Disabilities
Abington HS Swim ProThis program provides children and young adults with physical and mental limitations the opportunity to master the same aquatic skills as in any other Red Cross Program. In addition to learning to swim, participants benefit from the increased confidence they gain and the friendship made. Made students go on to participate in Special Olympics Swimming Competition. Coaches and instructors are needed for the one-on-one beginner lesson and the small group advanced lessons.
Contact: 215-441-1264
ACCESSACCESS is a non-profit, Christian social agency servicing persons with developmental disabilities. Programs include group homes, foster care and family support services. Volunteers may assist with special events, form one-on-one friendships, tutor people in reading, write press releases, or provide office help. Group homes are in Glenside, Roslyn and Ambler. The headquarters are in Conshohocken.
Contact: Mr. Dave Boorse, Volunteer Coordinator 610-825-6201
AHEDDAdults with experience in leadership, career development, counseling, advocacy, teaching, disabilities, etc. and want to provide insight on leadership, careers and other issues relating to youth with disabilities, then apply to be a Mentor. AHEED will provide training.
Contact: Mary Berry 215-885-2060
ADD (Association for the Developmentally Disabled) Young Adult GroupAssociation for Developmental Disabilities was designed to assist people with mental retardation & developmental disabilities to become more independent members of society.
Contact: Kim Weinburg 215-886-9990
Best Buddies CollegesThe goal of Best Buddies Colleges is to provide an opportunity for college students (College Buddies) and persons with mental retardation (Buddies) to become friends. It is based upon the idea of facilitating mutually enriching friendships. The Buddies involved in the program typically range in ages from 18-30 years old. The friendship is involved and maintained through weekly contact, one-on-one activities and group outings.
Contact: Ms. Jennifer M. Lawser, Program Manager 215-569-0069
Camphill Village - Kimberton HillsVolunteers are needed to live and work with adults who have developmental disabilities.
Contact: 215-935-0300
Compeer Southeastern PennsylvaniaCompeer volunteers share the healing power of friendship to help adults with mental illness live happier, more productive lives. Volunteers and their friends meet weekly for an hour or more (or four hours monthly.) Training and on-going support are provided. Volunteers may also help with fund raising. Large group opportunities available.
Contact: Mr. Rob Chisholm, Compeer Regional Director 610-590-1093
Community Options Inc.Community Options Inc. was developed to provide opportunities for the mentally challenged. Opportunities range from living arrangements, to jobs, to emotional support. Volunteers are needed to help fulfill these areas.
Contact: Community Service Office 215-572-4000
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
Elwyn-Nevil Center for Deaf and Hearing ImpairedVolunteers are needed to assist the deaf and hearing-impaired patients during feeding, breaks or activities, during arrival and departure, and simply to their friend. Positions are also available as a classroom aide, work center aide and job coach. Office assistance is also needed.
Contact: Terry Cipolla 215- 895-5500
The Helen Beebe Speech and Hearing CenterThe Center was established more than 50 years ago. A non-profit organization has a special purpose- to teach children to distinguish words from other sounds, to form words into patterns, to use hearing to modulate their own voice, and to achieve natural speech and voice quality.
Contact: 215-619-9083.
Indian Creek FoundationThe Foundation provides group homes, independent living facilities, work programs and volunteer activities for mentally challenged people. Volunteers are asked to participate in a roll and stroll fundraiser, escorting residents through the course.
Contact: Ms. Mindy Miller 215-256-1500
Inglis HouseA wheel chair community offering long-term or transitional care for adults with chronic physical disabilities. They are in need of volunteers to help with occupational and physical therapy, tutor on IBM computers, assist the Chaplain with religious activities, or "be friendly visitors"(one-on-one visitation).
Contact: Ms. Amy Broadbent, Coordinator of Volunteers 215-581-0718
The Institutes For the Achievement of Human PotentialThe Institutes for the Achievement of Human Potential work with brain-injured children. Volunteers are needed to help clinicians care for brain-injured children while their parents attend lectures. Volunteers are asked to help with reading, story telling, music, watching videos, taking walks, and/or holding or comforting children.
Contact: Linda Maletta 215-233-2050
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
Lynch Community HomesVolunteers plan activities or outing for physically disabled residents. A background check, physical examination, and extensive training are required before volunteering.
Contact: Ms. Lori Larkin 215-784-0300
Marion Homes IncThis organization runs 23 homes for the disabled. A wide variety of opportunities exist, including planning special events and being buddy to one of the residents. Criminal record and child abuse checks are required.
Contact: Ms. Janie Sheppard (610) 260-4600
Melmark MessengerMelmark Messengers are looking for volunteers to help with their mentally disabled or injured adults and children. Volunteers are needed to become friends with the Melmark Clients. "To be willing to touch someone's heart, and have yours touched in return.
Contact: Dr. Joanne Gillis-Donovin (610) 353-1726
Multiple Sclerosis SocietyNational Multiple Sclerosis Society sponsors a walk-a-thon to benefit people diagnosed with MS. To participate in this event you most register, raise money, and walk. This event is lots of fun, and you are supporting a great cause at the same time. Please call to find out more information on a walk near you.
Contact: Ms. Christine Delmonte 215-271-1500
Muscular Dystrophy AssociationThe Muscular Dystrophy Association is looking for volunteers to help with fun d raising events.
Contact: Marily 215-322-7120
National Adoption CenterThe National Adoption Center promotes the adoption of children with special needs. Volunteers are needed for matching parties and special events, and fundraising.
Contact: Ms. Becky Best, Special Events & Volunteer Coordinator 215-735-9988
National Multiple Sclerosis SocietyVolunteers are needed. Training will be provided. Must be 18 years old or older.
Contact: Mr. Anthony Buffone 215-963-2000
Philadelphia Elwyn InstituteRecreational possibilities include evenings or weekends with residents or weekdays with adult walk-ins. Volunteers may help teach self-help skills during an adult day program or assist in a sheltered workshop and other locations.
Contact: Ms. Sandra Pickering 215-895-5509
Special Olympics of Montgomery CountyVolunteers are coaches, huggers, timekeepers, and support staff during events. They also assist with office work, data entry, and fund raising.
Contact: Melissa Moody 1-800-235-9058
Special Olympics Volleyball ASAA (Special Ed. student group), Arcadia UniversityASAA sponsors and works with the volleyball team for Special Olympics. Special events are also held. Students attend weekly practices with the atheletes in helping them hone their skills for events held which the athletes look forward to as much as they do their weekly practices. Volunteer opportunities are open to all.
Contact: Dr. Ray Rose
Variety ClubThe Variety Club is a children's charity presently looking for volunteers for their Special Olympics, to help coordinate activities.
Contact: Andrew Pack 215-735-0803
The Woods SchoolVolunteers are needed to help assist teachers and therapists with children and adults with head injuries, and who are mentally challenged.
Contact: Lisa Honeycut 215-750-4000
Woodhaven CenterWoodhaven Center serves severely to profoundly handicapped adults. Their goal is to stress life skills training in order to prepare the individuals for independent living. Day programs services include on-campus school and work programs, an off-campus workshop and an off-campus school program in Philadelphia. Volunteers are needed.
Contact: Melissa Gallagher 215-671-5139
