At Volunteers of America Upstate New York, we believe lasting change begins when compassionate people step up to help. Each year, volunteers are essential to our mission and supporting programs for individuals and families facing challenges.
When VOA co-founders Maud and Ballington Booth were brainstorming names for their new organization in 1896, one word remained prominent: volunteer. At the time, a volunteer was understood to be anyone deeply committed to a mission or cause.
Today, that legacy lives on. When you serving alongside our dedicated professional staff, your time and talent makes a real and lasting difference. We have volunteer opportunities at both our Rochester and Binghamton locations.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer opportunities are COMING SOON.
Thank you for your patience as we update our volunteer program to ensure every role creates meaningful impact.
Join a Committee
Committee members play a vital role in expanding our impact by supporting outreach efforts and creating successful fundraising and events, helping us drive the mission forward through community engagement.
Volunteer Inquiry Form
Once we receive your information, we’ll contact you about next steps, including application, background checks, scheduling, and program placement.
Volunteer FAQ
Start by filling out our volunteer sign-up form. Once we receive your information, we’ll contact you about next steps, including application, background checks, scheduling, and program placement.
Because we work with vulnerable populations, we are unable to accommodate walk-in volunteers. To get started with your application process, please complete the above volunteer sign-up form.
Background checks may be required depending on the volunteer role and the level of interaction with clients. This helps us ensure a safe and supportive environment for everyone we serve. If a background check is needed for your placement, we’ll guide you through the quick, confidential, process at no cost to you.
We offer a range of volunteer opportunities to fit different schedules and interests for individuals and groups. Some roles involve a regular time commitment while others are more flexible or projects based on current needs and seasonal availability. Whether you’re looking to volunteer occasionally or on a consistent basis, we’ll work with you to find a role that’s a good fit. Just let us know your availability when you complete the volunteer sign-up form.
Most volunteer opportunities require individuals to be at least 18 years old. However, we occasionally have group or youth-friendly opportunities. Please contact us to learn more.
If a volunteer is interested in applying for a paid position at Volunteers of America Upstate New York, they will follow the same hiring process as all other applicants. Current job openings, including descriptions and qualifications, can be found on our website at voaupny.org/careers. Volunteers are welcome to list staff and fellow volunteers as professional references during the application process.
To protect client privacy, taking photos at program sites is not permitted unless authorized by VOA staff. If you’d like to share your volunteer experience online, we’re happy to guide you on how to do so respectfully.
If a resident asks you for a personal favor, money, or any kind of support outside your volunteer role, please kindly refer them to their case manager for assistance. Volunteers should not provide financial support, gifts, or personal help directly to clients.
If you ever have questions, concerns, or encounter a situation you’re unsure how to handle, please speak with your designated supervisor, Program Manager, or the Marketing and Community Engagement Coordinator. We’re here to support you and ensure everyone’s safety and comfort.
We’re so glad you’re interested in getting involved! Sometimes specific programs may not have immediate openings, but needs can change quickly. If you’ve completed our volunteer inquiry form then we have your information on file so we can contact you when opportunities become available that match your interests and availability. You can also follow us on social media or check our website regularly for updates on new volunteer needs and upcoming events.