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Volunteer Services
Volunteering is at the heart of our tradition. JBFCS provides mental health and social services to more than 65,000 New Yorkers annually. This meaningful care is supported by the devotion of our volunteers who range from teens to seniors coming from diverse cultures, faiths, races, and backgrounds.
Learn more in our FAQ, or contact us at: 212 632-4687 or volunteer@jbfcs.org. Application Forms
Relationship-Based Volunteer Opportunities:
- Big Brother Big Sister Programs
- Community Friends
- Doula to Accompany and Comfort
- G-Men (Genesis Program male volunteers)
- Life Skills Mentors
- Tutors (Study-Buddy Program)
Teen & Young Adult Volunteering:
Telephone-Based Reassurance Programs:
Volunteering in Other Ways:
Big Brother Big Sister Programs
JBFCS’ Big Brother Big Sister (BBBS) programs are friendship-based and match children from single-parent or special needs homes with caring adults of the same gender on a 1:1 basis. Assignments are carefully made to ensure that the mutual interests of both “Bigs” and “Littles” are met.
In-Treatment BBBS is for children who are clients of JBFCS and serves as an important adjunct to the child’s therapeutic treatment at one of our clinics or residential treatment facilities. Volunteer “Bigs” and “Littles” represent the diversity of New Yorkers. (Flyer)
Contact: 212 632-4688 or volunteer@jbfcs.org
[Application Forms] [SCR req'd.]Jewish Big Brother Big Sister program serves Jewish children from the community who are not in treatment at JBFCS. “Littles” are matched with Jewish volunteers of the same gender.
(Flyer for Volunteers) (Flyer for Families)
Contact: 212 582-9100 ext-1860 or volunteer@jbfcs.org
[Application Forms] [SCR req'd.]
Community Friends
This program serves clients with a range of emotional problems who are isolated, lonely, and in need of companionship. Volunteers, who are matched on a 1:1 basis with adults of the same gender, make weekly phone calls and encourage participation in a weekly social outing, such as visiting a museum, sharing a cup of coffee, or just a leisurely walk in Central Park. The goal is to decrease isolation and increase participation in social activities. Volunteers maintain contact with a social worker who works with the client-volunteer matches. [Brochure]
Contact: 212 632-4611 or volunteer@jbfcs.org [Application Forms]
Doula to Accompany and Comfort
Doula volunteers provide companionship to those nearing the end of life and who have little or no family or friends nearby. Doula volunteers visit individuals in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities and at home. After an 8 week training, volunteers are well prepared to offer friendship and comfort. Volunteers must be at least 25 years old and be prepared to make a commitment of 18 months of service after the training. Current Social Work students are not eligible. [Shira Ruskay/Doula Website]
Contact: 212 399-2685 x 220 or doula@shiraruskay.org
G-Men (Genesis Program male volunteers)
Help better the life of a child by being a role model to children who live in single parent family homes. Provide friendship along with sports and arts activities to children while their parents attend a Genesis educational program at the West Side JCC. Volunteers should be male and 21 years or older. Attend 8 kids' group meetings per year along with other volunteers. A one-year commitment is required and volunteers receive ongoing support from the social work staff.
Contact: 212 632-4688 or volunteer@jbfcs.org [Application Forms] [SCR req'd.]
Life Skills Mentors
Mentor volunteers work with young adult men ages 17-21 helping to build life skills such as resume writing and job preparedness. This volunteer assignment is based at a JBFCS residential facility in Manhattan. Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age.
Contact: 212 632-4688 or volunteer@jbfcs.org [Application Forms] [SCR req'd.]
Tutors (“Study Buddy” Program)
Tutors in our “Study Buddy” program provide homework assistance to children in a Midtown Manhattan elementary school. Volunteers provide academic support and guidance in the subjects of reading and math. Individuals must be 18 years of age, and be able to commit to a full school year. Tutors meet weekly with their student on a 1:1 basis for one hour, from either 3-4pm or 4-5pm. Training and supervision is provided.
Contact: 212 632-4689 or volunteer@jbfcs.org [Application Forms] [SCR req'd.]
JBFCS Friends
The Friends program offers a calendar of monthly events to allow busy young adults the opportunity to volunteer hands-on at the various JBFCS programs. Events typically take place on one Sunday afternoon per month. Activities with JBFCS clients can include holiday parties, ice skating, recreational days and spring plantings. Friends volunteers provide friendship and support to agency clientele with a range of special needs. Join us on Facebook!
Contact: 212 632-4691 or volunteer@jbfcs.org [No Application Necessary]
Teen Volunteer Opportunities (For ages 12 and over)
Opportunities for teens to volunteer are available in a variety of settings. Interested students must submit an application, references, and have a personal interview. Individual Teen Opportunities may include:
Contact: 212 632-4515 or volunteer@jbfcs.org [Application Forms]
- Administrative–computer skills a plus!
- Drives–organize an effort to collect needed items at your school or youth group. Items could include toys, clothing, books and used cell phones.
- Holiday parties at a residence for children or adults with special needs
- Homework helpers
- Recreational activities (sports, arts & crafts, reading, etc...)
- Sanctuary Stitchers; crochet or knit squares to assemble into blankets for children in need of comfort, warmth and love. Organize a knitting group at your school or with your youth group.
- Teen G-Men
- Telephone Language Companion (must be at least 16 years of age)
JBFCS High School Friends (Open to students in grades 9-12)
Meet students from other schools one Sunday each month while participating in fun and exciting community service projects at JBFCS programs around New York City. Sample projects include painting a mural at a residence for homeless adults, organizing a softball game for troubled children and leading arts and crafts projects with children from a domestic violence shelter. Participants will be able to earn up to 20 hours of community service credit. The group meets from October through June.
Contact: 212 632-4515 or volunteer@jbfcs.org [Application Forms]
Kids2Kids (For ages 12 and over)
Share the joy of your Bar/Bat Mitzvah or other significant life event with a less fortunate youngster by making a financial donation to the scholarship fund of your choice. You can help a child attend summer camp, have music lessons, or join a sports team. By performing a simple act of loving kindness, chesed, you can make a difference and help improve another child’s life.
Contact: 212 632-4515 or volunteer@jbfcs.org [Application Forms]
Undergraduate Internship Program
Undergraduate Internships are available throughout the five boroughs of New York City for the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Explore working with individuals with mental illness, adults and children with developmental and emotional disabilities, and children and adults receiving therapeutic services at JBFCS.
We recommend starting the application process approximately two months in advance of the commencement of an internship to allow ample time to complete the application and arrange for an appropriate placement. [FAQ & More info...]
(For graduate students, postgrads and doctoral candidates seeking formal internships/externships and fellowships: please see the JBFCS Professional Training programs.)
Contact: 212 582-9100 Ext.1851 or volunteer@jbfcs.org [Application Forms] [SCR req'd.]
CheeRing Telephone Reassurance Program
CheeRing volunteers make weekly, scheduled, telephone calls to isolated and/or vulnerable New Yorkers in need of emotional support. We seek individuals who are caring, supportive and who want to make a difference in someone's life. Weekly twenty minute friendly telephone visits can be made from the volunteer's home, office or cell phone. Many of our volunteers are pursuing a career in the field of mental health. A one-year commitment is requested. [Brochure]
Contact: 212 632-4611 or volunteer@jbfcs.org [Application Forms]
Telephone Language Companion Program
Our Telephone Language Companion volunteers help Russian émigrés from the former Soviet Union gain proficiency in the English language through weekly telephone calls. Calls are made from the volunteer’s home, office or cell phone and can range from 5 - 10 minutes one to three times a week. Knowledge of the Russian language is not necessary. Receiving a call from an English speaking volunteer can help new émigrés improve language skills, eliminate "telephone phobia" and prepare for their citizenship exam. A minimum 3-month commitment is required. [Brochure]
Contact: 212 632-4611 or volunteer@jbfcs.org [Application Forms]
Administrative and Clerical Office Work
Volunteers work in administrative roles throughout the agency helping with a variety of projects. Clerical volunteers can assist in many ways, from preparing large mailings to data entry and filing. Opportunities are available on an on-call or an ongoing basis. Schedules vary from several hours per month, to 20 hours per week, depending on the assignment.
Contact: 212 632-4689 or volunteer@jbfcs.org [Application Forms]
Sanctuary Stitchers Project
JBFCS Sanctuary Stitchers knit or crochet squares which are assembled into beautiful handmade blankets. These blankets are given as gifts to children in need of comfort, warmth and love who are in treatment at JBFCS and living in one of our residences. Volunteer knitters range in age from children to seniors and knit on their own or form a group. Groups can be formed in a variety of settings such as schools, faith-based organizations, community groups and other organizations. Join our monthly evening knitting circles on the first Wednesday and third Thursday of every month. [Sanctuary Stitchers Website]
Contact: 212 632-4515 or volunteer@jbfcs.org [No Application Necessary]
