Volunteering as a family is a wonderful way to bond, teach valuable life lessons, and give back to the community together. For families with children 13 and older, there are several unique opportunities to make a meaningful impact while introducing teens to the rewards of helping others. Though many organizations have age restrictions in place for safety and logistical reasons, there are great opportunities to volunteer as a family with older kids. Highlighted below are several organizations which always benefit from 13-17 year-old helpers.
Kids and teenagers who volunteer can experience many benefits, including personal growth, academic improvement, increased self-esteem, a recognition of civic engagement, and a sense of connection along with a more positive outlook! There are so many reasons to encourage your young person to volunteer in our community – and we need them!
Volunteer Opportunities For Families
Gathering Place Webster
The Gathering Place is a non-religious non-profit offering a diverse collection of community service opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to participate in. There are many ways to volunteer at The Gathering Place to support those in need in the Greater Rochester area. Volunteers can help package bags of snacks or hygiene items, prepare food at their Free Community Sunday Suppers or help with inventory and distribution at their Pet Food Pantry. Check out their on-going programs, drop-in hours and items on their current wish list on their website.
Foodlink
Foodlink is a Rochester-based nonprofit dedicated to ending hunger and building healthier communities by addressing both the symptoms and root causes of food insecurity. Learn more about their mission and how to help here. From sorting donated food in the Foodlink distribution center, to assisting Curbside Market customers, to maintaining the Foodlink Community Farm, there is a wide array of volunteer opportunities that are perfect for families. There is a minimum age requirement of 13 to participate and under 16 year olds must be accompanied by an adult.
JFS Rochester
JFS Rochester (Jewish Family Services) provides support for all ages of people throughout the Greater Rochester community. Their extensive outreach network supports the youngest and oldest of our community, as well as everyone in between, of all denominations. JFS services are available to all. There is an application to begin serving as a volunteer in the myriad of opportunities that require short and longer term commitments. Whether your family wants to help fight hunger or connect with older adults, there is a place for you at JFS!
Rochester Museum and Science Center
There are a variety of opportunities to volunteer at the Rochester Museum and Science Center (RMSC) including regular service and special events volunteering. The RMSC Volunteer Form can be found here.
Lollypop Farm
Animal-loving teenagers, ages 13 to 17, who have an interest and passion for helping animals through community service can become a Lollypop Farm Teen Volunteer through an application process. Lollypop Farm, part of the Humane Society of Greater Rochester, cares for care for around 10,000 animals each year with the help of almost 1000 volunteers! The Teen Volunteer program supports the overall mission of bettering the lives of animals through justice, prevention, and life-saving care.
