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 & Special Times, Inc. (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. [2022 Data] (board and committee members, program assistants)
CP Rochester (adaptive sports)
Empowering People's Independence (EPI) (camp counsellors, ages 18+)
Episcopal SeniorLife Communities (ON HOLD) (recreation assistant, help with programs and community outings, Sunday ushers) ON HOLD
Finger Lakes Community Action, a division of Wayne County Action Program, Inc. (direct community service)
Greece Little League [2022 Data]
Kirkhaven (life enrichment volunteers)
One Soldier at a Time (make homemade cards for Veterans)
Youth for Christ, USA (Rochester Chapter) (basketball coaches)

Administrators, Professionals, Grants

Agape Haven of Abundance (grant writer, office administrator)
Birthright of Rochester, Inc. (board members)
Bridges for Brain Injury, Inc. (board members)
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)
One World Goods (board members)
Perinton Historical Society & Fairport Museum
(work on various committees - see list)
St. Joseph's Neighborhood Center (committee and special events)
St. Vincent DePaul Society/St. Francis Xavier Cabrini Conference (grant writer)
Saint's Place (public relations/marketing, grant-writing strategies and activities)
Spiritus Christi Mental Health Center (fundraisers, board members, committee 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)
Heritage Christian Services (assist people with disabilities with riding a horse)
Lakeroad Ferret Farm Rescue-Shelter Inc. (play with ferrets)

Baby and Child Care

Carlson MetroCenter YMCA (childcare)
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 of Monroe and Livingston County at Lifespan (ombudsman, advocates, give caregivers a break.)
Aurora House of Western Monroe County (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)
Coffee Connection/Project Empower (help women with housing, etc.)
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)
Episcopal SeniorLife Communities (ON HOLD) (friendly visiting, entertainers, musical performances, guest lecturers) ON HOLD
The Friendly Home (one-to-one visits with residents)
Friendship Children's Center, Inc. (special guests to perform music, art, gym, dance, etc)
Greece Little League [2022 Data] (Assist physically challenged children to play baseball.)
Harbor House of Rochester, Inc. (staff hospitality house for out-of-town visitors)
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 (feeding, bathing, toileting, medication administration, companionship)
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)
St. Joseph's House of Hospitality (help staff the night shelter October through April)
St. Vincent DePaul Society/St. Francis Xavier Cabrini Conference (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)
YWCA of Rochester and Monroe County (share a special talent or skill)

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)
Coffee Connection/Project Empower (manage social media presence)
FISH/RHAFT, Inc. (Rush-Henrietta) (share technology info with admin volunteers)
Friendship Children's Center, Inc. (work on website/Facebook help with computers)
Greece Little League [2022 Data] (website design)
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)
Villa of Hope (videography, social media posting and graphic design support)

Distribution of Clothing, Food, Donations

FISH/RHAFT, Inc. (Rush-Henrietta) (pack emergency food, verify eligibility for food)
Focus Pregnancy Help Center (help put away donations)
Gathering Place of Purpose, Inc. (help distribute bread and pastries from Panera on Mondays at noon)
Greece Ecumenical Food Shelf and CLOTHING CLOSET, Inc. (CLOTHING CLOSET) (shopping assistants: take orders from clients' cars and shop for them)
Greece Ecumenical FOOD SHELF and Clothing Closet, Inc. (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)
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)
One World Goods (backroom workers: sort, stock inventory)
Open Door Mission, Inc. (food pantry)
Pencils and Paper (A Program of Jewish Family Services) (Store volunteers: check in and check out teachers, prepare carts, restock items, bundle items)
Rochester Education Foundation (organize book drives, sort book donations)
St. Joseph's House of Hospitality (sort clothes)
St. Peter's Kitchen (stock shelves, work in food pantry).
Saint's Place (sort and organize donations, assist refugees in selecting clothing)
SewGreen @ Rochester (sort donateditems, prep items for sale)

Drivers, Transportation, Delivery

AmeriCorps Seniors of Monroe and Livingston County 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. [2022 Data] (van driver)
Episcopal SeniorLife Communities (ON HOLD) (Drivers: provide transportation to seniors in the community.) ON HOLD
FISH/RHAFT, Inc. (Rush-Henrietta) (drive ambulatory residents to medical and certain essential appointments)
The Friendly Home (accompany/transport residents from their rooms to in-house church services)
Greece Ecumenical FOOD SHELF and Clothing Closet, Inc. (FOOD SHELF) (drivers: deliver food to families in Greece, Charlotte deliver to people with special needs)
Kirkhaven (wheelchair transportation to chapel, etc.).
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)
The People's Pantry of Rochester (food pantry delivery, fresh  foods pickup)
Rochester Refugee Resettlement Services (transportation to medical appointments and job interviews in northwest Rochester)
St. Peter's Kitchen (drivers: pick up donated food)
St. Vincent DePaul Society/St. Francis Xavier Cabrini Conference (drivers for donation pickups)
SOFI Transportation/Elderbus (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: Rochester, Syracuse, and Buffalo VA Medical Centers)
WestSide Express (drivers)

Education, Tutors, Docents

AmeriCorps Seniors of Monroe and Livingston County 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 for Persons with Disabilities (teacher's aide for persons with disabilities)
CP Rochester (integrated preschool program, adult basic education)
East House (Instructors for June project)
Episcopal SeniorLife Communities (ON HOLD) (work with seniors on computers) ON HOLD
Friendship Children's Center, Inc. (classroom aides: children's play activities and care)
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)
Greece Little League [2022 Data] (coaching, challenger program: assist physically challenged child to play baseball)
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 Education Foundation (provide assistance to students in the completion of college financial aid forms and search for scholarships)
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)
Villa of Hope (yoga and meditation instructors)
Volunteers of America Upstate New York (ON HOLD: Homework Helpers.
Young Women's College Prep, Inc. (enhance students' learning experiences)

Food Preparation and Service

Aurora House of Western Monroe County (meal preparation)
Friendship Children's Center, Inc. (kitchen volunteers)
Greece Little League [2022 Data] (concession workers)
Journey Home, Inc. (cooking support)
Meals On Wheels, Monroe County
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. 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 of Western Monroe County
Birthright of Rochester, Inc. (fundraising)
Bridges for Brain Injury, Inc. (plan and implement fundraising events)
Carlson MetroCenter YMCA (fundraising)
Center for Disability Rights, Inc. (fundraising services and expertise)
Charles Settlement House, Inc. [2022 Data] (fundraising)
Children Awaiting Parents (fundraising)
Cobblestone Arts Center for Persons with Disabilities (fundraising committee members)
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
Recovery Houses of Rochester
Spiritus Christi Mental Health Center (fundraisers)
Villa of Hope (help organize and run fundraising events)
Volunteers of America Upstate New York (donation drive leaders)
The Wonderful Project

Gardening, Landscaping, Yard Work

Aurora House of Western Monroe County (gardening)
Brightstar Community, Inc. (planting of bushes and bulbs)
Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse Historical Society (gardeners are needed regularly)
Greece Little League [2022 Data] (general field maintenance)
Mt. Carmel House (gardening, lawn care)
New York Museum of Transportation (mowing)
St. Joseph's Neighborhood Center (gardeners)
Twelve Corners Day Care Center (minor landscaping: trimming around trees and bushes)
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 of St. Marianne Cope Parish (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 for Persons with Disabilities (musicians, vocalists, dance and art assistants, stage hands, box office help)
Coffee Connection/Project Empower (teach latte arts design)
Episcopal SeniorLife Communities (ON HOLD) (seamstress) ON HOLD
Golisano Children's Hospital / UR Medicine (seehttp://www.urmc.rochester.edu/childrens-hospital/giving/Ways-to-Give/Volunteer.aspx)
Greece Little League [2022 Data] (umpires, Eagle Scout project opportunities, graphic design)
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)

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)
Coffee Connection/Project Empower (sales)
Episcopal SeniorLife Communities (ON HOLD) (gift-shop cashier) ON HOLD
The Friendly Home (gift shop: assist guests, arrange displays, use cash register)
Greater Rochester Habitat for Humanity (help in ReStore)
Heritage Christian Services (help in retail shop)
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)
One World Goods (help customers, run register, tag items, etc.)
Pencils and Paper (A Program of Jewish Family Services) (Store volunteers: check in and check out teachers, prepare carts, restock items, bundle items)
St. Vincent DePaul Society/St. Francis Xavier Cabrini Conference (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 of Western Monroe County (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
Mt. Carmel House (cleaning)
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. [2022 Data] (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)
Coffee Connection/Project Empower (restoration related)
Finger Lakes Community Action, a division of Wayne County Action Program, Inc. (small maintenance projects)
Greater Rochester Habitat for Humanity (help build houses)
Greece Little League [2022 Data] (painting, building projects, capital improvements)
Heritage Christian Services (outdoor maintenance work)
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)
The People's Pantry of Rochester (cleaner  for pantry)
St. Joseph's Neighborhood Center (mason)
St. Peter's Kitchen (volunteers to wash dishes)
Twelve Corners Day Care Center (handy people for minor maintenance and small repairs)
Volunteers of America Upstate New York (painting, organizing, cleaning)
Youth for Christ, USA (Rochester Chapter) (building renovation, spruce up the building)

Medical

American Red Cross (blood drive volunteers, medical screeners to assist at blood drives)
Mary Cariola Children's Center (nurses for field trips)
St. Joseph's Neighborhood Center (health care providers: nurses,  podiatrists, therapists, medical specialists
Spiritus Christi Mental Health Center (licensed therapists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse, practitioners, wellness practitioners)

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 (mentors for youth local businesses who can provide internships 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)
Bivona Child Advocacy Center (reception, office work)
Care Net Pregnancy Center of Canandaigua (office help for cleaning and sorting)
Charles Settlement House, Inc. [2022 Data] (receptionist)
Children Awaiting Parents (clerical support)
Finger Lakes Community Action, a division of Wayne County Action Program, Inc. (office work such as answering phones, helping with mailings)
FISH/RHAFT, Inc. (Rush-Henrietta) (administrative: work from home)
Focus Pregnancy Help Center (greeters)
The Friendly Home (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
Loop Ministries Food Pantry (clerical: help with computer data entry, general office tasks)
Mary Cariola Children's Center (data entry, lunch monitors)
Mt. Carmel House (secretarial support)
The People's Pantry of Rochester (phone message checker)
Recovery Houses of Rochester (receptionist)
St. Joseph's Neighborhood Center (front-desk receptionist)
WestSide Express (office work, answer phones)

Publicity, Promotion, Advocacy

Birthright of Rochester, Inc. (publicity including social media and newsletter)
Coffee Connection/Project Empower (advertising, marketing)
Girl Scouts of Western New York (recruitment ambassadors)
Greece Little League [2022 Data] (advertising)
St. Vincent DePaul Society/St. Francis Xavier Cabrini Conference (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 as needed)
American Cancer Society Hope Lodge Hospitality House (ON HOLD) (host a dinner for a Hope Lodge guests)
The Arc of Monroe (Host a third-party event.)
Aurora House of Western Monroe County (special events)
Bivona Child Advocacy Center
Bridges for Brain Injury, Inc. (plan and implement special events)
Charles Settlement House, Inc. [2022 Data] (special events)
Coffee Connection/Project Empower (event planning)
CP Rochester
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)
Heritage Christian Services (help with parking cars, concession, etc. at events)
Hilton Parma Emergency Food Shelf (food drives and collections)
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)
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)
Volunteers of America Upstate New York (Internships available for fall, spring, and summer semesters.)
The Wonderful Project
Young Women's College Prep, Inc. (groups to host a fundraiser)

Teen Volunteer Opportunities

Children Awaiting Parents (fundraising, help with events)
Finger Lakes Community Action, a division of Wayne County Action Program, Inc. (Community service, small maintenance programs, office work - volunteers of any age)
The Friendly Home (community service hours available)
Greece Little League [2022 Data] (concession workers, umpires, painting, field maintenance, Eagle Scout projects scorekeeping, etc.)
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)
One Soldier at a Time (pack baskets, boxes, and bags for military members and their families for Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, Christmas)
One World Goods (retail store and backroom volunteers)
Rochester Regional Coalition Against Human Trafficking (apprentice board member positions for high school and college student; 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)

Telephone Calling, Counseling

AmeriCorps Seniors of Monroe and Livingston County 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)