Volunteer  |  Classifieds

Not For Profit Organizations

American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is: "Building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke." The association's impact goal is to reduce coronary heart disease, stroke and risk by 25 percent by 2010. Progress toward the goal will be measured according to these indicators: Reduce the death rate from coronary heart disease and stroke by 25 percent. Reduce the prevalence of smoking, high blood cholesterol and physical inactivity by 25 percent. Eliminate the growth of obesity and diabetes. American Heart Association, Northeast Affiliate, 3020 Westchester Avenue, Purchase, NY 10577. 914-640-3275, www.heart.org

American Red Cross in Westchester County

The American Red Cross, a humanitarian organization led by volunteers and people, guided by its Congressional Charter and the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross Movement, provides relief to victims of disasters and helps people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. 106 North Broadway, White Plains, NY 10603. Call (914) 946-6500 x450 or email grimaldia@usa.redcross.org for more information. Web Site Address: www.redcross.org/ny/westchester

Children's Hope Chest

The Children's Hope Chest has just completed its second year of providing hope to children in need, children who face despair and suffering on a daily basis in the tri-state area. We create programs that encourage the participation of children in an effort to create social change. We offer hope to those in need by linking with established organizations that help families. Our organization is comprised of concerned individuals who wish to promote volunteerism and goodwill in order to lift despair. The Children's Hope Chest partners with the following agencies to reach out to children who are suffering. Andrus Children's Center: Provides assessment, treatment, education and preventative services for children who have or are at risk for developing behavioral health problems. Carver Center: mission is to provide educational programs and services to help at risk children maximize their potential for growth and self-sufficiency. Friends of Karen: Giving financial, emotional and advocacy support to families of children with life-threatening illnesses. My Sisters' Place: Offering shelter, education, and advocacy for battered women and their children. Neighbor to Neighbor: Providing essentials (i.e. food and clothing) to over 250 Fairfield County families each week. YMCA of Greater NY: Building strong kids, strong families and strong communities through the values of respect, honesty, responsibility and caring. For more information on how to get involved please visit our website www.childrenshopechest.com or contact us at (914)696-1176

The Dorough Lupus Foundation

The Dorough Lupus Foundation is an independent not-for-profit organization. Our goal is to educate and make the public aware of Lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system turns against the body and harms healthy cells and tissues. The Foundation also provides financial assistance to organizations in order to help those who live with Lupus that cannot afford treatment. The Foundation's greatest desire is to make our organization the most well-known and compassionate Lupus Supporting group, while helping those who are affected by this very serious disease. For more information email Catbestbsb@aol.comor visit www.DoroughLupusFoundation.org

Exchange Club Child Abuse Prevention Center of New York, Inc.

We serve overwhelmed, stressed parents throughout Westchester County helping stop a generational cycle of child abuse and neglect. Using a home visiting model we have an 85% success rate. We provide support; teaching new discipline skills and anger and stress management. We offer volunteers an intensive 12-hour training program and on-going individual supervision. Contact Linda Paver, MSW, CSW our Volunteer Coordinator at (914) 997-2642 for more information and a volunteer packet.

Friends of Karen

Friends of Karen (F.O.K.) was founded in 1978 by Sheila Petersen, a family friend of Karen MacInness, a 16 year old diagnosed with Lafora's Disease. Sheila, respecting Karen's parents wishes to keep Karen at home for her final months, appealed to the community and raised the necessary funds to allow her parents to care for Karen in their own home. Currently, Friends of Karen helps families in the New York metropolitan area care for their children (aged 21 years and under) who suffer from terminal or life threatening illnesses. F.O.K. works to ensure the financial and emotional well-being of families coping with the extraordinary demands of their child's illness. Social workers work with the families to assess the family's needs and help families to obtain assistance from insurance plans, government programs and community agencies, while maintaining contact with the family through home and hospital visits. Friends of Karen also provides direct financial assistance and help with needs related to the child's illness, including: household expenses, transportation to medical treatment, in-hospital expenses such as telephone, TV, parking, and meals for the parents, childcare for siblings while the parents are with the hospitalized child, living expenses for parents who must travel to get needed treatments, funeral arrangements, bereavement support, and private counseling referrals. Friends of Karen relies on individuals, corporations, foundations, schools, community and employee groups to contribute the needed dollars and in-kind gifts and volunteer time to give our families what they need to care for their children though their difficult illnesses. For more information about Friends of Karen, visit www.friendsofkaren.org or call 914.277.4547.

Guild Home for Aged Blind

The Guild Home for Aged Blind is a residential health care facility for elderly people with a broad range of vision loss. It offers comprehensive medical, nursing and rehabilitative services for long-term residents as well as persons requiring short-term rehabilitation. Professional staff members, including medical doctors, registered nurses, certified social workers, nutritionists, rehabilitation specialists and staff psychiatrists provide assessment, consultations and counseling services. The primary focus of the Guild Home is to help individuals maximize their potential while enabling them to live as independently as possible. The Guild Home also includes two additional facilities, each a unique center for specialized care: The Newman Center for Alzheimer Care and the Felkay Center for AIDS Care. The Newman Center for Alzheimer Care is a 26-bed skilled nursing center providing a therapeutic environment with an emphasis on dignified living for people with Alzheimer's Disease or a related dementia. For more information, please call 914-220-8611 or e-mail alzheimerinfo@jgb.org. The Felkay Center for AIDS Care is a 20-bed skilled nursing facility for persons with HIV illness. For more information, please call 914-220-8532 or e-mail info_home@jgb.org

Hospice Care in Westchester & Putnam

Hospice Care in Westchester and Putnam is the area's largest non-profit provider of home care to patients facing life threatening or advanced illness. The goal of Hospice Care is to enhance comfort, support, and dignity while preserving the quality of life of the patients they serve. Hospice is for families too, supporting them in managing stresses and coping with a loved one's illness. We enable our patients to remain at home with quality of life and physical comforts. Hospice coordinates all services for our patients, including hospital care, 24-hours a day, seven days a week. Hospice is also using a special type of therapy, available free-of-charge, called The Healing Arts, which uses Therapeutic Touch, Shiatsu Massage, Acupressure, music and art therapy to help promote pain management, relaxation and reduce anxiety. An affiliate of the VNA of Hudson Valley, their services are offered to all residents in both Westchester and Putnam County. For more information please call (914) 666-4228 ext 211 or check out our website at www.vnahv.org.

Junior League of Northern Westchester

The Junior League of Northern Westchester is a non-profit volunteer organization of women committed to effecting positive change and growth in the community. We are an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. The JLNW reaches out to women of all ages, races, religions and national origins. We provide families and youth in the area with opportunities for personal, social, and educational success. Among our past projects have been such successes as the Holiday Sharing Drive, Mary Hughes Sakraida Scholarship Fund, "Love Shouldn't Hurt" Symposium, The Teen Center, Kids in the Kitchen, Muscoot Farm Restoration, Northern Westchester Shelter and ongoing collaborations with Northern Westchester Hospital. The JLNW has been serving our area for over 50 years. Enrich your life, form lasting friendships and become active in your community...For more information contact us at 914.234.4714 or visit our website at www.jlnw.org.

Katonah Museum of Art

The Katonah Museum is a non-collecting institution dedicated to encouraging the enjoyment, appreciation and study of the visual arts by visitors of all ages. 2004 marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Museum, which each year presents a series of changing exhibitions that span a wide range of cultures, media, historical periods and social issues. The Museum offers lectures and symposia by noted artists and scholars; tours of private collections, special exhibitions, and regional museums; children and family workshops and community festivals; free summer jazz concerts; and volunteer opportunities. The Katonah Museum of Art is located on Route 22 at Jay Street, Katonah, New York 10536. For more information, call (914) 232-9555 or visit www.katonahmuseum.org

March of Dimes

The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality. We fund programs of research, community services, education and advocacy to save babies. Today, the March of Dimes is one of the largest voluntary health agencies in the country. We have a 60-year track record of breakthroughs that save babies, including neonatal intensive care units, surfactant therapy, fetal surgery and folic acid education. Seventy-five percent of funds spent go to research and programs. The March of Dimes has launched a major new campaign to develop a coordinated national response to the tragic and growing problem of premature birth. March of Dimes, 1275 Mamaroneck Ave, White Plains, NY 10605, Telephone: 914-997-4465, www.modimes.org.

Mount Kisco Day Care Center

Mount Kisco Day Care Center (MKDCC) is a liscensed, 501c(3) not-for-profit day care center in Mount Kisco, New York, providing day care to children aged 3 months to 10 years who come from a wide range of family backgrounds. Fifty percent of families enrolled are fee-for-service families, and fifty percent are provided with subsidies to attend the Day Care, thus allowing for a wonderfully diverse environment, both ethnically and economically. As well as the diversity of children at the Center, MKDCC works in partnership with an elderly day program, allowing for intergenerational programming for students and elderly participants, and an "edible education" program which includes the growth and harvesting of their own organic food for students' consumption during the school day. The Day Care also has a strong belief in the literacy of the students and presents monthly "literacy adventures" in the community. To find out more about how you can help, contact Gretchen Menzies, gretchmj@aol.com, or Dottie Jordan, executive director at 914.241.2135. Volunteer opportunities for everyone are possible- stay at home moms, working parents- there is a little something for everyone. For more information, please visit our web site at www.mkdcc.org.

National Association of Women Business Owners

This local chapter of a respected national organization (www.nawbo.org) presents ideal opportunities for women business owners who live and/or work in Westchester to: Build business through networking; benefit from exclusive programs; be inspired by the success of other women business owners and enjoy benefits of national NAWBO membership. NAWBO is committed to mentoring, strengthening the wealth-creating ability of its members and protecting their business assets, transforming public policy, educating members on corporate supplier diversity programs and forming strong affiliations with corporate partners. For membership information, contact Susan Eckstein at snepins@att.net or 914-347-8222 or visit www.nawbowestchester.org

Neighbors Link

Neighbors Link is a community-based organization dedicated to helping impoverished Hispanic families in our area. Our mission is to strengthen our community by actively enhancing the healthy integration of Latino immigrants. Working to Educate, Empower and Employ, we offer programs in education, job assistance and more. We teach English every day of the week, targeting the special needs of women, day laborers, and families. We also house and help sustain the Headstart early childhood education program, preparing 33 non-English speaking children for kindergarten annually. Our job assistance efforts include the operation of a hiring site for day laborers, a job bank for referrals and job training programs such as our sewing workshop and computer classes. We offer legal clinics, health screenings, and workshops with mental health professionals. A Spanish-language alcoholics anonymous group meets twice weekly at Neighbors Link. We also operate an in-house, self-sustaining café offering a non-alcoholic setting to socialize for 400 clients weekly. The café is managed by former day workers and serves food and non-alcoholic beverages at below market rates. Our hope is that by reaching out to these newest and often most vulnerable members of our community, we can help them find a place in our society and enrich all our lives. To find out how you can become involved, please contact Carola Bracco, executive director, at 914-666-3410, ext. 12, or visit www.neighborslink.org. We're always looking for volunteers.

Neuberger Museum of Art

The Neuberger Museum of Art is a major visual arts center and vital cultural resource. The Museum engages and inspires diverse audiences by actively fostering the study, appreciation, understanding and enjoyment of modern art, African art, and the art of our time. The permanent collection features major works by American and European modern artists, an extensive collection of African Art including masks and sculpture, and presents more than a dozen changing exhibitions each year dedicated to new forms of artistic expression. Each year, the Neuberger Museum offers five special events for children and families and on the first Saturday of each month, they offer free admission to the permanent collections and temporary exhibitions, live music by Purchase College Conservatory of Music students, and hands-on activities in the Children's Art Activity Center. The Neuberger Museum is located at Purchase College, State University of New York, 735 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase, NY 10577-1400. Phone: 914-251-6100 Fax: 914-251-6101. Hours: Tuesday - Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Saturday & Sunday, 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Closed Mondays and Major Holidays. Visit www.neuberger.org for more information.

Pegasus Therapeutic Riding

Pegasus Therapeutic Riding was founded in 1975 at the Ox Ridge Hunt Club in Darien, Connecticut by a group of volunteers who believed in the therapeutic power of horseback riding. Beginning with eight physically disabled students, they were determined to bring the benefits and joys of horseback riding to the disabled of their community. Today, Pegasus has become one of the largest and most highly regarded therapeutic riding programs in the United States, servicing some 200 students each year in programs at nine locations throughout Fairfield County, CT and Westchester County, NY. Our professional physical therapists and instructors provide riding therapy to students with such physical and mental disabilities as Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, Spina Bifida, blindness, and Down Syndrome, as well as learning and developmental challenges. Supporting this work is a large group of dedicated volunteers. Some work as "sidewalkers" for students who need assistance. Others are trained as horse leaders and to assist in "tacking up" the horses for the day's lessons. The rewards for performing these vital services for Pegasus are the very special friendships that volunteers develop with the riders. Our Therapeutic Riding teams are rounded out by hand-picked, specially trained horses. Riders are encouraged to know their mounts and understand the needs and behavior of their equine partners, and the horses seem to sense the special needs of their charges. For more information about programs or donations, call (203) 356-9504, or go to www.PegasusTR.org

Pelham Art Center

Pelham Art Center's mission is to provide the public with a place, the resources and the opportunity to see, study and experience the arts in a community setting. Last year the Art Center provided the following programs and services to nearly 8,700 households from Pelham and east to the Sound, west to the Hudson, north to White Plains and south to the Bronx: presented 6 exhibits with work by 106 artists, 6,800 visited exhibitions and 1,370 were school children on free tours, 51 teaching artists were employed and art works by 33 artists were sold, 11 artist residency programs took place at 5 different schools and community centers, 240 disadvantaged youth were served in free outreach programs, 146 fee based art classes served 1,393 students, 98 students received need based financial aid, 25 free workshops, lectures, and performances were presented. Pelham Art Center, 155 Fifth Avenue, Pelham, NY 10803. 914-738-2525. info@pelhamartcenter.org, www.pelhamartcenter.org

The American Cancer Society

The American Cancer Society is the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy, and service. With more than two million volunteers nationwide, the American Cancer Society is one of the oldest and largest voluntary health agencies in the United States. More than two million volunteers carry out the Society's mission of eliminating cancer and improving quality of life for those individuals facing the disease. These dedicated volunteers donate their time and talents to further cancer research; educate the public about early detection and prevention; advocate for responsible cancer legislation in the local, state, and federal governments; and serve cancer patients and their families as they manage their cancer experience. American Cancer Society, 2 Lyon Place, White Plains, NY 10601; To locate an American Cancer Society office in your area or for cancer information call 1.800.ACS.2345 or visit www.cancer.org

The Community Center

The Community Center seeks to improve the dignity, security and well being of persons living in Northern Westchester by providing supplemental food and clothing, employment counseling, language and computer classes, and referrals to appropriate resources. Established in 1992 and supported by a consortium of 23 civic, educational and religious organizations, The Community Center provides a central location where neighbors help neighbors in need. Call 232-6572, email communitycenter@optonline.net, or visit www.communitycenterinkatonah.org for more information. The Community Center, 84 Bedford Road, Katonah, NY 10536.

The Hope for Change Foundation

A 501c3 nonprofit, the Hope for Change Foundation (HFC) was formed in January of 2003 to promote awareness and provide funding for breast cancer research. Based on the principle that increased knowledge of the disease strengthens the possibility of finding a cure, HFC supports theatrical programming as a means of education and offering aid to the organizations dedicated to such vital research. Through our organization, young and old alike are using their dramatic talents to make a difference. They give freely of their time so that somewhere, a woman might receive the same gift from her doctor. For more information, contact Alex Malecki, (914) 206-9617, P.O. Box 36, New Rochelle, NY 10804-0036. Email: info@hopeforchange.org or visit www.hopeforchange.org.

The Mental Health Association of Westchester County, Inc.

The Mental Health Association of Westchester County, Inc. (MHA), founded in 1946, is a charitable organization dedicated to promoting mental health in Westchester County through advocacy, community education and direct services. MHA serves as the leading resource for helping children, adults and families cope with domestic abuse, mental illness, advocacy concerns and trauma. Our mission is to provide quality services to those in greatest need and who are least likely to receive help elsewhere. We are committed to the belief that mental wellness is essential and that everyone has the right to quality mental health care. MHA never turns anyone away due to an inability to pay. Dedicated staff and volunteers bring vital services to more than 11,000 members of our community each year. For more information, please call (914) 345-5900 or visit us at www.mhawestchester.org.

The Nature Conservancy Eastern New York Chapter

For over 50 years, The Nature Conservancy has acted on behalf of a clear mission: to preserve the plants, animals and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive. Today, the Conservancy works globally, protecting land in all 50 states and 27 countries. The Eastern NY Chapter of the Nature Conservancy owns and manages ten nature preserves in Westchester County. Our vision for the county is to maintain the high quality f living found here while encouraging development that is compatible with environmental wellbeing. We seek to preserve the legacy begun over fifty years ago at Mianus River Gorge and strive to instill The Nature Conservancy's values in a new generation of nature lovers. The Nature Conservancy, 265 Chestnut Ridge Road, Mount Kisco, NY 10549, 914.244.3271. Contact Marie at extension 22 for a free preserve guide.

The Northern Westchester Shelter

Since 1980 the Northern Westchester Shelter has provided caring services to survivors of domestic violence. All services are free and confidential and include: a 24-hour hotline, a 16-bed shelter residence, counseling, legal services, support groups, community education programs, a comprehensive children's program and an award-winning teen education program. If someone you know is living in fear of their partner, you can make a difference by letting them know about us. Call our 24-hour Hotline at (888) 438-8700. Please check our website: www.northernwestchestershelter.org for more information and upcoming events. Contact: Gloria Sgrizzi, Dir. Of Development & Community Relations, PO Box 203, Pleasantville, NY 10570, (914) 747-0828, gsgrizzi@northernwestchestershelter.org.

The Partnership for a Drug-Free America

The Partnership for a Drug-Free America® (PDFA) is a non-profit coalition of professionals from the communications industry. Through its national drug-education advertising campaign and other forms of media communication, the Partnership exists to help kids and teens reject substance abuse by influencing attitudes through persuasive information. To contact the Partnership: 405 Lexington Avenue, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10174. 212-922-1560. www.drugfree.org.

The Society for Prevention of the Cruelty to Animals

The SPCA of Westchester is an animal shelter that takes in both abandoned and abused animals, returns them to their owners when possible or adopts them into new homes if not. While following the philosophy that no adoptable animal will ever be euthanized, the SPCA contracts with 18 different municipalities to accept delivery of stray cats and dogs. Also dedicated to Cruelty Investigation and Intervention the SPCA works with the state of NY to enforce laws related to animal cruelty. The SPCA stands firm in its belief that low-cost veterinary care is essential to decrease the incidence of unwanted animals. Through the Simpson Clinic, the public is offered low-cost spay/neuter surgeries and vaccinations. The SPCA's Golden Outreach Pet-Therapy Program partners with 65 healthcare facilities and coordinates volunteer/dog pet therapy visits with patients to help prevent loneliness and isolation. In order to help increase its animals chance for adoption into a loving home, the SPCA's Lead the Way Volunteer Program depends on its many volunteers to walk and train shelter dogs, help in the socialization of its cats, as well as give love and attention to all of its animals. For more information on how to adopt, sponsor, or foster an animal, to make a donation, or to volunteer your time with the SPCA of Westchester, please visit www.spca914.com or call 914.941.2894

The Volunteer Center of United Way

Do you want to volunteer but don't know where? The Volunteer Center works with individuals and groups of all ages to identify meaningful volunteer service projects. The Center keeps a listing of over 650 volunteer opportunities in Westchester and Putnam Counties and works with over 500 nonprofit agencies. Trained Placement Specialists work with each person to help them find the best volunteer placement based on skills, interests, age and location. The Volunteer Center has worked with many parents who wish to spend time with their children while also teaching them about their community. 80% of adults who volunteer, say they learned about service when they were a child, usually from a parent. Find out what you can do with your kids and change their lives forever. For an appointment with a Volunteer Placement Specialist by phone or in person call 1-866-VOL-CALL or search for opportunities on our website www.volcenterwest.org.

The Bridge Fund of Westchester

The Bridge Fund of Westchester is an innovative program whose motto is Prevention is the Best Cure for Homelessness. Its operation is unique in that it combines financial assistance (interest-free loans or grants of up to $2,500 per household) with intense budget counseling to families on the verge of losing their housing as a result of a sudden crisis, such as illness or job loss. Our staff receives referrals of working poor families and individuals in danger of losing their housing. The Bridge Fund helps to stabilize families in their housing by offering a combination of financial assistance (generally interest-free loans), budget counseling, advocacy and referrals. 171 E. Post Road, Room 200, White Plains, NY 10601. For more information, call 914-949-8146, email Veronica Parks at lbuck@thebridgefund.org, or visit www.thebridgefund.org.

Westchester Children's Museum

Imagine a unique learning space filled with creative, hands-on exhibitions and public programs where children can open their minds to the world around them&The Westchester Children's Museum will be a vibrant hands-on learning laboratory where children with their families, caregivers or teachers, can explore the history, arts, environment, and cultural diversity of their local and global communities, and most importantly, share experiences together. With a goal of breaking ground in 2006, the Westchester Children's Museum will be located in the historic landmark Bathhouses at Rye Playland. This unparalleled site, on the beaches of the Long Island Sound, provides 40,000 square feet of space for exhibitions, performances, public programs, and classrooms. The campaign to build the Westchester Children's Museum is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create something of such lasting value for the children of this region. Your donations and your support will help turn this dream into a reality. For information or to get involved, contact Patricia Hannum, Executive Director, office: 50 Main Street, White Plains, NY 10606, 914-421-5050, info@discoverWCM.org, or visit www.discoverWCM.org.

Westchester Land Trust

Founded in 1988, The Westchester Land Trust (WLT) is dedicated to protecting open space and promoting responsible land use throughout Westchester County, New York. The WLT protects Westchester's landscapes, communities, and natural resources by: protecting land in partnership with private property owners, helping communities create new public preserves, and fostering sound land use planning rules. The Trust accomplishes its mission by acquiring land and interests in land, by promoting land protection, and by educating the public in land use preservation approaches and issues. For more information, please go to our web site at www.westchesterlandtrust.org.

Yonkers Early Childhood Initiative

The vision of the Yonkers Early Childhood Initiative is that young children in Yonkers will be born healthy, supported by their families and communities so that they maintain good health, enter school ready to learn, and achieve their developmental potential. Our mission is to increase community awareness about the needs of young children; and to enhance the well-being of children by building a community that provides support, safety and respect for its children and their families. 1156 North Broadway, Yonkers, NY 10701. 914-965-3700 ext. 1282(Lorelei Vargas) or 1250(Tomia Wooten) or email lvargas@jdam.org. or twooten@jdam.org. Web Site Address: www.andruschildren.org