Volunteer with the Center for Special Needs
The Jack and Shirley Silver Center for Special Needs is proud to offer several opportunities for typical teens and adults to volunteer with our programs.
Interested? Fill out our form for teens or adults so we can get to know you and match you with the right volunteer experience. Please note, teen volunteer spots mostly become available during August for the upcoming school year, and fill up quickly. For more information, please contact Caitlin McInerney at cmcinerney@mmjccm.org.
If you're a member of the 20s + 30s Repair the World Service Corps
Connections
Connections is a social and recreational community of individuals in their 20s with intellectual, developmental, and/or physical disabilities. Through social, cultural, and educational opportunities at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan and offsite, Connections fosters independence while encouraging participants to make and deepen friendships with one another. Individuals in Connections have the ability to be travel trained between the JCC and home and utilize the program as a complement to their vocational and volunteer experiences.
Volunteers assist with our Saturday evening programs. Each month we have one event at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan and one event in the community. Volunteers at these events help Connections members bond with friends, deepen their communication skills, learn to be more independent, and enjoy a Saturday night out! Highlights have include the theatre, casino parties at the JCC, dinner and a movie, a ‘50s-style sock hop, and karaoke!
Adaptations
Adaptations is a community of adults in their 20s and 30s with developmental and/or learning disabilities and a high level of independence. We are a place for individuals of all backgrounds to socialize, learn, grow, and deepen their connections to one another and the community. Through our programs and partnerships, Adaptations provides multiple pathways to fostering independence, expressing creativity, and experiencing the richness of community. Adaptations is looking for volunteers to assist with our social activities planned outside of the JCC. These events encourage socialization and communication skill development through adventure and conversation. Volunteers model appropriate social behaviors and encourage connections while exploring the city alongside Adaptations members.
If you are interested in volunteering with the Center for Special Needs, please click here to fill out your information so we can be in touch about future opportunities.
If you're a member of Engage Jewish Service Corps (50s, 60s + Beyond)
Shabbat Shop
The Shabbat Shop is a social enterprise that sells seasonal holiday items and Judaica gifts for people of all ages in the JCC lobby. It is staffed by Adaptations participants and all proceeds support The Jack and Shirley Silver Center for Special Needs at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan. Engage volunteers are needed on an ongoing basis. Some of the tasks include helping with the setup of the shop, being a job mentor and assisting with sales, and helping break down the shop at closing time.
If you are interested in volunteering with the Center for Special Needs, please click here to fill out your information so we can be in touch about future opportunities.
If you're a Teen
Girls' Night Out
Girls' Night Out allows teens of all abilities to enjoy a relaxed, fun social group and foster close friendships with other young women. The group is peer-developed and -facilitated to create a truly natural social setting. The flexible structure of the group empowers the participants to make choices about the activities—from going out for ice cream to having a picnic in the park to just hanging out and listening to music—while engaging in their interests with peers.
Travel Tuesday
Join us in person at the JCC or virtually on Zoom for our hybrid Travel Tuesday program! This semester, we will be exploring food, music, sites, and cultures around the world.
Teen Game Night
Participants will learn how to play games and practice positive communication skills required for them. Teens will walk away with confidence in their ability to play games with peers! This program will be offered twice each evening. Teens are asked to register for only one time slot, so we can accommodate everyone interested.
Teen Service Corps Powered by Repair the World
Repair the World offers teens and young adults opportunities to create and engage in service experiences infused with Jewish learning and reflection. Join your peers for this dynamic opportunity for impactful volunteering and educational opportunities in your community.
If you are interested in teen volunteering with The Jack and Shirley Silver Center for Special Needs, please click here to fill out your information so we can be in touch about future opportunities.