Children & Youth
Abington YMCA
We will provide high quality, enjoyable and innovative programs at an affordable cost, making them widely available to all people in our communities. We will strive for excellence, without being obsessed with perfection." A variety of opportunities are available including historical research, program development, and fitness programs. Training depends on field of interest. There are flexible hours and internships available.
Contact: Ms. Maryanne Miller 215-884-YMCA
Adopt A Family Program
The RHA developed the Adopt–a-Family program in which each residence hall is invited to adopt at least one family in the Community. Residents of the halls participate by purchasing gifts and non-perishable food for family members.
Contact: Community Service Office 215-572-4000
Albert Einstein Hospice Program
The Hospice uses a holistic approach to counseling and caring for the terminally ill. Their diverse clientele remain at home with the support and assistance of the Hospice. Volunteers may go to homes and assist caregivers, play with the children, or perform office tasks including bereavement support by phone. Flexible hours and internships are available. This organization hosts special events.
Contact: Mr. Andrea Ladden 215-456-7155
Aldersgate Youth Service BureauSeeking volunteers interested in assisting staff during daytime hours. Need volunteers to do clerical work.
Contact: Ms. Barbara Schwartz 215-657-4545
America Friends Service CommitteeAmerica Friends Service Committee provides excellent opportunities to service both adults and youths through clubs and camps.
Contact: 215-241-7024
America Reads ChallengeThe fundamental purpose of the America Reads Challenge program is to enable parents and educators to complement and expand existing literacy efforts, to help many more children increase their skills and achievement levels, and to provide children who need additional help in reading with extended learning time. Volunteers are needed for homework assistance and book reading at local elementary schools.
Contact: Community Service Office 215-572-4000
American Lung Association of Bucks CountyVolunteers are needed to help with non-smoking programs for children K-2. Volunteers are needed to wear costumes of association's mascot, "Octopuff," while staff members present programs.
Contact: Ms. Gerry Mohan 215-343-6420
Bethanna Home for Boys and GirlsThis home for abused and neglected children has many opportunities for volunteers. Individuals may go to the home to provide one-on-one tutoring for one hour per week, assist with the 4H club on Tuesday evenings, and help children fix their bicycles or mend clothing. Groups may go to the home to do a program, or bring the children to campus for pool time or a play. They may also adopt a child for the holidays or do a food drive.
Contact: Ms. Stephanie Greene 215-355-6500
Boys and Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Philadelphia Inc.The club's mission is to help children and young people who exist in disadvantaged circumstances to develop the qualities they need to become responsible citizens and leaders. These clubs help to build self-esteem by giving a sense of belonging. There are six different locations throughout Philadelphia. Volunteers' tasks include pre-school and after-school childcare, tutoring arts and crafts, computing and athletic coaching. Opportunities in the central office include marketing, public relations and research. The club can accommodate students who wish to participate in one-time special projects. Students who need to fulfill course requirements for field placements are most welcome.
Contact: Ms. Carrie Morgan/ Ms. Kristin Davidson. 215-735-8811 or 8818
B'nai B'rith Women4280 Aramingo Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19124
This Jewish women's organization staffs a humor cart in a waiting room at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Making children laugh relieves physical and psychological pain while ensuring a speedy recovery. Volunteers are needed to cheer up the children at the Children's Hospital. Currently, the program runs Wednesday mornings from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. If enough volunteers are interested, other times can be arranged.
Contact: Ms. Elaine Levin 215-535-7110
Bethel Deliverance Church2923 W. Cheltenham Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19150
Volunteers are needed for the church's after-school program. They will be involved in tutoring and organizing opportunities for inner city youths.
Contact: Mr. Herman McCann, Youth Program Coordinator 215-548-8646
Caritas MissionCaritas Mission is looking for volunteers to help with the poor and elderly, youths, and the disadvantaged through services and programs.
Contact: Sr. Therese Dush 814-263-4177
Carson Valley SchoolCarson Valley is a residential school for dependent neglected children who are referred by youth service agencies. Children stay an average of six months to one year while they await foster care. Volunteers can assist in the nursery schools with children age's two to five, providing activities and being friends to the children.
Contact: Ms. Jean Tickell 215-233-1960
Children's Advocacy CenterVolunteers needed in staff waiting room to comfort children. There are childcare support groups once a week for several weeks. Through these groups, the children get to know each other. No formal training needed (maybe just one session.) Internships are available. No large groups.
Contact: Ms. Pam Gessert 215-387-9500
Children's Cultural CenterChildren's Cultural Center is a private, non-profit organization whose mission is to promote Bucks county history and culture to young people." This is done through educational workshops and programs. Volunteers are needed to help educate the youths.
Contact: Ms. Pamela Gessert 215-387-9500
Children's Defense FundVolunteers are needed to help with a variety of activities developed to prevent child suffering and preserve families.
Contact: Ms. Brenda Proctor (202) 662-3537
Children's Hospital of PhiladelphiaVolunteers will work in both in- and -out patient areas assisting the child life department. Volunteers divert children's attention away from their tension and illness. Training is provided. There is a required commitment of 3 months for 2 hours per week.
Contact: Ms. Elizabeth Hagenbuch 215-590-1093
Cradle of Hope1657 The Fairway #10
Jenkintown, PA 19046
Cradle of Hope, Inc. is a non-profit corporation, the purpose of which is to provide temporary housing to single mothers and children living in Montgomery County. The home needs volunteers, weekly and monthly.
Contact: Angelina Hamilton 215-517-2479
Children's Hospital of PhiladelphiaVolunteers will work in both in- and -out patient areas assisting the child life department. Volunteers divert children's attention away from their tension and illness. Training is provided. There is a required commitment of 3 months for 2 hours per week.
Contact: Ms. Elizabeth Hagenbuch 215-590-1093
Do SomethingDo something is a national non-profit organization that provides funding to young people with the ideas and energy to improve their communities. There have been many successful organizations developed by young adults who have taken their ideas and made it into a community cause.
Contact: Ms. Claudia Jackson 212-523-1175
Easter Seals Society of PhiladelphiaThe Easter Seal Society is looking for volunteers to help with educational and recreational activities for children who are mentally challenged.
Contact: Mr. Larry Peters 215-879-1000
Family Resource Center of Graterford PrisonInmate Family Services Inc.
225 S. Third St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
This organization encourages fathers in the prison to have quality time and more positive interaction with their children. Volunteers assist in two playrooms during child visits to the prison. They may also develop a theme for the R.I.F. (Reading is Fundamental) program. Program hours are Thursday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Contact: Ms. Christina Growner 215-351-1477
Franklin Institute Science MuseumBecome a Franklin Institute volunteer! Use your talents to help others explore, examine, and experience the wonders of science. Volunteers can be trained as a floor deomnstrator, a special events host/hostess, or office or retail support. Other specialized placements may be available depending on your background and area of interest. Volunteers are needed weekdays or weekends.
Contact: Volunteer Services Coordinator 215-564-4657
Girls Scout of AmericaThe Girls Scouts Movement offers a wonderful opportunity to get leadership experience and develop leadership in others. They need help in running a troop all year or leading a ten-week daisy program. Areas needing coverage are Mt. Airy, Glenside, Abington and Willow Grove.
Contact: Debbie McManus 215-745-1717
G.I.F.T.S. ProgramArcadia University
Glenside, PA 19038
Students who graduate from Leeds Middle School may be matched with mentors during their first two years of high school. Mentors are needed to call or visit their students once a week and attend various trips throughout the year.
Contact: Multicultural Affairs 215-572-4088
Guadenzia New ImageGuadenzia New Image is a residential substance abuse treatment facility for woman and their children. Volunteers are needed to tutor in the childcare center. Minimum age requirement is 18 years. Services provided Monday to Friday 9:30-11:00 a.m. Weekends are 1-3 p.m.
Contact: Ms. Melissa Jay 215-924-6322
Holy RedeemerVolunteers are needed for a variety of positions which include clerical, gift shop cashier, dietary aides, patients assistants, child care helpers, and transporters. Knitters are also needed for “Baby Cap” Program. Help is needed to knit caps for babies delivered at Holy Redeemer and require surgery or being put in the neonatal unit. Knitting instructions and yarn are supplied. Internships are offered.
Contact: 215-938-3241.
Hope Church School6707 Old York Rd.
Philadelphia, PA 19126
This private Christian school serves children from pre-school through 12th grade with programs from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m. Hope Church has two certified master's level teachers and could use student teachers. There are also opportunities for tutoring in languages, reading, math, science and computers. Transportation may be provided by the school.
Contact: Mr. Ed Smith 215-927-6660
Hunting Park CDCHunting Park Community Development Corporation is a community-based organization. "Its mission is to revitalize the Hunting Park community of Eastern North Philadelphia through strategies designed to address major economic and social issues." Some projects that are in need of volunteers are: housing counseling, at-risk youth, business development, and neighborhood improvements.
Contact: Kevin Beckwith 215-226-2300
Interfaith Hospitality NetworkIHN is a group of churches and synagogues, which provide food, shelter and social services to homeless families. Volunteers are needed in the evening to serve dinner from 6:30 to 7:30 p. m., and to help plan and implement activities with the children from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Contact: Ms. Carol Young 215-643-6845
International Family Services Inc.International Family Services Inc. is a non-profit organization that provides community-based social services to low income Asian and African American families in Philadelphia. There are two center-based programs seeking volunteers. One is the Youth and Family Development Program, which provides an alternative to the institutionalization of delinquent youth. The program includes computer-assisted remedial tutoring and peer counseling, life skills, and more. The second is the after school program that provides activities for inner- city children. Activities include education, creative arts, theater arts, and music.
Jewish Family and Children's ServiceVolunteers are needed to provide companionship, telephone reassurance, driving assistance, and shopping assistance to homebound clients. They may also tutor children and adults, work with adolescents with developmental disabilities, help with workshops and programs, and befriend children in need of Jewish: Big brothers" and "big sisters.
Contact: Ms. Sandra Flyer, Director of Volunteer Services 215-690-9950
Junior AchievementJunior Achievement’s purpose is to educate and inspire young people to value free enterprise, understand business and economics, and be workforce ready. This is accomplished through volunteers – placed directly in the classroom leading hands –n, economic education activities.
Contact: Carrie Morgan 215-735-8818.
Lakeside Youth ServiceLakeside Youth Service is a pregnancy and parenting program designed for teenage mothers. The program provides alternative academic educational support, life skills, counseling and social services. Volunteers are needed to help in these areas. Internships are also available.
Contact: Ms. Karen Furry 215-654-9207
Locks Of LoveTheir mission is to help children suffering from long-term medical hair loss by providing the highest quality hair through prosthetics through loving donations from individuals and corporations, and to inform the public of issues concerning hair loss resulting from various medical conditions.
Contact: Community Service Office ext.4000 to find a local hair salon.
Lutheran Children and Family ServiceThis private non-profit multi-service agency focuses on foster care, adoption and community service. There are offices in Upper Darby, Olney, and Glenside. Volunteers may supervise foster child/parent visitations, assist at special events, tutor children, write press releases, or assist in the recruitment of foster and adoptive parents. LCFS is just under the railroad overpass on Easton Rd.
Contact: Ms. Mahan Jiwan K Khalsa, Community Resource Developer 215-881-6818
MAKE-A-WishMake-A-Wish is a non-profit organization, which fulfills wishes of children between the ages of 2 ½ and 18 who have life threatening illnesses. Volunteers participate in orientation and training program and then become involved in wish granting, public relations, public speaking, special events and development, writing newsletters and office assistance.
Contact: 610-227-1770
Montgomery County Association for Retarded CitizensMARC's primary mission is to assist with developmental disabilities to obtain the rights and resources they require. They provide a network of support as well as counseling and legal advice. Volunteers are needed in various areas. Internships are available.
Contact: Mr. Jim Cisick (610) 992-9130
Montgomery County Big Brothers/Big SistersThe Montgomery County Big Brother/Big Sister Association has given children, from single-parent families throughout the county, positive role models who are there to support and guide them. Volunteers are needed to be understanding, mature, and compassionate friends.
Contact: Ms. Donna Wang, Area Coordinator/Casework Supervisor 215-572-6347
National Youth Advocate CoalitionNYAC exists to serve as a tool and resource for the work of your organization and other groups across the country who are committed to improving the lives of GLBT youth. NYAC believes that the expertice on issues facing GLBT youth exists not only in Washington, but rather with young people, youth-service providers and other advocates across the country.
Contact: 202-319-7596.
New Bethel Community CenterThe Center provides full day care as well as latchkey program in the afternoons. The after-school program involves a homework hour beginning at 3 p.m. followed by a snack and activities and ending at 6 p.m. Volunteers are welcome to develop a program or activity, or to assist children with their homework and tutor math and reading. Must be 18 years old or older.
Contact: Ms. Gloria Brown 215-438-0437
New Kensington Neighborhood Advisory Committee2513 Frankford Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19125
Volunteers are needed to help with this after-school program for latchkey kids between the ages of 8 and 13. They will work one-on-one tutoring the children. The program includes homework assistance, sports, trips, and education on drug and alcohol prevention and conflict resolution and teaching life skills. It runs three days per week from 3 to 5:30 or 6 p.m. Internships are available. Must be 18 or older.
Contact: Community Service Office 215-572-4000
People's Emergency CenterThis shelter is for homeless women, teenage girls, and Department of Human Services children needs volunteers for a variety of programs. Volunteer's assist with adult education classes, provide daytime care for preschoolers, interbiew mothers to set goals for the next day, work food cupboard or family style dinner and assist in the AIDS program.
Contact: Ms. Bonnie Rocksdale, Volunteer Coordinator 215-382-7523
Please Touch MuseumThe museum strives to provide a high quality, educational and entertainnig first museum experience for children between the ages of one and seven. Volunteers work in the gallery greeting children and helping them appreciate the museum. Internships are available for specific projects.
Contact: Jane Pap 215-963-0667
Police Athletic LeaguePAL provides an after-school program where children work on school assignments, as well as receive assistance with difficult subject areas. Volunteers are needed to donate a few hours per week tutoring children at a local PAL center.
Contact: Ms. Agnes Fung 215-291-9000 ext. 103
Project H.O.M.E.This after-school program serves youth (K-8) from the 28th and Diamond and 15th and Fairmount areas. On Monday through Thursday from 3 to 6:45pm, volunteers are needed to provide tutoring or mini lessons, games and crafts. Female volunteers are needed to assist in the women's winter shelter.
Contact: Ms. Beth Ann Corr 215-232-7272
Project RainbowProject Rainbow is a transitional shelter for homeless women and children. Residents receive job training and other social servies. Volunteers may tutor children and adults, plan special activities, or work in the daycare center.
Contact: Ms. Kimberly Roy 215-769-1830
Reaching Urban Neighborhoods (R.U.N.)Christian organization providing programs which include Tuesday night Kid's CLub from 6 to 9 pm, and Thursday night Teen Ministry from 6 to 8:30pm. Children range from 5 to 12 and programs also include bible studies, games and refreshments. Training is provided. Summer intership is also available.
Contact: Mr. Bill Curry 215-427-3087
Redeemer Ministry CorpsEnergetic and innovvative volunteers are needed to serve full-time. Volunteers live a simple life-style in a Christian community. Volunteers are needed for childcare, Activities Coordinator, patient visitor, social worker , hospice worker, etc.
Contact: 215-938-0540
St. Simeon's Center8th and Luzerne St.
Philadelphia, PA 19141
This community center offers a wide variety of services to neighborhood children and senior citizens. They house a day care center, a tutoring program and an after school program. A wide variety of volunteer opportunities exist depending on your interests. Summer programs are also available.
Contact: Mr. John Thomas 215-225-0309
St. Vincent's Tacony7201 Milnor St.
Philadelphia, PA 19135
This emergency shelter is for children who are waiting to be placed with foster parents. Boys and girls between the ages of two and twelve generally stay up to 90 days. Groups may develop special programs for these children. Homework assistance, educational playtime and drivers are needed. Volunteers are also needed to sort clothes and gifts, and also to assist with arts and craft.
Contact: Sister Diane Sheron 215-624-5600
Teen Challenge of Phil.Teen Challenge is a Christian, in-house, drug and alcohol rehabilitation center. Teen Challenge has become the most successful rehabilitation program. Volunteers are needed as tutors, maintenance, and clerical work, ect.
Contact: Pastor Jeroldine Avery 215-843-2887.
Voyage HouseThe center is for runaway youth and youth who have been thrown out of their homes. It provides free prevention and intervention services for the youth and their families. Volunteers may perform clerical work, provide tutoring, or handle referrals. Contact: Tonya Vandevelde 215-545-2910.
Women's CenterThe Women's Center needs volunteers to tutor, read stories, and do crafts wit h kids. Volunteers are also needed to present workshops, and to assist with transportation to school, training, and appointments. Secretarial volunteer positions are also available.
Contact: Maureen Guim 215-572-2928
Women's Center of Montgomery CountyVolunteers are needed as a hotline and peer counselor. As well as helping with the children, shelters, and mailing /clerical work, other areas are also available.
Contact: Jill 215-885-5020
