunteers)
St. Joseph's Neighborhood Center (special events)
The Salvation Army of Greater Rochester (seasonal events)
Villa of Hope (help plan and volunteer at events)
The Wonderful Project
Young Women's College Prep, Inc. (groups to host a fundraiser)

Teen Volunteer Opportunities

A Meal and More, Inc.
Children Awaiting Parents (fundraising, help with events)
Downtown ROCs (pick up litter, plant flowers)
Friendly Senior Living (community service hours available)
Joseph's Place Food Pantry (sort, stock shelves, fundraising events)
Kirkhaven (ages 16 and older)
The Margaret Home (girls: child care and events; boys: outdoor chores, lawn care, leaf pickup, snow removal)
Mt. Carmel House (support: secretarial, gardening, lawn care, cooking, cleaning, maintenance, companionship; resident care: feeding, bathing, toileting, companionship)
Niagara Frontier Radio Reading Service
One Soldier at a Time (pack baskets, boxes, and bags for military members and their families for Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, Christmas)
Rochester Accessible Adventures (event support, assess sites)
Rochester Regional Coalition Against Human Trafficking (apprentice board member positions for high school and college students; coordinate Care Pack parties by collecting wish list items for distribution)
Salem Nutrition Center (cook hot meals, make sandwiches, work on serving line, bag cookies, etc.)
SewGreen @ Rochester (camp counselors, after-school counselors, sorters, preppers, mentors, instructors)
VA Medical Center (flexible opportunities for age 14+, both in-person and virtual)

Telephone Calling, Counseling

AmeriCorps Seniors at Lifespan (Friendly callers: weekly phone calls)
Center for Youth (phone counselor: provide counseling, information, and referrals)
Compeer of Livingston County (keep in contact by phone or email with clients on waiting list)
FISH/RHAFT, Inc. (Rush-Henrietta) (phone dispatchers)