More than 10,000 children in the United States under the age of 15 will be diagnosed with cancer or other chronic illnesses this year. At A Free Bird, we see firsthand how impactful creative expression can be during such a difficult time. Not only do the arts help children process complex emotions, find joy, and express things that they can't always say in words, they also have also been found to have numerous benefits to physical and mental health. A Free Bird is dedicated to empowering children with cancer through the arts!

https://afreebird.org/volunteer

If you have questions or need more information please contact the organization at HR@afreebird.org.

The Harlem Educational Activities Fund (HEAF) is an extraordinary college prep and leadership program founded in 1989 by Daniel and Joanna Rose. HEAF was established in response to a compelling need to close the opportunity gaps in public education confronting underserved minorities in Harlem, Washington Heights and the Bronx. Since that time, we have expanded our reach of the "forgotten middle" to include students from four of the five boroughs attending over 100 public schools across the city. HEAF creates pathways to college and the professional world for more than 600 low-income New York City minority youth each year, by providing resources that help them achieve higher education, fulfilling careers, and greater lifetime earnings.

https://heaf.org/volunteer/
If you have questions or need more information please contact Kelli Goodman (kgoodman@heaf.org), Manager of Volunteer Initiatives.

We serve more than 1,000 boys and girls aged 4-19, combining recreational and competitive youth soccer with academic enrichment, college prep, mentoring, health and wellness promotion, leadership development, immigration legal services, and other individual and family supports.

South Bronx United aims to make a difference in this community by engaging at-risk, immigrant, and first-generation youth through their passion for soccer. The South Bronx is an incredibly diverse community with an exceptional mix of individuals, institutions, and agencies that are making a positive difference on a daily basis. The borough, and the South Bronx in particular, have the fastest growing immigrant population in the city. Yet, the community is one of the poorest districts in the nation (U.S. Census Bureau, 2010). Hunger rates and obesity rates are among the highest the country. Together, the school districts perform the lowest in the state.

https://www.southbronxunited.org/node/100

If you have questions or need more information please contact the organization at info@southbronxunited.org.

EHTP offers a variety of volunteer opportunities through our public charter schools, after-school, and summer programs. The programs range from subject-matter tutoring, providing students with homework help, mentoring, and preparing high school students for college success. Volunteers support our scholars, prepare them for academic success, encourage their social enrichment, and help them gain the confidence they will need to succeed in college and in life.

https://app.betterimpact.com/PublicOrganization/d6c331ff-210e-450b-8c0a-c447f8a5bd6d/1

If you have questions or need more information please contact the organization at volunteerinfo@ehtp.org.

New Alternatives increases the self-sufficiency of LGBTQ+ homeless youth by enabling them to transition out of the shelter system to stable adult lives. We do this by providing long-term support, weekly case management, education services, life skills training, community-building recreational activities, opportunities for self-expression, and programs for HIV+ youth. Our guiding principles are those of harm reduction, youth development, and empowerment.

https://www.newalternativesnyc.org/get-involved
If you have questions or need more information please contact the organization at info@newalternativesnyc.org.

Sign up to visit with a homebound senior to provide company and friendship.

https://www.lenoxhill.org/volunteer

If you have questions or need more information please contact Volunteer Director Anthony Snowden (asnowden@lenoxhill.org) or Deputy Volunteer Director Lauren Goldman(lgoldman@lenoxhill.org).

The Manny Cantor Center is the Lower East Side's community hub, offering arts, culture, wellness, education, and community programming for ages 0 to 100+.

https://www.mannycantor.org/get-involved/

If you have questions or need more information please contact Volunteer & Community Engagement Coordinator Maya Hendin (mhendin@mannycantor.org).