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
We appreciate your patience as we work on updating our volunteer program to ensure every role creates meaningful impact. This may mean some delay in placement as specific programs may not have immediate openings, but please know that we are so glad you’re interested in getting involved!
Family Engagement
Help support large group activities for children and families residing at our emergency housing programs. Your presence will help create a safe, engaging, and welcoming environment that encourages connection, play, and positive social interaction.
Life Skills Instructor
Empower clients by teaching essential skills that promote independence, self-reliance, and long-term stability. Volunteers could lead trainings on topics such as, but not limited to, job readiness, budgeting, meal preparation, computer basics, physical health, and more.
Classroom Volunteer
Assist in creating a safe, engaging, and nurturing learning environment through guided activities, classroom support, and meaningful interactions in our early childhood education programs. Volunteers must be available weekdays during school hours.
Building & Grounds
Support our programs and improve our spaces through tasks like landscaping, painting, and organizing. Help us maintain a beautiful facility that makes our program participants feel welcome. Ideal for individuals, small groups, or corporate volunteer days.
Administrative Support
Offers flexible opportunities to support VOA both behind the scenes and in the community. Volunteers may assist with events, community projects, and seasonal initiatives, as well as support administrative tasks
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.
New Volunteers
Current Volunteers
Volunteer FAQ
Start by filling out our volunteer application. Once we receive your information, we’ll contact you about next steps, including background checks, scheduling, and program placement.
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 application 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.
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.
Have a group that wants to volunteer together? We love hosting community and corporate teams! Reach out to our Community Engagement Manager to learn about available projects and schedule a time to serve.
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.
If you’re a current volunteer, you can access the volunteer portal HERE to view your schedule and log your hours.