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.
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?
Tasks vary based on the event you’re volunteering at. Common tasks include, but are not limited to:
- Greeting guests and community members at the entrance.
- Assisting at the food and drink table by replenishing items as needed or handing out refreshments.
- Directing attendees to classrooms, the performance space, and restrooms.
- Helping staff with tasks such as arranging chairs and distributing materials
Who can volunteer?
Ages: 18+
When?
- Makers Night Workshop: Friday, March 14th, 5 – 8 PM
- Impact Theatre’s Performance Salon: Saturday, April 5th, 6:30 – 8:30 PM
- Body Stories: Teresa Fellion Dance: Thurs. June 12th from 6:30 – 8:30 PM and Fri. June 13th (Shift 1: 6:30 – 8:30 PM & Shift 2: 8:30 – 10:15 PM)
Volunteer Sign Up Links:
Isaacs Center: Older Adult Program Open House
On Friday, March 28, 2025, the Isaacs Center’s Older Adult program is hosting an open house celebration!
What will you be doing?
- Helping set up the event
- Preparing food
Who can volunteer?
- Volunteers must be 18+
- Dress Code: Closed-toed, non-slip shoes are required. Shirts must be full-length and have sleeves (no crop tops or tank tops). Bottoms (skirt/pants) must be ankle-length. Gloves, a face mask, and hairnet are mandatory and will be provided.
When?
We’re looking for 6 volunteers the day before the event and another 6 volunteers for the day of the event.
- Event set up: Thursday, March 27 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Food Prep: Friday, March 28, 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Where?
The celebration will be held at the Isaacs Center, 415 E 93rd Street, New York, NY 10128.
Volunteer Sign Up Link:
Questions?
Book Giveaway
On Saturday, May 17, 2025, 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 hosted in partnership with our Upper West Side Beacon Program, located at Joan of Arc School Complex, 154 West 93rd 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 May 17, 2025, at the Joan of Arc School Complex, 154 West 93rd Street
Volunteer Sign Up Link:
Lincoln Square Neighborhood Center Older Adult Services
Our Older Adult Centers help older members of the community live life to the fullest! Activities challenge older adults to keep growing and learning. Our more than 3,000 members come from diverse racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds. They are actively involved in the centers, so that the services and activities reflect their interests. Nutritious meals are also a vital part of our centers, ensuring that seniors receive the nourishment they need to stay healthy and engaged.
What will you be doing?
Class/Activity Leader
- Teaching or leading a class of seniors in an activity. Can be single or ongoing. Examples include:
- Arts/crafts
- Music
- Tech
Who can volunteer?
Ages: all volunteers must be 21+
When?
Food Service
- Mondays through Fridays from 11:30 AM – 2 PM
Class/Activity Leader
- Any time on weekdays between 8:30 AM and 3 PM. Mornings preferred.
Volunteer Sign Up Link:
- Food Service (dates available up until June 2025)
- Class/Activity Leader: because this opportunity is based on individual skill sets, please contact Activities Coordinator Julian Goris at jgoris@goddard.org or 212-874-0860 x 4911 to learn more.
Food Pantry at our Lincoln Square Neighborhood Center
Our food pantries offer fresh produce and basic foods to nourish you and your family. We partner with food banks to tackle hunger in our communities.
What will you be doing?
- Assisting with handing out food parcels
Who can volunteer?
Ages: 18+; must be able to stand for three hours and lift 20lbs
When?
- 1st, 2nd, and 4th Thursdays of the month, 8 AM – 12 PM
*Pantry may be held outside, so plan accordingly.
Volunteer Sign Up Link:
- Volunteer Application (dates available up until June 2025)
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.
Volunteer Sign Up:
Contact the Development Office for placement.
Star Learning Center
Star Learning Center is offering online and in-person tutoring for the 2024-25 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.
Volunteer Sign Up Links:
Older Adults
Goddard Riverside’s older adult programs are enhanced by volunteers who spend time with the men and women who come to our Older Adult 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+
When?
Contact the Development Office for placement.
Volunteer Sign Up:
Contact the Development Office for placement.
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.
Volunteer 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.