Current Opportunities
Homesteads for Hope
Homesteads for Hope
Description
Public volunteers can join us on our 55-acre Community Farm to experience first-hand our mission. As a volunteer, you'll work alongside our Farm Students (adults with intellectual and development disabilities) and our staff by getting your hands in the dirt and making a direct impact on the Rochester community. Volunteer time will be spent doing activities such as planting and harvesting organically grown food, planting and growing flowers, and maintaining the farmland to support our agritourism model. No experience is necessary, just a willingness to give back to the community by having fun and working in nature's classroom!
Interests
- Health and Wellness
- Disability
- Educational
- Environment
- Art
- Other
Time of Event
May 4, 2026-October 30, 2026
Address of Event
2185 Manitou Road Rochester, NY 14606
Contact Information
Kala Saenz, kala@homesteadsforhope.org
Agency Website: www.homesteadsforhope.org
Event Specific Website: https://homesteadsforhope.app.neoncrm.com/forms/2026-volunteers-2
Italian American Community Center (IACC)
Italian American Community Center (IACC)
Description
The Italian American Community Center (IACC) to present a valuable community service and volunteer opportunity for University of Rochester students dedicated to philanthropy and service, particularly those interested in hands-on support, including critical kitchen help.
This partnership is an excellent way for engaged students to log tangible community service hours, build local visibility, and directly apply their commitment to the Rochester community. Volunteers will assist our team with essential community support tasks, which include:
Kitchen/Event Support: Assisting our lead chef with professional food preparation (chopping, measuring, and scaling ingredients), meal assembly and service, and maintaining a clean and efficient workspace for large-scale events.
Administrative Support: Assisting with general administrative tasks and organizing records.
Community Outreach: Supporting IACC's general community outreach and fundraising initiatives.
We offer flexible scheduling to accommodate students’ busy academic calendars. This experience allows students to gain practical skills and make a direct, positive impact on a key community institution.
If you have any questions regarding the specifics of the roles, please have interested students contact Carolena Coppola at ccoppola1122@gmail.com or call/text her at 585-415-0157.
Interests
- Educational
- Other
Time of Event
April 20, 2026-December 31, 2026
Address of Event
150 Frank Dimino Way, Rochester NY 14624
Contact Information
Carolena Coppola, Ccoppola1122@gmail.com
Event Specific Website: Italian American Community Center on Facebook
Freedom Scholars Learning Center, Inc.
Freedom Scholars Learning Center, Inc.
Description
Word RICH (Reading Intervention through Cultural Heritage) is a literacy intervention program specifically tailored to accompany and empower the Freedom School Literacy Model. The program marries the cultural and linguistic values of our children with effective and commonly-used literacy diagnostic and intervention practices. This includes rhythmic, kinesthetic, multimedia, and cultural knowledge-based approaches to further develop scholars’ reading abilities. While a primary goal of Word RICH is to help scholars accomplish grade-level literacy through the science of reading, the ultimate goal is to help students wield the gift of literacy to practice the science of freedom
Word R.I.C.H. (Reading Intervention through Cultural Heritage) volunteers will be trained to lead students one on one through a research-proven fluency exercise done through a sequence of decodable texts. They will also be trained to guide students through successfully completing literacy sub-skill activities through BOOST reading game platform.
Day-to-day task will include building reading relationships with scholars, daily one-to-one interventions each day, literacy supervision meetings, preliminary analysis and reporting.
Interests
- Educational
- Youth
Time of Event
February 9, 2026-February 9, 2027
Address of Event
1245 Culver Road
Contact Information
Jeremy Smith, jsmith@freedomscholarslc.org
Agency Website: https://freedomscholarslc.webflow.io/about
Flower City Arts Center
Flower City Arts Center
Description
We are looking for volunteers to help serve chili at the Flower City Art Center's Annual Chili Cookoff Fundraiser! Volunteers can chose different assignments at different time slots throughout the event. Must be 16 or older to serve chili and 18 or older to serve drinks. Anyone serving food must wear a hat, bandana or hairnet (hairnets will be provided) and gloves at all times while serving.
Link for signup: https://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/1031918976039/false#/invitation
Interests
- Art
Time of Event
February 9, 2026-February 9, 2027 4:30pm-7:30pm
Address of Event
713 Monroe Ave Rochester, NY 14607
Contact Information
Jennie Papkin, jennie.papkin@gmail.com
Agency Website: https://flowercityarts.org/
Event Specific Website: https://flowercityarts.org/events/2026-chili-cook-off/
The Sunset House
The Sunset House
Description
Student volunteers at The Sunset House will support a nonprofit comfort care home providing end-of-life care to terminally ill patients. Responsibilities may include assisting staff with both clinical and non-clinical patient support, offering companionship to residents and families, helping with administrative and outreach tasks, supporting special events, and contributing to remote projects such as website design, communications, or data organization.
No prior clinical experience is required, though an interest in healthcare, palliative care, or service to vulnerable populations is preferred. Training and orientation are provided. Volunteers should be reliable, mature, and comfortable working in a hospice setting. Strong communication skills, empathy, and respect for confidentiality are essential.
Interests
- Health and Wellness
Time of Event
January 24, 2026-January 23, 2027
Address of Event
3756 St Paul Blvd, Irondequoit, NY, 14617
Contact Information
Adam Ghraizi, aghraizi@sunsethouse.info
Agency Website: www.sunsethouse.info
Event Specific Website: https://form.jotform.com/233236491784160
Ronald McDonald House Charities, Rochester NY
Ronald McDonald House Charities, Rochester NY
Description
Volunteers on the Pediatric Hospitality Cart will be responsible for handing out pre-packaged snack bags to pediatric patients and their families while visiting the Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics Building for outpatient appointments. These snack bags provide comfort and nourishment to patients and families who often are traveling 30+ miles for these appointments. The volunteer shift is 12pm - 4pm, weekly, on any weekday Monday - Friday. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, and submit an application on our website to be considered for the role.
Interests
- Health and Wellness
- Youth
- Other
Time of Event
March 2, 2026-February 22, 2027
Address of Event
200 E River Rd., Rochester, NY 14623
Contact Information
Lexi Wilkas-Magnussen, lexiwm@rmhcrochester.org
Agency Website: rmhcrochester.org
Event Specific Website: https://volunteer.bloomerang.co/volunteer/#/join-party?k=yszdwdobeoxk9u
Ronald McDonald House Charities, Rochester NY
Ronald McDonald House Charities, Rochester NY
Description
Volunteers on the Pediatric Hospitality Cart (affectionately known as the Thompson Trolley), will navigate a medium-sized cart through the hospital, handing out toys, snacks, and books to pediatric patients at Thompson. The volunteer shift is 4pm - 8pm, weekly, on any weekday Monday - Friday. Volunteers will engage in restocking, data collection, and wiping down the cart as well. Volunteers must be 14 years old or older to volunteer in this program.
Interests
- Health and Wellness
- Youth
- Other
Time of Event
March 2, 2026-February 22, 2027
Address of Event
350 Parrish St., Canandaigua, NY 14424
Contact Information
Lexi Wilkas-Magnussen, lexiwm@rmhcrochester.org
Agency Website: rmhcrochester.org
Event Specific Website: https://volunteer.bloomerang.co/volunteer/#/join-party?k=ri1b2bnahh7bly
Rochester Hope
Rochester Hope
Description
Rochester Hope is a grassroots organization striving to bring services and caring hands to the heart of the city of Rochester by connecting people in need with existing services and working to create opportunities to help meet unmet needs. We are located on the campus of Saint Michael's Church, at 869 N Clinton Ave, in the northeast area of the city of Rochester. Among other efforts, we operate a food pantry on Saturdays from 9am-3:30pm, serving 400-500 households each week. While providing food, our main goal is to build the dignity and worth of everyone who walks through our door. In conjunction with the pantry, we also provide meals and wrap-around services for those both shopping at the pantry and those unhoused in our neighborhood. We are looking for volunteers of all faiths and walks of life, and in this way, foster a culture of encounter. Assistance is needed in helping individuals' shop, stocking shelves, helping people to check in, assist with hospitality, and helping individuals connect with the service agencies present. Especially helpful, but not required, is the ability to speak Spanish, Arabic, or Persian.
Instagram: Rochester_Hope
Facebook: RochesterHopeNY
Interests
- Health and Wellness
- Poverty
- Other
Time of Event
January 17, 2026-June 30, 2027
Address of Event
868 N Clinton Ave
Contact Information
Dawn Burdick, dawn.burdick@dor.org
Agency Website: https://www.rochesterhope.org/
Event Specific Website: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084CABA829A5FEC07-rochester#/
Harbor House of Rochester
Harbor House of Rochester
Description
We have ongoing events and projects that require professional quality photo and/or video recording and editing. Any video editing software fluency is fine as long as the output can be in file format suitable for website and other social media posting. The volunteer can stipulate specific hours and availability for these projects and does not need to be available for all projects. The most important upcoming event for which availability is critical is Saturday September 27, 6-10 pm at ARTISANworks in Rochester. This is our main annual fundraising event. Great opportunity for a student to develop or expand diverse portfolio. Creative work for a great cause!
Interests
- Art
- Environment
- Educational
- Health and Wellness
Time of Event
April 7, 2025-September 30, 2026
Address of Event
89 Rossiter Road
Contact Information
Carol Anthony, carol@harborhouserochester.org
Agency Website: https://www.harborhouseofrochester.org/
Harbor House of Rochester
Harbor House of Rochester
Description
We are looking for some volunteers to help with general spring planting and grounds maintenance as well as touchup outdoor painting on Day of Caring Thursday May 15 preferably between 10 am and 5 pm, but we are flexible. A Saturday or Sunday can also be arranged at volunteer's convenience, but this project needs to be done sometime in May or early June. No specific skills required, but knowledge of and interest in gardening as well as general outdoor painting are highly preferred.
Interests
- Environment
- Educational
- Health and Wellness
Time of Event
April 7, 2025-September 30, 2026 Spring Outdoor Clean Up, Garden maintenance and Painting
Address of Event
89 Rossiter Road
Contact Information
Carol Anthony, carol@harborhouserochester.org
Agency Website: https://www.harborhouseofrochester.org/
Project Level the Field
Project Level the Field
Description
Our 501(c)(3), non-profit organization has one mission: make sure everybody has access to FREE high-quality college application resources regardless of their race, ethnicity, or financial background.
We match collegiate mentors with local mentee from underserved areas to provide assistance with college applications, guidance on summer programs and much more!
Interests
- Health and Wellness
- Educational
- Youth
- Athletics
- Poverty
- Race
Time of Event
August 9, 2024-August 6, 2027
Address of Event
University of Rochester
Contact Information
Krish Patel, kpatel46@u.rochester.edu
Agency Website: https://www.projectlevelthefield.com/
St. Ann's Community
St. Ann's Community
Description
Community Volunteers provide event and program support, friendly visiting with elders, can bring and share talents, go for walks with elders, choose to support faith based activities or life enrichment based activities. Volunteers are allowed to create their own schedules with opportunities 7 days a week ranging from about 9am - 8pm
Interests
- Health and Wellness
- Disability
- Elderly
- Faith
Time of Event
July 5, 2024-December 31, 2028 On your own schedule
Address of Event
1500 Portland Ave, Rochester, NY 14621
Contact Information
Colleen Holcomb, cholcomb@mystanns.com
Agency Website: www.stannscommunity.com
Event Specific Website: www.stannscommunity.com/apply-now
TheHub585
TheHub585
Description
TheHub585 is looking for volunteers to participate in our Youth Mentoring Program for Youth 13-18 aging out of foster care. The minimum age for participation is 21. The mentoring is done in groups of 2-4 adults engaging one youth. You can encourage friends/family members to participate with you, or you will be paired with another group.
The commitment is 3 to 8 hours per month. This entails at least one weekly check-in over phone/text and one monthly in-person activity. We request that volunteers are trauma informed or willing to be trauma informed. The application process will include a reference check, background check, and at least one mentor training prior to being matched with a youth.
Interests
- Youth
- Poverty
- Race
- Other
Time of Event
March 18, 2024-December 31, 2027 Anytime
Address of Event
Anywhere
Contact Information
Keyondra Myricks, kmyricks@thehub585.org
Agency Website: https://www.thehub585.org/
Event Specific Website: https://www.thehub585.org/events/
TheHub585
TheHub585
Description
Summer of Hope Camp for vulnerable and system impacted youth is a 4-week camp for youth engaged with TheHub585. We are looking for camp counselors for the entire duration of each camp cohort.
Activities will include; theme parks, kayaking, dance classes, high ropes courses, bike touring, and more.
The first cohort will run from July 8 to July 19, 2024. The second cohort will run from July 29 to August 9, 2024. Volunteers are encouraged to volunteer for both cohorts so the youth have consistent and familiar staff.
Interests
- Youth
Time of Event
March 18, 2024-December 31, 2027 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Address of Event
111 N Chestnut St, Rochester, NY 14604
Contact Information
Shalese Cotton, scotton@thehub585.org
Rochester Hope
Rochester Hope
Description
Rochester Hope is a grassroots organization striving to bring services and caring hands to the heart of the city of Rochester by connecting people in need with existing services, and working to create opportunities to help meet unmet needs.
We are located on the campus of Saint Michael's Church, at 869 N Clinton Ave, in the northeast area of the city of Rochester. Among other efforts, we operate a food pantry on Saturdays, serving 250-300 households each week. While providing food, our main goal is to build the dignity and worth of everyone who walks through our door. In conjunction with the pantry we also provide meals and wrap-around services for those both shopping at the pantry and those unhoused in our neighborhood.
We are looking for volunteers of all faiths and walks of life, and in this way, foster a culture of encounter. Assistance is needed in helping individuals shop, stocking shelves, helping people to check in, assist with hospitality, and helping individuals connect with the service agencies present. Especially helpful, but not required, is the ability to speak Spanish.
Interests
- Health and Wellness
- Poverty
- Other
Time of Event
October 7, 2023-December 31, 2030 9am-3:30pm
Address of Event
869 N Clinton Ave, Rochester NY
Contact Information
Dawn Burdick, dawn.burdick@dor.org
Agency Website: https://www.rochesterhope.org/
Event Specific Website: www.facebook.com/RochesterHopeNY
Compeer Rochester
Compeer Rochester
Description
It is as simple as being a friend. If you have four hours a month to spend with an individual in our community who has a mental health challenge, please contact us today!
We offer ongoing training and support, as well as free and low-cost activities for you and your Compeer Friend, including tickets to local sporting events, shows, and amusement parks!
Compeer Rochester uses community volunteers to provide guidance and support to individuals who are looking to improve their well-being as a supplement to mental health treatment. For 50 years, we have helped people in our community who are isolated and lacking socialization, all through the power of 1:1 mentoring relationships.
Help us make the world less lonely!
Interests
- Health and Wellness
- Disability
- Art
- Elderly
- Environment
- Educational
- Athletics
- Race
- Poverty
- Other
Time of Event
June 21, 2023-June 21, 2050 Open to your availability
Address of Event
259 Monroe Ave, Rochester, NY 14607
Contact Information
Gabriel Perez, gperez@compeerrochester.org
Agency Website: https://www.compeerrochester.org/
InterVol
InterVol
Description
InterVol is a 501(C)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting the world’s neediest to materials, people, and opportunities. By recovering and redistributing medical supplies and equipment, InterVol is able to further its mission to engage humanitarian efforts worldwide.
We reduce our carbon footprint by keeping usable medical supplies and equipment out of the landfill.
We collect unused medical supplies and equipment from area hospitals and individuals in the community. These supplies are then re-distributed to others in need all around the world. To date, we have shipped medical supplies to 84 countries.
Volunteers are needed to assist in the sorting, organizing and packaging of the medical donations. No medical experience is necessary! We are here to help and assist with the sorting.
Volunteers are invited to join InterVol anytime between the hours of 8:30-3:30 Monday thru Friday for as little as two hours at a time to as many hours as you would like to share. Opportunites to volunteer are ongoing.
Interests
- Health and Wellness
- Environment
- Poverty
Time of Event
October 13, 2022-January 1, 2030 8:30 a.m. -3:30 p.m.
Address of Event
100 Kings Highway, Suite 1200, Rochester, N.Y. 14617
Contact Information
Megan Amos, megan.amos@intervol.org
Agency Website: https://www.intervol.org/
Event Specific Website: https://www.intervol.org/volunteer