Abilis

Abilis provides people with developmental disabilities and their families in lower Fairfield County, CT and parts of Westchester County, NY with supports and advocacy for building able lives and strong communities. Abilis believes that all people deserve to live, learn, work and enjoy life based upon their personal preferences. Each person’s own strengths and dreams for the future deserve acknowledgment and respect. All people deserve access to resources, opportunities and skills that enhance their ability to self-advocate effectively.

• Address: 1150 Summer Street, Stamford, CT 06905
• Contact: Monica Smyth - email: smyth@abilis.us
• Phone: 203-324-1880X336
• Volunteer Opportunity: Abilis runs a year-round performing arts program for teens of all abilities. Meet Sundays from 2 - 4 in Stamford or Greenwich. Abilis' Youth Board meets monthly on Sunday afternoons and helps with Abilis' Mission of Supporting People with Disabilities.

Best Buddies

The Best Buddies mission is to establish a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

• Address: 28 Washington Ave., North Haven, CT 06473
• Contact: Casey Henderson - email: cassandrahenderson@bestbuddies.org
• Phone: 203-234-3996
• Volunteer Opportunity: The Middle School and High School programs match students with intellectual and developmental disabilities with other students in one-to-one friendships. The buddies will meet twice a month and be in communication weekly. The students are enrolled in high school special education programs. Join us for our state-wide Friendship Walk on April 14th at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport. This event is an opportunity for chapter members, community members, family, and friends to come together and celebrate the friendships made by Best Buddies this year. This is the largest state fundraiser of the year. Funds support ongoing programs going and allow us to open new school-based programs in an effort to spread inclusion and fulfill our mission. The website for this event is www.bestbuddiesct.org/westportwalk.

Boys and Girls Club of Stamford

The Boys & Girls Club of Stamford is a dedicated youth facility that is open daily, is managed by a professional staff, and available and affordable to all youth.  We have provided after school activities and youth development services to the youth of Stamford, Connecticut since 1927. 

• Address: 347 Stillwater Ave, Stamford, CT 06902
• Contact: Jeff Pytlak - email: jpytlak@bgcastamford.org
• Phone: 203-324-0594
• Volunteer Opportunity: "Volunteers are needed to help the children with homework, assist with arts and crafts, technology, games and team sports.

Bruce Museum

The Bruce Museum promotes the understanding and appreciation of Art and Science to enrich the lives of all people.

• Address: One Museum Drive, Greenwich, CT 06830
• Contact: Mary Ann Lendenmann - email: mlendenmann@brucemuseum.org
• Phone: 203- 869-6786
• Volunteer Opportunity: Volunteer opportunities for students between the ages of 14 and 18. * Arts and Crafts Assistant * Museum Ambassador * Museum Store Assistant * Front Desk Receptionist * Assistant at the Seaside Center (summer only) * Office Assistant * Junior Educator * Parent-Child (age 8-13) Team

Challenger Little League of Darien

The Little League Challenger Division is a program for mentally and/or physically disabled youth to enjoy the full benefits of Little League participation in an athletic environment structured to their abilities.

• Address: PO Box 2108, Darien, CT 06820
• Contact: Molly Morgan - email: morg103@optonline.net
• Phone: 203-655-7003
• Volunteer Opportunity: 9th and 10th graders are needed to act as “buddies” to physically and mentally challenged kids ranging in age from 5 to 18 in baseball activities.

Community Action Agency of Greater Stamford

It is the mission of CTE to counter basic causes of poverty in the Stamford, Darien and Greenwich communities by making available services and activities which help reduce the physical, economic and psychological barriers to self-sufficiency for low income individuals, families and communities, giving them the ability to rise out of poverty.

• Address: 34 Woodland Avenue, Stamford, CT 06902
• Contact: Keha Yanterpool - email: kyanterpool@ctecap.org
• Phone: 203-352-4871
• Volunteer Opportunity: Assist teachers in the classroom with homework, once a week reading club @ Southend Branch Library, once a week tech help, twice a week recreation help, volunteering during Mighty Mights Basketball Program - Score Keepers & Coaches.

Darien Arts Center

Founded in 1975, the Darien Arts Center is dedicated to supporting and fostering a greater appreciation of, and participation in, the visual and performing arts for all members of the community and has been an important part of the cultural life of Darien for more than 25 years.

• Address: 2 Renshaw Road, Darien, CT 06820
• Contact: Amy Allen - email: amyallen@darienarts.org
• Phone: 203-655-5138
• Volunteer Opportunity: Theatre Technician - set builder,lighting asst.,stage manager,box office/tickets. PR Assistant - Marketing, Graphic Design, Photography. Arts Admin. Asst. - Community outreach

Darien Nature Center

The Darien Nature Center is a private, non-profit membership organization dedicated to promoting awareness and appreciation of the natural world. Located in beautiful Cherry Lawn Park, the Darien Nature Center offers a world of resources and activities for children and adults of all ages.

• Address: 120 Brookside Road, Darien, CT 06820
• Contact: Nina Miller - email: pokebox@aol.com
• Phone: 203-655-7459
• Volunteer Opportunity: Summer Camp Counselors in Training (volunteer CIT's)

Darien YMCA

The YMCA Mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind & body for all.

• Address: 2420 Post Road, Darien, CT 06820
• Contact: Pat Morrissey - email: pm@darien-ymca.org
• Phone: 203-655-8228
• Volunteer Opportunity: The Darien YMCA is looking for students interested in volunteering to work with children and teenagers with special needs.

Darien YMCA

• Address: 2420 Post Road, Darien, CT 06820
• Contact: Kathy Risley - email: risleyk@optonline.net
• Phone: 203-655-8228
• Volunteer Opportunity: Many various opportunities to work with Special Needs children.

Darien Youth Commission

The Youth Commission shall act as an advocate for youth services by developing, planning, coordinating and/or conducting programs and/or activities focused on enrichment for the youth of the Town of Darien. This includes, though is not limited to addressing: health, recreation, employment, positive youth development, and general welfare requirements of these said youth. Such programs and activities offered shall strive to avoid unnecessary duplication of those provided by public and private agencies. (To this end, the Youth Commissions shall act as a coordinating body of all available Youth programming.)

• Address: Renshaw Road, Darien, CT 06820
• Contact: Alicia Sillars - email: asillars@darienct.gov
• Phone: 203-656-7326
• Volunteer Opportunity: Member Youth Advisory Committee of Youth Commission on on-going basis. Help is needed at the following events: Youth Arts Expo, Tilley Pond Model Boat Regatta, Family concerts on the Beach, and the Halloween Window Painting Contest in the Fall.

Domus

Since 1972, Domus has helped thousands of our region's most vulnerable youth and their families experience success. The love, structure, and support we provide at our charter schools, residential programs, and community programs enable our kids and families to reach their full potential.

• Address: 83 Lockwood Avenue, Stamford, CT 06902
• Contact: Julia Wade - email: jwadew@domuskids.org
• Phone: 203-324-4277 x 24
• Volunteer Opportunity: After school opportunities for tutoring middle school students at Trailblazers Academy, a Charter Middle School in Stamford. Help with homework, coach various sports, teach a skill such as drawing or knitting at Chester Addison Community Center

Family and Children's Agency

Family & Children’s Agency (FCA) is a non-profit human service agency that meets the needs of more than 10,000 individuals--including children, adults, and families--throughout Fairfield County and beyond. Skilled professionals serve clients in seven primary impact areas: youth development, family strengthening, foster care, adoption, behavioral health, homeless service, and services for seniors. Eighty-nine cents of every dollar given to FCA directly benefits those in need in our community.

• Address: 9 Mott Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06850
• Contact: Mayx Holmes - email: mholmes@fcagency.org
• Phone: 203-523-5715
• Volunteer Opportunity: Junior Project Friendship - Juniors and Seniors are mentors to younger children (ages 6-12). Big Friends see their Little Friends once a week year round. Activities range from going to the movies, playing in the park, baking cookies or just hanging out. Mentors have the opportunity to be positive role models and make a real difference in the life of a child. Drivers license required. After School Program -Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors are homework helpers to 6th, 7th and 8th graders after school, located at Norwalk Community College.

Family Centers

Family Centers is a private, non-profit organization offering education and human services to children, adults and families living in Lower Fairfield County. More than 1400 trained professionals and volunteers work together to provide a wide range of innovative and responsive programs. Annually Family Centers services more than 16,000 individuals and families through their thirty programs.

• Address: 40 Arch Street, Greenwich, CT 06830
• Contact: Jennifer Flatow - email: jflatow@familycenters.org
• Phone: 203-869-4848
• Volunteer Opportunity: Our early care and education program, which services children from birth to five years of age, seeks dedicated volunteers to work side by side with our staff. We have multiple locations in Greenwich and can accommodate volunteers Monday through Friday between the hours of 7:30am to 6pm.

George Washington Carver Center

The George Washington Carver Community Center helps children reach their greatest potential by providing educational, social, and recreational programs in a positive, safe and fun environment.

• Address: 7 Academy Street, Norwalk, CT 06850
• Contact: Kaaren Shoulders - email: kaaren@carvercenterct.org
• Phone: 203-838-4305
• Volunteer Opportunity: Help at the Carver Center with after-school activities - homework, recreational activities and arts and crafts. If you are computer savvy, there is a real need for tutoring in the Computer Lab where you can share your skills with students. You must be at least 12 yrs old and attend volunteer training the 1st Monday of every month.young

Kids in Crisis

Connecticut’s ONLY facility for children newborn to age 17, Kids in Crisis provides free, temporary shelter, therapeutic counseling, comprehensive medical care and specialized educational support for children struggling with a wide range of issues including abuse, neglect, abandonment, family health issues and family conflict.

• Address: One Salem St, Cos Cob, CT 06830
• Contact: Kristen Tomasiewicz - email: ktomasiewicz@kidsincrisis.org
• Phone: 203-622-6556
• Volunteer Opportunity: Join the Kids in Crisis Youth Corps! Area teens meet at the Depot to plan monthly activities for the youngest KIC residents, organize fundraisers and raise awareness about Kids in Crisis in the community. Meetings take place at the Depot, 6:30 PM on the first Thursday of every month

Liberation Programs

Liberation Programs’ mission is to empower people and their families to be free of the disease of addiction by providing targeted solutions that restore lives and strengthen our community.

• Address: 4 Elmcrest Terr, Norwalk, CT 06850
• Contact: Linda Logan - email: info@liberationprograms.org
• Phone: 203-851-2077x1291
• Volunteer Opportunity: Volunteers are needed to help provide child care for infants and children at Families in Recovery Program at 141 Franklin Street while mothers are in counseling sessions. Plan and execute parties for the Families in Recovery Program. Prepare simple refreshments for a Sunday afternoon gathering of residents and their families at Liberation House on Main Street.

Literacy Volunteers-Stamford/Greenwich

LVSG is a community-based organization that utilizes the services of trained volunteers to provide free, high-quality reading, writing and English language programs to adults, both American and foreign born, for the purpose of enabling them to acquire the literacy skills necessary to achieve personal and occupational goals.

• Address: 141 Franklin Street, Stamford, CT 06901
• Contact: Lucia Cook - email: lec@lvsg.org
• Phone: 203-324-5214
• Volunteer Opportunity: Become a Reach Out and Read Volunteer and read to children in pediatric medical clinics. Come read (and play) to children waiting for medical appointments. A great opportunity to do with a friend. Students can organize drives for school supplies, collect new and gently used children's books. Community service and Internships are also available throughout the year.

Maritime Aquarium

The Maritime Aquarium inspires people of all ages to appreciate Long Island Sound and protect it for future generations. A vibrant and entertaining learning environment, the Maritime Aquarium achieves this goal through living exhibits, marine science, and environmental education.

• Address: 10 North Water Street, Norwalk, CT 06854
• Contact: Lisa Slinsky - email: volunteers@maritimeaquarium.org
• Phone: 203-852-0700 x2225
• Volunteer Opportunity: The Aquarium welcomes students to its Gallery Guide Program. Students can work on weekends and during school vacations as guides explaining the Aquarium’s many exhibits. All volunteers must successfully complete the Aquarium’s volunteer training program. Assignments vary from administrative responsibilities to frontline jobs throughout the Aquarium. Consider joining this fun group of volunteers and learn about the maritime history of Long Island Sound and its unique and wonderful marine life.

Norwalk Grassroots Tennis

Norwalk Grassroots Tennis is an alliance of tennis players, inner city youth, their parents and all those concerned with developing the self confidence, courtesy and maturity of disadvantaged children.

• Address: 15 Eastwood Road, Norwalk, CT 06851
• Contact: David Kimani - email: dave2kim@hotmail.com
• Phone: 203-434-6568
• Volunteer Opportunity: Tennis players needed to teach tennis to children from a variety of ethnic backgrounds, ages 6-13. Volunteers should have a good grasp of tennis and empathy with children. Help during the summer vacation at the Housing Authority in Norwalk.

SoundWaters

SoundWaters, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1989, is the leading environmental education organization on Long Island Sound. Programs take place at the Coastal Education Center in Cove Island Park, in Stamford, Connecticut, on the SoundWaters, an 80’ three-masted schooner; at schools, community centers and field sites throughout the region; and at our summer program for children ages 2-14.

• Address: 1281 Cove Road, Stamford, CT 06902
• Contact: Arlyn Kilduff - email: akilduff@soundwaters.org
• Phone: 203-406-3311
• Volunteer Opportunity: SoundWaters has opportunities for high school students who are interested in working for an organization that emphasizes education and respect for the environment, especially the marine environment. Volunteers can help by greeting visitors, answering the phone and explaining exhibits; staffing the marine exhibit room; feeding the fish and cleaning the tanks; helping with the touch tank; and maintaining the learning lab. Volunteers are needed after school, and during the summer. Volunteers should be interested, reliable and attend training sessions.

Special Olympics of Connecticut

The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

• Address: 2666 State Street, Suite 1, Hamden, CT 06517
• Contact: Jen Williams or Debbie Horne - email: jenniferw@soct.org
• Phone: 203-380-9990
• Volunteer Opportunity: Become a Partner with a Special Olympics program, where disabled athletes play on the same teams with non-disabled partners. There are a number of different unified sports including tennis, bowling and power lifting. Help with our biggest events: The Penguin Plunge(3/12/11), The 2011 Winter Games(3/5&6), and The 2011 Spring Games(5/14/11).These are events that bring out the best is everyone. Once you start volunteering with us, you will never stop.

Stamford Hospital

Stamford Hospital is a not-for-profit, community teaching hospital that has been serving Stamford and surrounding Connecticut communities for more than 100 years. We have 305 inpatient beds in medicine, surgery, obstetrics/gynecology, psychiatry, and medical and surgical critical care units and maintain an educational partnership with Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons for its teaching programs in internal medicine, family practice, obstetrics/gynecology and surgery.

• Address: 30 Shelburne Rd, Stamford, CT 06902
• Contact: Stephanie Harris - email: sharris@stamhealth.org
• Phone: 203-276-7358
• Volunteer Opportunity: Several opportunities are available with a bi-monthly commitment: 1. Sunshine Team with 3 or more students to create crafts for patients 2. Healing Arts and Entertainment, students with talents such as painting, singing and playing instruments 3. Managing ED Closet - A group of 2 or 3 students to manage and organize the Emergency department donated clothing closet.4. Delivering patient flowers and mail.5. Supporting nurses (Patient support/visitation)6. Community Events and Fundraisers

Stamford Museum and Nature Center

The Stamford Museum & Nature Center is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of art, the natural and agricultural sciences, and history. The Museum is a vital cultural and educational resource for the community, and a focal point for family activity and interaction. We seek to inspire creativity, foster self-discovery, and nurture an appreciation for lifelong learning through exhibits, educational programs, and special events that enhance the visitor's experience of our unique site.

• Address: 39 Scofieldtown Rd, Stamford, CT 06903
• Contact: Cathryn Oulighan - email: volunteer@stamfordmuseum.org
• Phone: 203-977-6530
• Volunteer Opportunity: The Stamford Museum and Nature Center has many ongoing needs for volunteers for their Festivals - assist with setup ,children’s activities, food tents, hayrides, face painting and more. Students can also serve as weekend gallery assistants or train to become Junior Curators (farm volunteers). Administrative and computer help also needed.

STAR, Inc. Lighting the Way

STAR Walk, Roll & Stroll Walkathon and Family Fun Day supports individuals with developmental disabilities in Fairfield County.

• Address: 182 Wolfpit Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06851
• Contact: Janine Wolfe and Megan Johnson - email: mjohnson@starinconline.com
• Phone: 203-846-9581
• Volunteer Opportunity: Volunteer for the 7th Annual STAR Walk, Roll & Stroll on Sunday May 6, 2012 at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport, CT. Help set up, pass out water and snacks to walkers, help with children's activities such as face painting, crafts and games. Other volunteer oportunities include assisting individuals with developmental disabilities with recreational activities (e.g. crafts, bowling, Wii game night, movie night), assisting with social media (Facebook & Twitter) or event planning committees.

Stepping Stones Museum for Children

Stepping Stones Museum for Children, named one of America’s Top 50 Children’s Museums, features interactive exhibits, educational programs and fun for the whole family. With four main galleries, a toddlers-only gallery and more than 100 hands-on activities, Stepping Stones offers children ages ten and under plenty to explore and discover.

• Address: 303 West Ave, Norwalk, CT 06850
• Contact: Alison Minor - email: volunteer@steppingstonesmuseum.org
• Phone: 203-899-0606
• Volunteer Opportunity: Do you enjoy sailing boats and making kites with children? Youth volunteers help visitors explore galleries and exhibits, facilitate programs, assist staff with birthday parties and educational workshops, supervise exhibits as well as aid in clean up and with special events. The work is hands-on in a fun, creative and dynamic museum environment.

Volunteer Square, Inc.

• Address: 21 Greenleaf Avenue, Darien, CT 06820
• Contact: Rachel Reese - email: rreese@volunteersquare.com
• Phone: 203.526.7017
• Volunteer Opportunity: Start a video club to photograph events for charities. Become a student liaison to promote awareness of the site to students and parents.

Yerwood Center

The Yerwood Center is a community resource center providing educational and personal development opportunities to Stamford’s diverse community.

• Address: 90 Fairfield Avenue, Stamford, CT 06902
• Contact: Sioban Matthew - email: smatthew@yerwoodcenter.org
• Phone: 203-327-2790
• Volunteer Opportunity: Students can volunteer at the Yerwood Center through the IXCEL Teen Program. The goal of the program is to help other teenagers prepare for college, professional life and develop successful life skills. Other opportunities include one-on-one tutoring with children, story time help, supervise recreational time in the gymnasium or share a skill or talent as a guest speaker.

YWCA of Darien and Norwalk

The YWCA is the oldest and largest multicultural women's organization in the world. Across the globe, we have more than 25 million members in 122 countries, including 2 million members in 300 local associations in the United States. More important than the numbers, is our mission to eliminate racism and empower women. We provide safe places for women and girls, build strong women leaders, and advocate for women's rights and civil rights in Congress.

• Address: 49 Old Kings Hwy, Darien, CT 06820
• Contact: Ellen Kirby - email: ellenk@ywcadariennorwalk.org
• Phone: 203-655-2535
• Volunteer Opportunity: We have 3 volunteer opportunities for DHS students:March 24th, Country Club of Darien Annual Benefit, Masquerade Ball. Help set up event, and silent auction runners to retrieve auction items and package up. April 29, Race Against Racism and Empowering Women, a running race departing from Cherry Lawn park at 8 a.m. Assistance needed at the event in handing out pinneys and numbers to runners, marshalls to mark location of race. July 4th, Push-n-Pull parade, 8th annual parade for kids of all ages. We need help with setting up event at Tilley Pond Park day of event.