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Welcome to Family Centers' Volunteer/Community Engagement Information Page. We have many opportunities at Family Centers for you to get involved and make a difference! If you have an idea for a project or volunteer experience that you don't see listed, please email Tyler Shanafelt at tshanafelt@familycenters.org.
We also welcome corporate and school groups.
Click Here for Information on Student Internships!
Literacy Volunteers
Literacy Volunteers is seeking volunteers to help adults learn to read, write, and speak English. Workshops teach a variety of techniques with an emphasis on identifying each student’s preferred learning style. Training includes hands-on practice, demonstration, lesson planning, and goal setting. While no prior teaching experience is required, volunteers must be able to attend all training sessions.
Please contact us for more information and join our dedicated team of dynamic tutors making a difference in our community.
The Den for Grieving Kids
The Den for Grieving Kids is a free group grief support program that creates a safe space for children, teens, parents, and caregivers to discuss their bereavement. Each Den group is facilitated by two trained volunteers. The Den provides initial and ongoing training and support to help facilitators be a steady and compassionate presence for the bereaved.
We offer two types of facilitator positions: School-Based Group Facilitators and Evening Den Facilitators.
School-Based Group Facilitators commit to a weekly one-hour session at their assigned school between October and April, with some preparation required outside of the visit. Groups are held in schools across the greater Greenwich/Stamford/Norwalk area.
Please click here to see a list of current school based group locations.
Evening Den Facilitators commit to two Wednesday evenings per month (6-8:30 p.m.), year-round, in Greenwich. Sessions include pre- and post-meetings with staff, and grief support groups take place form 7-8 p.m.
Please click here to see the 2024-25 Den calendar.
Click here to inquire about becoming a Den Facilitator.
Early Care and Education
Family Centers' Early Care and Education program is seeking volunteers to assist in classrooms with children ages 3 to 5. Sessions are available Monday through Friday in the mornings (8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.) or afternoons (2:45–5:30 p.m.) at one of three Greenwich locations:
- Grauer Preschool (40 Arch Street)
- Armstrong Court Preschool (Armstrong Court Development)
- Gateway Preschool (2 Chapel Street)
These programs include Greenwich Head Start and School Readiness. Volunteers will help facilitate classroom activities and be supervised by licensed early childhood teachers. Volunteers should enjoy working with young children and be comfortable engaging with them at their level. All volunteers must complete an application and interview. Age requirements:
- Ages 13–15 must be accompanied by an adult
- Ages 16 may volunteer independently (must complete a background check)
Family Centers’ Early Childhood Education Program is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
Click here to inquire about becoming an Early Care and Education Classroom Volunteer.
Recreation Activity Volunteer (Preschool)
Greenwich Head Start and Family Centers’ School Readiness Program (located at Armstrong Court in Greenwich) are seeking volunteers to lead group activities for preschoolers from 3:30–5:00 p.m. Activities may include dance, yoga, art, reading, sports, music, cooking, and science. Volunteers will create and lead three to four short classes (20–30 minutes each) and rotate through four classrooms. Teachers will assist during sessions, and Family Centers’ site manager will help coordinate space and supplies.
Minimum age: 15. Volunteers age 18 must complete a background check. All volunteers must schedule a personal interview.
Click here to inquire about becoming a Recreation Activity Volunteer.
RITE Program (Reaching Independence Through Employment)
The RITE Program offers career counseling, education, work readiness, life skills, and family support to help individuals and families achieve greater independence. Participants engage in both one-on-one and group-based support in areas like:
- Résumé writing
- Interview skills
- Job search strategies
- LinkedIn and digital tools
- Financial literacy
Program coordinators guide participants using a model of continuous evaluation and self-assessment. Referrals are also provided for basic needs, job training, and computer skills. The RITE Program is free and open to residents of lower Fairfield County.
Click here to inquire about volunteering with RITE.
Family First in Education Tutors and Recreational Activity Volunteers
Family First in Education provides academic and social-emotional support to elementary school students. Running five days a week during the school year, the program helps close the achievement gap through individualized attention, enrichment activities, and strong relationships between students, staff and volunteers.
We're seeking high school volunteers tot utor students in grades K-5 in reading in math. Tutors work one-on-one and in small groups, helping students build academic skills, study habits and self-confidence. Instruction is supported by a team of dedicated educators who foster a welcoming, inclusive environment.
We're also looking for adults or college/ high school students to facilitate recreational, social and educational activities. If you have a special talent or interest and you are willing to share it with others, this could be the perfect volunteer opportunity! Activities can meet weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or even just once, depending on the volunteer's availability and the nature of the activity.
Many of our volunteers are program alumni who return to give back. As a tutor, you'll not only support students—you'll also become part of a close-knit community where friendships and mentorships thrive.
Tutoring shifts are available Monday through Friday from 3:30-4:30 p.m. at Hamilton Avenue and New Lebanon Elementary Schools.
Click here to inquire about becoming a Family First Tutor.
Community and Supportive Services Recreational Activity Volunteer
Our Community and Supportive Services program, which is located throughout several Charter Oak Communities (Stamford Housing Authority) housing developments, is seeking enthusiastic adult or student volunteers to lead recreational, social or educational activities at our housing locations. If you have a special skill or interest to share—whether it's once a week, once a month, or just once—we'll help you create a meaningful volunteer experience.
Scheduling is flexible based on your availability and the nature of the activity.
Click here to inquire about becoming a Recreational Activity Volunteer.
Mothers for Others
Mothers for Others is the largest diaper bank in lower Fairfield County, providing a free one-week supploy of diapers or pull-ups each month to families with children under age three. The organization accepts donations of diapers and wipes, which are distributed to clients of Family Centers and partner agencies.
To learn more, visit mothersforothers.org or email info@mothersforothers.org.
Friendly Connections - Friendly Caller/Visitor
Do you have an hour or two per week to give back? Volunteer with Friendly Connections and help improve the life of a homebound or isolated older adult in Greenwich or Stamford. Volunteers make weekly phone calls or home visits to offer conversation, companionship and connection. Volunteers stay in contact with the program coordinator and report any concerns.
Click here to inquire about becoming a Friendly Caller or Visitor.
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