Volunteer Opportunities
Looking to give back to your community?
If you’re like us, you want to live in a community where citizens feel safe, happy and support one another. To this end, we’ve compiled a list of organizations that you might consider volunteering with! Whether you need volunteer hours for Scouts, school, community service or are simply looking for a way to meet other people and give back, consider the following organizations. Many of the descriptions here are taken from the websites of each organization (some are lightly edited for formatting or clarity), or new ones written based on our research.
The Athenaeum is not currently accepting volunteers. However, if you’re interested in supporting the work we do, the Friends of the Westfield Athenaeum have several opportunities throughout the year, and are especially eager for Board Members if you have some extra time on your hands and have plenty of fresh ideas! Learn more about the Friends here.
If you know of other non-profits in the Greater Westfield Area, are about to start one, feel we’ve missed a detail, or have any questions, please reach out to reference@westath.org or give us a call at (413) 568 – 7833. The Westfield Athenaeum is a private non-profit, and is not affiliated with any organization on this list.
Amelia Park Children’s Museum
29 Broad Street, Westfield MA, 01085
(413) 572 – 4014
https://www.ameliaparkmuseum.org/join-the-team
“Amelia Park Children’s Museum welcomes volunteers who have an interest in working with and on behalf of children. Many opportunities are available to volunteer your time and talent. Volunteer projects vary throughout the year. We are looking for story tellers, face-painters, event set up and cleanup, music-sing along leaders, puppetry, fundraising, arts and crafts.
- High School Volunteers must be at least 15 years old and enjoy working with young children and their families.
- Adult Volunteers and interns help with a wide range of projects from exhibit maintenance to administrative tasks, from educational programs to special events.
Whether you’re an individual interested in ongoing projects or a group wishing to participate in a Done-in-a-Day program, you can help provide vital services and support to many departments within the Amelia Park Children’s Museum.
- Mature and responsible individuals help to staff the museum on a regular basis. College students serve as full or part time interns and work-study employees.
- Teens, parents, and senior citizens are encouraged to inquire about rewarding volunteer opportunities at the museum.
- If you have a couple of hours a week, a few days a month, or an entire semester internship, consider volunteering at Amelia Park Children’s Museum.
Volunteers age 18 and older must agree to have a CORI background report performed.“
AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP
1 Prince Street, Northampton
(413) 387 – 4558
https://americorps.gov/serve/americorps-seniors/americorps-seniors-rsvp
“RSVP is the easy and effective way for people 55+ to give back to your community. Whatever your background, skills, and interests, RSVP will match you with a rewarding volunteer opportunity. One-time, short-term, and on-going opportunities are available to fit every schedule. RSVP staff provide ongoing one-on-one support to ensure that you find your perfect match. Make a difference with RSVP- contact us!”
ArtWorks of Westfield Inc.
29 Alexander Place, Westfield, MA 011085
(413) 335 – 6976
https://www.artworkswestfield.com
“ArtWorks of Westfield Inc., an all-volunteer, community-centric local arts & cultural organization promoting the rich and talented artistic diversity of Westfield and the surrounding communities, is a tax exempt organization under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 501 (c) (3). Our mission is to create and promote the widest variety of Cultural Arts, Literary Arts, Musical Events, and Performing Arts for the Westfield Community and to collaborate with businesses and invested groups to develop and maintain venues for presentations and performances.
We aspire to bring together creators and community to engage, inform, inspire, empower, educate and entertain in the heart of downtown Westfield.
We offer a wide variety of opportunities, to share your talent and experiences, to grow art and cultural experiences and engagement in the city. From specific event support activities to planning, organizing, and community engagement to graphic design, marketing, website maintenance and grant writing, and all points in between, we have opportunities for everyone!
Complete this online form and let’s explore the possibilities.”
Building Autistic Community, Inc.
http://www.actvolunteercenter.net/agency/detail/?agency_id=28340
“We offer a peer-run environment for adults on the spectrum to build the community they want to have in their lives.
Programs and events include support and discussion groups, personalized life coaching, organization and productivity support, social communication support, social opportunities, volunteerism, and more.
Building Autistic Community, Inc is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit corporation founded by autistic adults in Westfield, Massachusetts. Since we first opened the community in 2009 our mission has been to provide mutual support in building a more fulfilling future for ourselves and our peers.”
Community Action Pioneer Valley
(413) 774-2318
https://www.communityaction.us/
“Community Action holds a long-term vision of safe, just, and prosperous communities throughout Franklin and Hampshire Counties and the North Quabbin region in western Massachusetts. We are committed to upholding the common good by offering leadership, advocacy, and concrete resources that support children, youth, individuals, families, and local communities to thrive.
Each year, we work with more than 27,000 people and hundreds of coalitions and partnerships to build on the strengths of our community. We invite you to learn more about our history, mission and vision, plans for the future, and the people and programs of Community Action. If you find yourself inspired, like we are everyday, we hope that you will join us as a volunteer, a participant in one of our 40 programs, a donor, or an employee.”
Companion Program
(413) 562-6435
https://www.cityofwestfield.org/297/Companion-Program
“Frail, homebound adults aged 60 and older who are considered at risk of institutionalization are provided a variety of services through the Volunteer Companion Program so that they may age in place in their own homes. Frailties may include general weakness, visual limitations, hearing deficits, mobility restrictions, reduced balance and coordination, memory loss, disorientation, and oxygen use for breathing difficulties.
Program services include transportation to medical appointments, grocery shopping, errands, companionship, and hazardous weather check-ups. These services are provided to recipients by dedicated volunteers who receive reimbursement for their gas mileage.
The Companion Program is funded through grants from the Executive Office of Elder Affairs, the Westfield Community Development Block Grant, and Sarah Gillett Services for the Elderly, as well as private donations. Credit for the success of the program belongs to the many wonderful volunteer companions. […]
The Westfield Council on Aging Volunteer Companion Program is looking for individuals to volunteer as companions to homebound seniors. For many elders, companionship can be as vital to their health as good medical care or a balanced diet. As a companion, you might accompany an elder to the grocery store, to a medical appointment, errands, attend community events, or just talk about things of mutual interest. The reward is knowing that you are making a difference. The program is funded by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs, the Westfield Community Development Block Grant, and Sarah Gillett Services for the Elderly, as well as private donations.
For more information about this valuable program, please contact Program Coordinator Joyce Peregrin at (413) 562-6435.
There are several volunteer opportunities at our Senior Center. Do you have a particular interest or hobby that you would like to share? Come down to the Senior Center and find out how we can incorporate your interests into a volunteer opportunity that’s right for you.”
Grandmother’s Garden
FOGG, P.O. Box 1432, Westfield MA, 01086-1432
(413) 562 – 2022
contactform@grandmothersgarden.org
http://www.grandmothersgarden.org/
“With spring around the corner, help is always needed for the physical tasks at the garden including: weeding, transplanting, pruning, and deadheading. Additionally, volunteers are needed to host at various functions, assist with field trips and tours, plan events and many more activities!
Grandmothers’ Garden is operated and maintained by volunteers as it has been since its creation in 1929. […] For most volunteer opportunities, special skills are not required, but always appreciated. Please call for more information or to offer your helping hands!”
Greater Westfield Food Pantry
101 Meadow St, Westfield, MA 01085
(413) 572-0802
director@westfieldfoodpantry.org
https://www.westfieldfoodpantry.org/volunteer
“The mission of The Westfield Food Pantry is to alleviate the impact of hunger in our community. We have proudly served the Westfield community since 1986, and use practical strategies to connect people to good food, to advocate on behalf of those in need, and to engage others in the work of building food security.
Volunteers are vital to the successful operation of the Westfield Food Pantry. Volunteers:
- pack groceries, receive food donations, stock shelves, sort food to maintain quality control and help maintain sanitary working conditions.
- assist with clerical responsibilities such as typing and data entry.
- organize and hold food drives.”
Westfield Homeless Cat Project
1124 E Mountain Rd, Westfield, MA 01085
(413) 568-6964
Volunteers are accepted to help out at the shelter. Volunteers can help with organization, cleaning and food preparation – all responsibilities that assist felines in need.
Westfield On Weekends, Inc.
105 Elm Street, Westfield, MA 01085
(413) 579-5967
contact@westfieldonweekends.com
https://www.westfieldonweekends.com/center/teach-a-class
Offers potential volunteer opportunities throughout the year. You can fill out a form if you have a talent you wish to share and teach a class for. Teachers of classes are paid hourly for their time.
Westfield Parks & Recreation Department
4 Holcomb St, Westfield, MA 01085
(413) 572-6263
https://www.cityofwestfield.org/186/Parks-Recreation
“Volunteers can demonstrate to the community that people really care about the parks and recreation programs by wanting to help with their operation and improvements of them. Citizens who volunteer can take back into the community a true picture of the Westfield Parks and Recreation Department and can be ambassadors of goodwill.
In the summer months we accept junior leaders ages 13 – 15 to help out with some of our programs such as soccer, basketball, t-ball, theater arts, nature camps, playground program, basketball, and tennis. If you would like to volunteer, call the office at (413) 572-6263 and you will be mailed a volunteer packet.
Junior Leaders ages 13-15 for the Adventure Zone summer day camp there are fees each week per age group plus field trip expenses. Call our office for a detailed form and junior Leader packet before May 31.
All Volunteer coaches, staff, and volunteers will be required to submit to a CORI / SORI check (a criminal background check) and read and sign a conflict of interest form. Please see the Coaches’ Code of Conduct for information on how to behave during sporting events.
We’re always looking for parents to volunteer for t-ball, soccer, and basketball.”
Westfield Public Schools
(413) 875 – 2023
https://www.schoolsofwestfield.org/page/volunteer-opportunities
- Classroom Assistance
- Enrichment Facilitators
- Into the Arts Festival Helpers
- Library Assistants
- Lunch Monitors
- Math and Reading Tutors
- Mentors
“Applications are being accepted for these and other assignments that we will receive as the school year progresses. Please call 413-875-2023 to make a training appointment at a time mutually convenient time to you and the school staff.”
Westfield Soup Kitchen
101 Meadow St, Westfield, MA 01085 (Located on same premises as Greater Westfield Food Pantry)
(413) 572-9147
https://www.westfieldsoupkitchen.org/
“Our Community Table is a program whose mission is simply to serve those in need of a dinner meal and fellowship, each night of the week at 4:45 pm, except Saturdays. No questions asked. Please join us for a meal by entering through the White Street doorway.
Managed by a Board of Directors, this service is run through the generosity of its volunteers, which includes several church and civic groups, school students and others, who alternate cooking and serving meals on a regular basis on a designated day of the month, each month of the year. In fact, when a holiday falls on any day (except Saturday), a holiday meal is served on that day as well.”
YMCA of Greater Westfield
67 Court Street, Westfield, MA 01085
(413) 568-8631
https://www.westfieldymca.org/about-us/volunteer
“As the leading nonprofit for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y works side-by-side with our neighbors every day to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. To do our important work, the Y relies on support from members, donors, volunteers and community leaders.
When you are involved with the Y, you help bring about lasting personal and social change. Whether you want to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve your or your family’s health and well-being, or give back and support your neighbors, your involvement with the Y will positively impact those in your community.”