Get Involved. Create Change.
See additional volunteer opportunities at our Upper East Side partner, the Isaacs Center.
Volunteering at Goddard Riverside is a wonderful way to get involved, learn more about our programs and connect with the community.
Directly sign up for our current volunteer opportunities here and learn more about specific volunteer opportunities below.
Please note, we do not have regularly scheduled after-school, evening or weekend opportunities. Occasionally, we have events during these times and we will send an email with information to everyone who has completed our volunteer application form.
If you would like to be notified of future volunteer opportunities, please complete our volunteer application form.
Phelps House Holiday Party
Goddard Riverside’s Phelps House is an independent living residence for Older Adults and people with mobility impairments. It’s located at 595 Columbus Avenue (btwn. 89th and 88th Street) New York, NY 10024.
What will you be doing?
- Serving food
- Mingling
Who can volunteer?
Ages: 21 and up
When?
- Friday, December 6 from 3:30-6:00 PM
Sign Up:
Community Arts Program
Goddard Riverside’s Community Arts Program provides opportunities for people of all ages to experience and participate in the arts through original and professional-caliber performing and visual arts events, as well as workshops, classes, lectures, and partnerships with renowned artists and arts organizations in New York City.
Community Arts events take place at the Bernie Wohl Center, at 647 Columbus Avenue, between 91st Street and 92nd Street.
Accessibility Notice: Please note that there are 8 rather steep steps leading down into the Bernie Wohl Center’s auditorium. While the Center is equipped with a motorized stairlift and assistance for anyone who requires it, individuals do need to transition themselves into and out of the stairlift’s chair.
What will you be doing?
- Be stationed at the door to greet guests and community members, and make sure they sign in with our four-question COVID questionnaire;
- Check attendees’ vaccination cards and tickets before a performance or event;
- Help with directing attendees to the classrooms, performance space, and restrooms as needed;
- And/or assist staff with tasks such as arranging chairs and distributing materials.
Who can volunteer?
Ages: 18+
When?
- Impact Theatre’s Veterans Project: Saturday, December 7, 2pm-5pm
- Upper West Side Film Festival: Friday, January 24, 6:30pm-9pm
Sign Up:
Holiday Meals
Volunteers are key to the success of our holiday meals. Feeding more than 1,500 men, women and children takes the support of many people willing to volunteer for a morning or afternoon on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
What will you be doing?
- Prepare stuffing and carve turkeys with our kitchen team.
- Serve Thanksgiving and/or Christmas dinners to our guests.
- Donate baked pies and cookies for our dessert table.
Who can volunteer?
Ages: all volunteers must be 8 and up.
When?
Volunteer opportunities for Thanksgiving are posted annually in early October and for Christmas by the first week in December.
Sign Up
With the help of our dedicated volunteers, we were able to distribute over 1,500 take-out meals on both Thanksgiving and Christmas! Sign up here.
Corporate Engagement
Goddard Riverside welcomes corporate employee groups to volunteer with our programs and make a difference in the lives of the most vulnerable people in our community. We have volunteer opportunities throughout the year for a few hours or all day. We will connect groups with existing volunteer programs or create a program to meet the interests and skills of the group. Corporate volunteer “impact” days are excellent ways to promote leadership skills and build teamwork while meeting a significant need of Goddard Riverside’s community.
What will you be doing?
Activities will vary but could include working on résumé writing and interview skills with adults in our employment programs or packing backpacks full of school supplies for students in our Options program.
When?
Contact the Development Office for placement.
Sign Up:
Contact the Development Office for placement.
Star Learning Center
Star Learning Center is offering online and in-person tutoring for the 2023-24 school year.
Goddard Riverside’s Star Learning Center provides one-to-one academic tutoring for students in grades 2-12 from underserved communities.
The center’s goal is to help each child improve academically and foster a positive attitude toward school and learning.
What will you be doing?
- One-to-one academic tutoring
Who can volunteer?
Volunteers should be able to commit two hours a week, be at least a sophomore in high school, and be comfortable using a computer.
When?
To become a tutor, please fill out an online application. You will be contacted by Star Learning Center.
Sign up:
Older Adults
Goddard Riverside’s older adult programs are enhanced by volunteers who spend time with the men and women who come to our Senior Centers or live at our NORCs (Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities).
What will you be doing?
- Teach an art class
- Offer computer skill support
- Escort older adults to appointments
Who can volunteer?
Ages: 21 and up
When?
Contact the Development Office for placement.
Sign Up:
Contact the Development Office for placement.
Book Giveaway
On June 26, 2024, Goddard Riverside will be giving away books donated by our partners in publishing. We have a variety of volunteer spots available including set up, working the tables at the giveaway, and clean up. The giveaway will be at our Lincoln Square Neighborhood Center, 250 West 65th Street.
What will you be doing?
- Set Up – help move and set up tables, display books, signage, etc.
- Book Giveaway – help manage tables, children pick out books, direct traffic, etc.
- Clean Up – break down tables, box leftover books, etc.
When & Where?
The Book Giveaway will be on June 26, 2024, at our Isaacs Center, 415 East 93rd Street.