Volunteer

Ready to volunteer to improve the lives of New York City’s most vulnerable youth?

There are many ways you can help.

Opportunities

Emergency Housing Volunteer

3 month commitment in Harlem and Brooklyn

Ali Forney Center serves over 378,000 meals annually. We provide clients with three nutritious meals per day. Volunteer opportunities to support our emergency housing meal programs are available at many of our sites. Volunteers are welcome 7 days a week. Additional responsibilities may be assigned to emergency housing volunteers based on volunteer interest and the needs of the house.

Unity Works Volunteer

4-month minimum commitment in Midtown, Manhattan

Through AFC’s Learning, Employment, Advancement and Placement (LEAP) we’re always looking to enhance our curriculum and bring in talented volunteers to lead workshops and guide our youth. Some volunteer opportunities include facilitating workshops, leading life-skills training, providing one-on-one educational support, help with resume building, job searches and conducting mock interviews. Volunteers are also welcome to host career days to help introduce clients to working professionals who can tell our clients about their own careers, educational paths and lives.

Special Events and Fundraising

AFC relies on our community to help raise awareness and funds to support our mission, hosting some of New York City’s premier special events. Volunteers are needed to help with serving on event-planning committees. Roles include: logistics, planning, host committee, securing auction items, securing sponsorships/donations, and helping staff in the execution of events. Committees usually meet twice a month with tasks/assignments to complete between meetings.

Administrative Assistance

AFC’s administrative office is comprised of a small team of staff who could always use a little extra help. Located in Midtown, our administrative office is responsible for the operational, administrative, and financial management of our program. Volunteers are needed to help with answering phones, filing, making phone calls, organizing, and a host of other administrative jobs. If you have time during the business day to volunteer, consider helping out with administrative tasks in our main office.

Ali’s Place Volunteer

3-month commitment in Midtown, Manhattan

Ali Forney Center staff work around the clock to provide a myriad of support for our clients. Volunteers provide vital help to the frontline staff team. Some volunteer opportunities include: maintaining our Clothing Closet, assisting youth with clothing needs, assisting with administrative tasks, doing laundry, helping with cleanup, preparing community spaces for workshops or meals, general organizing and cleaning, as well as workshop co-facilitation.

Apply to Volunteer

Once completed, we will contact you to:

Complete some background check forms
Interview
Attend a two-hour Standard of Care training

Group Volunteer

Corporate Groups play a significant role in our volunteer program. There are opportunities for corporate groups to support our client events, field days, field trips, beautification days, and more. AFC hosts four special events for clients each year which include our Spring Talent Show, Summer Prom, Fall Ball, and Winter Holiday Carnival. Volunteers are instrumental in helping in decorating, preparing, and serving food, assisting youth with costumes, setting up games, securing items as prizes for clients, and with cleanup. Volunteer Groups also host field trips for clients, supervised and supported by staff. There are also opportunities for corporate volunteer groups to sponsor events for clients.

Community and Faith-Based Groups are welcome and encouraged to join our volunteer program. Groups can help staff in creating a homelike environment for our clients. Groups can help with beautification days, meal service, holiday and gift card drive, and many other ways.

Student Groups can help us access resources in the larger community by hosting fundraisers or donation drives for much needed items, or by helping to promote and attending our community rallies.

If you’re interested in group volunteering, email Steve Cruz at scruz@aliforneycenter.org.

Emerging Leaders Council

Emerging Leaders are encouraged to support Ali Forney Center's mission through volunteerism, advocacy, fundraising, and friendraising. Join a network of dedicated young professionals!

Apply Now