United Cerebral Palsy of New York City, Inc. (UCP/NYC) welcomes individuals who wish to assist our organization in various capacities! Many of our programs can use office help during the day, and our Special Events, Communications, and Marketing departments need extra hands for fundraising events, writing projects, and web site updates. We welcome volunteers with special talents and skills, such as arts and crafts, writing, and computers, and if you are part of a group that is interested in providing entertainment in one of our children or adult programs, please let us know.
Individuals who are interested in volunteering in programs where they will have direct interaction with participants must commit to a minimum of 50 hours and are required to complete an application process that includes an interview, a reference check, a current medical exam (inclusive of Measles Mumps, Rubella vaccinations), and a PPD (Tuberculosis skin test), for any volunteer ages 14-17, there is an additional requirement for working papers. With those minimum requirements, UCP/NYC can arrange for:
- Community Service
- Job Readiness Training Requirements
- College Interns (non-clinical)
Please contact Scott Feldman (212-979-9700 extension 710 or sfeldman@ucpnyc.org), Volunteer Coordinator, who will start your volunteering process and walk you through the steps.
Adult Habilitation Programs
The Day Habilitation Program is designed for adults who are developmentally and physically challenged. The focus is on skills development and increased self-sufficiency. Volunteers are needed at Brooklyn, Bronx, Staten Island, and Manhattan sites between the hours of 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. to assist with computer skills, group activities, outings in the community, and arranging volunteer opportunities for program participants. In Manhattan, the weekday Evening Hab program can accommodate volunteers from 3-8 p.m.
Saturday Recreation Program for Teens and Young Adults
The Saturday Recreation Program is designed for adolescents and young adults with significant physical challenges. Our teen recreation program operates in Manhattan, Staten Island and Brooklyn from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. each Saturday. Volunteers are needed to assist with activities such as arts and crafts, cooking, swimming, games, and periodic excursions into the community.
Residential Programs
Be a "buddy" or special friend to a teen or adult with developmental disabilities living in a Manhattan, Brooklyn, Staten Island or Bronx apartments or group homes. We can schedule volunteer times on evenings or weekends. Extra hands are also welcome on holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas to help with cooking and related festivities.
Technology Resource Center
UCP/NYC’s Technology Resource Center provides information on Assistive Technology to hundreds of people every year-and we could use your help in passing that information along. By simply answering the phones at our Manhattan center located at 120 East 23rd Street, or at our Brooklyn center at 160 Lawrence Avenue, you can make a tremendous difference in the life of the person at the other end of the line! Training is available, and volunteer hours are flexible so long as they fall between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. weekdays.
Fund Raising Activities and Events
UCP/NYC conducts an extensive calendar of fund raising activities throughout the year. All fund raising events are organized out of our administrative offices at 80 Maiden Lane in the Wall Street area of Manhattan. We need volunteers to assist at events, help with mailings, and provide clerical support. The sky's the limit. You can get involved in any manner that best matches your time and talents!
Holiday Parties
The holidays are a great time to get involved with UCP/NYC. Instead of giving gifts within your office or circle of friends, consider brightening the holidays for children or adults in UCP/NYC programs. Throw a party for our preschoolers, or gather gifts for the adult residents in our group homes and supported apartments. With program locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Staten Island and the Bronx, you can even pick a site convenient to you. Whatever your group or organization is interested in, we can help you make the holidays a special time for the people in our programs - and for you!
Special Skills
If you have special skill (i.e. musician, poet, photographer, etc.) and wish to volunteer with a one-time presentation/activity, our consumers are most appreciative. Contact Scott to make the appropriate arrangements.
*Required to complete an application process which includes an interview, a reference check, and a current medical exam & PPD.
