Give Back and Get Involved This School Year

By
Maggie Barrows
September 07, 2022

Whether you're looking for something rewarding to do in your spare time, a way to support your community, or an excuse to get outside, there are plenty of CCS grantee organizations in Upper Manhattan that could use your support. Here are a few that are looking for volunteers to help with their academic programs.


America SCORES New York

ASNY partners with New York City public schools to offer students of all abilities the opportunity to join and play on a recreational soccer team and to take part in enrichment programs that cultivate their social-emotional development. Fridays are soccer game days at ASNY, and volunteers are needed for field breakdown on Friday afternoons. Additional opportunities are available to assist with the SCORES Cup, academic activities, mentoring, and more.

To learn more, contact John Riordan.


Riverside Hawks Leadership Academy

The Riverside Hawks organization promotes athletic achievement, educational excellence, and character development for their student athletes. To learn more or sign up, contact Andy Destin at 646-469-5363 or Christopher Snell at 917-554-0549.

  • Tasks: Help kids with their homework and assist the tutors as needed.
  • Times: Tentatively Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 4 to 7 pm, starting the week of October 3
  • Requirements: Patience and understanding for working with at-risk youth.

The Meeting House

Through community and connection, The Meeting House inspires social-emotional growth and elevates mental health. Their programs, offered in a variety of settings, empower individuals to achieve a higher level of function and success in multiple aspects of life. Contact Steven Rubin, MSW, to volunteer.

  • Tasks: Engage with students during activities, act as role models by displaying social and emotional expertise and communication skills, and support senior staff.
  • Times: 10:30 am to 5:00 pm on Fridays
  • Location: Thurgood Marshall Academy Lower School
  • Requirements: Strong language and communication skills, as well as kindness and compassion

Wendy Hilliard Gymnastics Foundation

WHGF offers gymnastics classes for youth from preschool through age 17 in Harlem. They're currently seeking volunteers to assist with the classes and with office work. To volunteer, contact Jocelyn Perusina (212-316-0315). 

Gym Assistant

  • Tasks: Assist staff and coaches with programming, including assisting with student check in, inventory, assisting coaches and directing students, gym clean up, and assisting with student check out/pickup.
  • Times: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 4:30 to 7:30 pm, and Saturday from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm. Can volunteer for one, a few, or all days.
  • Location: 40 W. 143rd Street
  • Requirements: Must be proficient in Mac or PC computer usage, interested in sports and/or gymnastics, like working with children, and be able to lift up to 20 lbs.

Archive Specialist

  • Tasks: Build and manage an archive of WHGF hard copy and digital records, provide administrative archive support, oversee records management, and contribute to the development of policies related to digital archives and preservation
  • Times: Monday to Friday, during any hours between 10:00 am and 6:00pm. Can volunteer for one, a few, or all days listed.
  • Location: 127 W. 127th Street
  • Requirements: Proficient with Google Suite, Macs, and Microsoft. Familiar with use of scanners and printers.