Local Young Adult Volunteer Opportunities

Animals and Nature

Ct Audubon Society Fairfield

2325 Burr Street

Fairfield, CT 06430

Cat Holberg (203) 259-6305 ext. 118

Description: Our current volunteers participate in: Citizen Science Projects, Projects at our Centers, including research projects, bird banding, animal care, helping with field trips, and office and administrative work.

CT Audubon Society Milford

1 Milford Point Road

Milford, CT 06460

Louise Crocco (203) 878-7440

Description: Our current volunteers participate in: Summer Camp counselors Ages 15 and up, Site clean-up, and Animal Care Kids where youth can take care of reptiles and other animals 1 day a week. Mailings, telephone and office help.

Beardsley Zoo

18 Noble Avenue

Bridgeport, CT 06610

Tracy Benham (203) 394-6565

Description: Four-H Club, ages 7 to 18. Participants work in Farmyard and do various Zoo related activities. Twice monthly meetings, September through June. Explorer Post, ages 14 to 18. Participants examine various zoo careers through hands-on activities (starts at the beginning of December, runs year round.) Conservation Discovery Corp, for students 9th through 12th grade. The Conservation Discovery Corps is composed of trained high school students who work with the public as exhibit interpreters, communicating natural history data and information related to relevant conservation issues. (Apply by January.) - Service Hours for school, clubs, etc., all ages. Seasonal light landscaping, grounds clean-up.

Maritime Aquarium

10 North Water Street

Norwalk, CT 06854

Volunteer Services Department (203) 852-0700, ext. 2225, or e-mail us at volunteers@maritimeaquarium.org

Description: Volunteers help with: Aquarium exhibits, interpreting displays, and welcoming, orienting and educating visitors. Volunteers staff the Seal Exhibit, Touch Tank, Shark & Ray Touch Pool and Ocean beyond the Sound exhibit. Volunteers also work behind-the-scenes, helping out in our corporate offices, organizing sleepovers and other special events. Learn all you need to know in convenient evening training courses conducted each spring and fall. (An abbreviated course is held during the summer.) You must be at least 15 years old. Volunteer shifts are four hours long. Volunteers work a minimum of four shifts per month. A small $40 fee covers the costs of training materials and uniforms. We are currently accepting applications for the Spring 2015 training course, scheduled to begin on March 10 and continue until April 9. Classes will be held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7-9 PM and will meet in Oyster Hall. Attendance and participation in all of the volunteer training classes is mandatory for all prospective volunteers. The minimum time commitment required from volunteers is 100 hours.

Boothe Park

5744 Main Street

Stratford, CT 06614

Bessie Burton (203) 381-2046

Description: Giving tours on Sundays 1:00-4:00pm and helping in the rose garden. There are always odd jobs and cleanup projects throughout the year.

A Hand for a Paw, Inc.

143 Bennett Street

Bridgeport, CT 06610

Melissak@ahfap.org

Description: Volunteer opportunities include Promotions & Fundraising, postering, and Street team who spread the word about upcoming events. They create awareness and excitement about clinics and fundraisers. Ideally, street teamers create a domino effect. Clinics - At the clinics, we have different tables set up to offer services. We need volunteers to manage each table. Duties include: Clinic Registration Managing the form intake. Directing the flow of clients entering the RV for services, Pet food pantry - Accepting completed forms and Distributing goods, Form Assistance, Ensuring clients fill out forms thoroughly, Answering questions the clients may have,Water Duty, Making sure all animals, clients and volunteers are hydrated, and Set up and break down tables, chairs, tent and unload the RV. Fill out volunteer application on www.ahfap.org

Improving the Community

STROBE Volunteer Youth Group - Sterling House

2283 Main Street

Stratford, CT 06615

Bob Wargo (203) 378-2606 ext. 113

Description: A teen youth group which meets generally on Thursdays during the school year from 7:00-8:00pm to socialize and plan fun and exciting community service activities in and around the Stratford area. Contact program advisor for meeting dates and membership availability.

Habitat For Humanity Costal Fairfield County (CFC)

Bridgeport Affiliate

1542 Barnum Ave

Bridgeport, CT 06610

Eileen Bakos (203) 333-2642 or Volunteer@habitatcfc.org

Description: Youth United gives teens the opportunity to work together to sponsor and build a house with Habitat CFC. The goal of Youth United is to target groups of young, enthusiastic volunteers to build homes, engage in positive service activities and experience the joy of helping others. Volunteer’s makes crafts to sell, staff sporting events, and help with fundraising events. Youth United holds planning meetings on the second Tuesday of every month at 7:30PM at the Habitat Office at 1542 Barnum Ave, Bridgeport. Interested youth and adults are welcome to attend. There are also opportunities if interested in helping with event committees, data entry, grants, photography or any other administrative tasks.

Habitat for Humanity- ReStore

1785 Stratford Ave

Stratford, CT 06615

(203) 383-4358

Description: Donations Assistant – The donations assistant works in the donation receiving area accepting donations directly from drop-off donors. Moving and cleaning donated furniture. Ages 16-18 with a parent cosigner.

Thomas Merton Center

43 Madison Avenue

Bridgeport, CT 06604

(203) 367-9036

Description: Soup kitchen- food preparation and serving, breakfast 9:00-10:00am, lunch 11:00-1:30pm. After School program (September-June) Mon-Thurs 3-5pm. Literacy Volunteers scheduled as needed.

Operation Hope Kitchen

50 Nichols Street

Fairfield, CT 06430

Donna Schmidt (203) 292-5588 ext. 207

Description: Make a canned food donation or make meals at home and bring them in. Help serve at the soup kitchen. Food pick up. An online application and an interview are required.

American Red Cross

158 Brooklawn Avenue

Bridgeport, CT 06606

(203) 576-1010

Description: Choose your area of work, your hours, and your monthly commitment. No special skills needed, will train. Assist at blood drives. Cleaning and maintenance of training equipment. Assist in planning and implementing fundraising/ special events in one or more ways: Help solicit sponsors, door prizes, or other items needed for event. Distribute marketing materials such as posters and brochures. Assist with office functions.

South End Community Center

19 Bates Road

Stratford, CT 06615

Evelyn Barbosa (203) 377 0689

Description: Submit application then interview with Ty. Submit background check and physical. Mentoring youth through a variety of programs. Some assisting in the office. 16 - Up

Bridgeport Rescue Mission- Mens Shelter

1088 Fairfield Avenue

Bridgeport, CT 06604

Donna Romano (203) 333-4087 ext. 111

Description: Age 15 and up with an adult. Help prepare and serve meals to the homeless. Donation Center- Help sort, weigh, organize, and distribute donated clothes. Separate and hang incoming bags of clothes. Keeping sorting area clean and organized.

Beth-el Center

90 New Haven Avenue
Milford, CT 06460

(203) 876-0747 or email info@bethelmilford.org

Description: Soup Kitchen Volunteers Needed Monday through Friday 9am-2pm

to assist in preparation and/or cooking of luncheon meal, set up dining room area, serve meal to clients and clean up after the meal service and monitor parking lot during or after meal time. Volunteers must be 13 or older to serve food, 18 or older to cook food. Office Volunteers needed to support the administrative and Center staff by performing reception duties and various clerical tasks while maintaining professionalism and confidentiality at all times. Tasks include, but are not limited to: Answering phones & directing callers as appropriate, reception of visitors, receiving & logging in-kind donations, preparing thank you letters & cards, word processing tasks, internet searches & other research as requested, assisting w/fundraising projects, making copies as needed, maintaining center bulletin boards, maintaining reception area. Hours are flexible, based upon your schedule.

Stratford EMS - Explorer Post

900 Longbrook Avenue

Stratford, CT 06614

Michael Ingmanson (203) 385-4060

Description: Explorer Post 4911 is an emergency medical services-oriented youth organization. The post affords young men and women between the ages of 14 and 18 the opportunity to gain first-hand experience in the fields of emergency medicine and emergency services, rescue, business administration, and fund raising. Explorer Post 4911 meets each Wednesday evening at 7:00 PM at Stratford EMS Headquarters.

Relay For Life - American Cancer Society

Wilton, CT

Volunteer Services 1 (800) 227-2345

Description: No matter how many hours you have available, we need your help. Volunteers can help stuff envelopes and set up the day of any 2015 event.

Working with Youth

Sterling House Day Camp/Junior Counselor Volunteer

2283 Main Street

Stratford, CT 06615

Bob Wargo (203) 378-2606 ext.113

Description: For youth 14 or older going into grades 9-12 emphasizing leadership skills, child development and safety, program skills development and an opportunity to put learning into practice at Sterling House Park Summer Day Camp as a student volunteer. All interested youth must register for training program before mid-April.

Youth and Family Advisory Board

Stratford Community Services

468 Birdseye Street

Stratford, CT 06615
James Olsen or Anna Gasinski (203) 385-4095

jolsen@townofstratford.com or agasinski@townofstratford.com

Description: The Town of Stratford Youth and Family Advisory Board, which is the Drug Free Communities Coalition, works to increase community collaborations and reduce youth substance use among Stratford youth. Open to anyone, both youth and adults. www.townofstratford.com/yafab.

Hall Neighborhood House

52 George E. Pipkins Way

Bridgeport CT, 06608

(203) 345-2000 or (203) 345-2008

Description: Provides a variety of programs and services for children, teens, seniors, and families. Volunteer opportunities in areas such as early childhood education, youth services, counseling and college prep, afterschool recreation, performing arts, music and dance, senior citizen support services, affordable housing and home ownership counseling, and job training.

Stratford Parents Place - Stratford Community Services

Located at Stratford Academy/Johnson House

719 Birdseye Street, Stratford CT. 06615

Janet Baxter (203) 381-6992

Description: Help staff work with pre-school aged children throughout the regular school year. Summer opportunities depending on need.

Smart Buddies Peer Tutoring Program – Sterling House

2283 Main Street

Stratford, CT

Bob Wargo (203) 378-2606 ext.113

Description: High school students needed to tutor 1st -3rd graders at Sterling House. Mondays 3:00-4:30pm, Tuesday and Wednesday 2:45-4:15pm. Help with homework, provide snacks, and engage students with learning games.

Stratford Library

2303 Main Street

Stratford, CT 06615

(203) 385-4167

Description: Training required. Teen department: Summer volunteers, self-scheduling, matched up with children based on interest and skills. Children Department: work with children, reading, preparing for special children’s events.

ABC Child Care Center

2740 Broadbridge Avenue

Stratford, CT 06614

Bonnie McBennett (203) 378-8888

Description: Assist teachers with preschoolers in arts and crafts, playing both inside and outside games, group story readings, and all around daily functions. June through August (Summer Only) from 9:00-12:30pm. Center provides orientation. Copy of current health form required before first day of volunteering. Ages 15 and up.

ABCD INC. – Early Learning Program/ Lighthouse Afterschool Program

1070 Park Avenue
Bridgeport, CT 06604
Phone: (203) 366-8241

Description: Early Learning Program - Assist teachers with children ranging from 6 months to 5 years of age. Lighthouse Afterschool Program - The program provides educational, cultural, and recreational opportunities to Bridgeport’s students, in grades K – 12, through a diversified approach to programming. During the summer, the program operates for five weeks beginning the first week in July, from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. A free breakfast and lunch are served. The after-school program operates from September through May, between the hours of 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm.

Ages 16 and up. Background check and fingerprints required to start for both programs. Over 14 locations surrounding communities, Stratford locations: 1. Address: 1950 Barnum Ave., Stratford, CT 06614 Phone: 203-385-1127 Contact: Shubhra Gupta, Site Manager Email: sgupta@abcd.org

2. Address: 19 Bates St., Stratford, CT 06615 Phone: 203-377-4721

Contact: Alterine Johnson, Site Manager Email: aljohnson@abcd.org

The Boys and Girls Club of Milford

14 Benham Ave

Milford, CT 06460

Jill DeWerdt (203) 713-8055

Description: Individuals or groups interested in assisting with Club programming such as sports and fitness, technology, the arts, health and life skills, leadership and character development, education, and career development. Teens age 14 and up can mentor and/or tutor one or more K-5th graders throughout the week that have similar interests. Helping at special events throughout the year such as Pumpkins on the Pier every October.

Athletics

Stratford Recreation

1 Dorne Avenue

Stratford, CT 06614

Coreen Ahmad (203) 385-4052

Description: Accept teens in or entering grades 8-12. The department offers a variety of programs both during the school year and summer that can utilize youth volunteers. Opportunities can involve after school sports such as Basketball programs and gymnastics, dance programs, learning programs, open gym, special events throughout the year and summer camps such as Pre-school sports camp, sports camp, and learning camp. (Summer Obligations due by June 2015).

Stratford YMCA

3045 Main Street

Stratford, CT 06615

Crystal O’Brien (203) 378-2606

Description: All ages. One-time commitments such as helping at a special event to longer-term opportunities such as coaching youth and teen sports and tutoring youth. Program volunteers go through an application and screening process similar to that of paid staff members.

Woodruff Family YMCA

631 Orange Avenue
Milford, CT 06461
(203) 878-6501

Description: All ages. One-time commitments such as helping at a special event to longer-term opportunities such as coaching youth and/or teen sports, tutoring youth and helping in the daycare. Program volunteers go through an application and screening process similar to that of paid staff members.

Sterling House Community Center Athletics:

2283 Main Street

Stratford, CT 06615

Bob Wargo (203) 378-2606

Description: Assistant coaching and/or coaching for youth sports programs including fall and spring soccer, boy’s winter basketball, and spring lacrosse. Fill out Coach Profile form and youth volunteer form available at Sterling House.

Medical \ Health and Well-being

American Red Cross

158 Brooklawn Avenue

Bridgeport, CT 06606

(203) 576-1010

Description: Choose your area of work, your hours, and your monthly commitment. No special skills needed, will train. Assist at blood drives. Cleaning and maintenance of training equipment. Assist in planning and implementing fundraising/ special events in one or more ways: Help solicit sponsors, door prizes, or other items needed for event. Distribute marketing materials such as posters and brochures. Assist with office functions.

Stratford EMS - Explorer Post

900 Longbrook Avenue

Stratford, CT 06614

Micheal Ingmanson (203) 385-4060

Description: Explorer Post 4911 is an emergency medical services-oriented youth organization. The post affords young men and women between the ages of 14 and 21 the opportunity to gain first-hand experience in the fields of emergency medicine and emergency services, rescue, business administration, and fund raising. Members must demonstrate a commitment to their family, their education, and the post.

Explorer Post 4911 meets each Wednesday evening at 7:00 PM in the Training Room at Stratford EMS Headquarters.

St. Vincent's Hospital

2800 Main Street

Bridgeport, CT 06606

Volunteer services (203) 576-5111

Description: St. Vincent’s volunteers, a group of almost 400 strong, provide assistance to our patients and staff in many departments within the Medical Center, including the Seton Gift Shop, Emergency Department, Short Stay, Discharge, Information Desk and the Cancer Center. They may work directly with our patients, create and distribute comfort prayer shawls and blankets or perform clerical functions throughout the Medical Center. Volunteers commit to a minimum of three to four hours per week and are eligible for a meal voucher for the cafeteria. Ages 16 and up.

Bridgeport Hospital

267 Grant Street

Bridgeport, CT 06610

Volunteer Services (203) 384-3330

Description: The High School Student Volunteer Program begins during the last week of June and ends at the beginning of September. Age 15 and up. Individuals who are interested in donating their time on a regular basis will be both challenged and satisfied by the wide variety of volunteer opportunities available at the hospital. To ensure a safe and healthy environment, background checks are conducted on all applicants age 18 and older and all volunteers receive a brief physical examination before they start.

Milford Hospital

300 Seaside Avenue

Milford, CT 06460

Christine Brown (203) 876-4062

Description: Junior Volunteers must be at least 15 years old and in the 9th grade. They must be able to commit a minimum of 50 hours of service within a one-year period. Junior Volunteers are recruited each year in May. Throughout the year we maintain a waiting list for interested students. Junior Volunteer placements include Deliver newspapers, flowers, etc. to patient rooms. Nursing Unit Assistants: perform a variety of duties including discharging patients, running errands, stocking supplies, clerical duties, making beds, delivering meal trays, filling water pitchers and more. Patient Transportation: Stationed in Diagnostic Imaging, Junior Volunteers transport patients via wheelchair between locations in the hospital. Requires the ability to relate well to different types of people. Enchanted Window Gift Shop: Volunteers assist with customer service and sales in our Gift Shop. Will also help with pricing, stocking merchandise and keeping shop tidy. Must be 16 years old. Messenger: collect and distribute interdepartmental mail and laboratory specimens to departments and nursing units. Students must possess the ability to use good judgment and work independently with little supervision. Emergency Center: Assist staff with a variety of duties including stocking supplies, making beds, rounding on patients, interdepartmental deliveries, assisting visitors.

Helping Senior Citizens

Atria Assisted Living

6911 Main Street

Stratford, CT 06614

(203) 380-0006

Description: Set up and assist with activities for residents as needed or planned. TB test required

Lord Chamberlain Nursing Home

7003 Main Street

Stratford, CT 06615

Margaret Boos (203) 375-5894

Description: Volunteers need a set schedule and required TB (PPD) test. Ages 13 and Up. Programs run Monday - Sunday 9:30-11:30am and 1:00-3:30pm. Volunteers will visit with seniors, play games, and assist elderly with transportation, mail delivery, BINGO, and bowling. Must attend mandatory Lord Chamberlin orientation.

Wesley Village Senior Care

580 Long Hill Avenue

Shelton, CT 06484

Barbara Quinn (203) 944-8292

Description: It is important to us that our volunteers become involved in an activity that fits their interests. Some volunteers do arts and crafts, others bake. Many share their musical talents! Pet therapy is popular and we are always looking for more animals to spend time with us. Knitting, sewing and beautician services are always appreciated. Life Stories program. Receptionist, Walking guide, Wheel chair aid, Computer trainer, dinner companion. The opportunities are endless! Age 14 and up, 50 hour commitment for a year, interview required along with TB test.

The Jewish Home for the Elderly

1 Post Road

Fairfield, CT 06824

(203) 365-6495 or email volunteer@jseniors.org.

Description: Lead current events discussion groups, apply computer skills in offices, transporting residents to the Synagogue, and taking patients to physical therapy sessions. Volunteers greet visitors at the reception desks and escort them on tours of the facility. During one-to-one visits, volunteers write letters, videotape autobiographies and read poetry.

St. Joseph's Manor

6448 Main Street

Trumbull, CT 06611

Sharon Lockshire (203) 268-6204

Description: Help on Saturdays 2:00-4:00pm with BINGO, Sit and help resident play cards, Get to know residents, Transport to dinner daily. 20 hour commitment expected. Ages 13 and Up. Volunteer packets available by request - calling first is recommended.

Working with Individuals with Special Needs

Open Gym at Center School

55 Sutton Avenue

Stratford, Ct

Board of Education (203) 385-4210

Description: Help mentor youth with special needs on Friday evenings, Play basketball and other fun activities.

Feroleto Children's Development Center

95 Merritt Boulevard

Trumbull, CT 06611

Christine Howard (203) 386-2743

Description: Work with special needs individuals; children, adults, and seniors, to play or enjoy leisure time activity, to learn a new skill, or to participate in an outing in the community. Must go through an interview process and background check. A minimum of 2 hours of service a week. Hours are 9:00am - 2:00pm Monday through Sunday and major holidays but there are also opportunities to work with residents in late afternoons and evenings during the week.

The Kennedy Center

2440 Reservoir Avenue

Trumbull, CT 06611

Volunteer Coordinator (203) 332-4535 ext. 270

Description: An orientation is provided to volunteers and all volunteer assignments are conducted under the supervision of a trained staff member. Recreational activities such as sports, arts and crafts, games and various projects. Help is needed days, evenings, and weekends.

Opportunities Unlimited – The Kennedy Center

39 Lindeman Drive

Trumbull, CT 06611

(203) 332-4535

Description: All volunteers complete a formal and individualized training and are provided with ongoing supervision by skilled staff. The program supports preschoolers to teens in a wide variety of activities based on family choice including: dance classes, computer programs, basketball and soccer teams, swim lessons, etc.

Theatre and Arts

Square One Theatre Company

2422 Main Street

Stratford, CT 06615

Tom Holehan (203) 375-8778

Description: Help with basic production and reading scripts, technical support to help with the overall production.

Neighborhood Studios of Fairfield County

(Formerly the Music and Arts Center for Humanity)

391 East Washington Avenue
Bridgeport, CT 06608
(203) 366-3300 ext. 230, or send an email to info@nstudios.org

Description: Often have marketing or fundraising work that can use an extra set (or sets) of hands. These activities include preparing packets for mailings, addressing invitations, and providing assistance at fundraisers. Also need occasional help in the various programs offered throughout the year. Volunteers can help greet families when they arrive, provide assistance in classes or some light office help.