Volunteer Program

Upstate Cerebral Palsy offers a comprehensive array of volunteer opportunities for local individuals, businesses and groups wishing to make a difference and create "everyday miracles" in the lives of those in our local community.  Whether it is assisting with tasks in an office setting or providing direct care to those with a developmental disability, volunteers have always played a key role in making the Agency what it is today.

Here is a list of examples of direct service opportunities:

• Volunteer in a classroom in one of our children’s programs: Infants, Toddlers/Preschool and School-age
• Be a mentor thru Big Brothers Big Sisters
• Assist with cooking classes at a residence
• Provide assistance with the recreational horseback riding program as a horse leader or side-walker

“Volunteering with the recreational horseback riding program is a great experience. Working with the staff, volunteers and individuals is one of the most rewarding things I do. I get back so much more in return and really enjoy my time in the stables.”  - Kyle J.

• Adopt an Upstate Cerebral residence with a group of your friends, family members, or co-workers and organize activities for residents
• Be a pen pal or E-buddy to our teenage individuals
• Help out at various sports/recreation programs including basketball, baseball and soccer

“As the site coordinator for Hamilton College, I led several volunteer trips to Upstate Cerebral Palsy’s sports & recreation program. It was always great to see students who were hesitant or had never worked with individuals with developmental disabilities get involved and have fun in the process… The fact that we now have a consistent group of volunteers for weekly trips speaks volumes to the quality of the agency and the people who run programs such as youth sports… it has given me a reason to get excited about getting up Saturday morning!”   - Chris K.

• Assist with craft projects at a Day Habilitation site

Below is a list of indirect volunteer opportunities:

• Assist with maintenance projects including painting, cleaning, landscaping and/or building
• Assist or participate at fundraising events
• Adopt a family or individual for the Holiday Project or assist with shopping and wrapping of gifts
• Provide support in the Community Development department

“I enjoy working with all the employees, and especially remember celebrating my 70th birthday at Mary Street.”   - Marge L.

• Organize a cookie drive to supply refreshments for events or holidays
• Organize a clothing drive to collect quality clothing to distribute to our residences

For more information about the volunteer opportunities at Upstate Cerebral Palsy, contact Elyssa Arnone-Earl at (315) 724-6907 ext. 2279.

<Click here to print an application.>