Volunteering in service to others is a great way to spend time together as a family, meet new people, and develop friendships and skills. Whether you have a lot or a little of time and talent, you can find volunteer opportunities in and around Rochester. In this article I will highlight three local agencies that welcome volunteers all year around.
Birthright of Rochester, Inc., the local affiliate of a national non-profit, provides emotional and practical support to girls and women distressed by unplanned pregnancy. Birthright provides free pregnancy testing, maternity and baby clothes, counseling, and information about prenatal development, pregnancy and childbirth, adoption, and other related topics. Birthright also makes referrals for medical, legal, educational, housing and social services.
Birthright has an ongoing need for volunteers to answer the phones, sort and distribute maternity and baby clothes, and do light cleaning or clerical work in the office. Volunteers are needed at Birthright locations in Brockport, Ontario, Rochester, and Victor. Call Birthright at (585) 385-2100 or visit wwwbirthright.org to get started.
The Webster Comfort Care Home, in Webster NY, is in need of volunteers to help provide comfortable, compassionate end of life care in a home-like setting. Webster Comfort Care home is a unique place just outside the village of Webster, where families, friends and volunteers offer residents a supportive place to live out their final days.
Volunteers are needed to assist residents with basic personal care, exercise, ambulation and emotional support. Volunteers are also needed for a variety of house and office tasks, including grounds and maintenance, fund raising and public relations, and computer IT problem solving. Contact the Webster Comfort Care Home at (585) 872-5290 or www.webstercomfortcare.org.
One of my favorite places to volunteer is St. Peter’s Kitchen in downtown Rochester. St. Peter’s is a soup kitchen and clothing closet serving those in need. The largely volunteer staff serves a free hot meal every day at noon, 365 days a year. Volunteers with their own vehicles are needed to pick up deliveries Tuesday and Friday mornings. St. Peter’s is also seeking one or more volunteers to re-organize the clothing closet and expand the hours of service. For more information contact St. Peter’s Kitchen at (585) 235-6511 or send an email to [email protected].
When you volunteer you change yourself as well as our community. Meet new people, develop new skills, and make a difference. Volunteer.