Volunteers are recruited on an ongoing basis to provide support and encouragement to help develop individual and group initiative and responsibility, self-reliance, courage, personal fitness, discipline and other desirable qualities of character through participation in a wide range of organized recreational, educational and civic activities.

Community-Based mentoring includes our traditional, one-to-one mentoring programs where we match children between the ages of 7and 16(our Littles) with a caring adult mentor, aged 21 or older(our Bigs). All volunteer mentors are extensively interviewed, screened and trained. BBBSLI provides every match with a professional program team member to monitor the relationship and offer guidance during its entirety.

**THIS AGENCY HAS DISCONTINUED SERVICES AS OF MARCH 14, 2025** HOSPITAL ADVOCACY-After 40 hours of training, volunteers become advocates for child victims of sexual abuse and/or assault and adult survivors of sexual assault or domestic violence. Volunteers are asked to serve a minimum request of 2 shifts (8am-8pm or 8pm-8am) per month to assist victims at any of the local Nassau County hospitals. Nassau County residence and a valid driver's license are required. CHILD VICTIM ADVOCATE PROGRAM-Volunteers help reduce system induced trauma for child victims of abuse and their non-offending family members when involved with the Family or Criminal Court systems. COURT ADVOCACY-Trained volunteers spend one day per week at the Nassau County Family Court or Criminal Court offering assistance, support and information to persons who seek Orders of Protection, and other court assistance in family violence matters. Training is arranged on an ongoing and individual basis. PRO BONO PROJECT- The Safe Center LI Pro Bono Project seeks to recruit pro bono attorney's and provide the training and resources necessary to successfully present victims of domestic violence in civil legal matters. COMMUNITY OUTREACH-Volunteers work to advance the cause against family violence and sexual assault through awareness and education. Volunteers represent the agency at health and/or information fairs. SPECIAL EVENTS-Volunteers are involved in supporting fundraising and other special events/functions throughout the year to assist in activities related to these events such as: mailings, solicitation of goods, services, journal ads, etc., as well as staffing assistance at these events. OFFICE WORK-Volunteers work with the clerical/administrative staff as needed to support various office duties such as mailing, filing, copying, answering phones, and other general clerical functions. CHILD WAITING ROOM-Volunteers provide oversight of the Child Waiting Room as family members receive agency services. Oversight can include reading to smaller children, assisting school-aged children with homework, playing a game with kids, and attending to specific needs.

Provides "on the street" services to Long Island's unsheltered persons in need. Trained members offer crisis intervention and referrals for essential services, including emergency housing. Team members also distribute kits with clothes, non-perishable foods, blankets, and toiletries to individuals living on the street. The team also works with local shelters, businesses, and houses of worship to assist with resources. Please call for more information.

CVAC volunteers generally fill two vital roles; answering our 24/7 support line, and providing medical advocacy to the local area hospitals. To do so, volunteers must apply and be able to complete our 40-hour rape crisis counselor training. Upon completion, volunteers will become certified NYS Rape Crisis Counselors through the Department of Health. Trainings are generally offered in the fall and the spring, and occasionally in the summer. Below you will find the current training schedule, and some frequently asked questions about volunteering with our agency.

A database for information and referrals of local and surrounding agencies that assist to meet the needs of senior citizens.

Recruits, interviews, screens, trains, and supports individuals who want to volunteer to be in a one-to-one relationship with individuals in treatment for mental health issues.

Volunteer Opportunities: Research Parent/child activities at Family Resource Center Assist in community outreach Data formulation and data entry

Provides activities such as leisure reading, writing, discussions with knowledgeable adults, tutoring and games that develop cognitive skills to encourage academic performance.

Provides 24-hour hotline offering non-judgmental support, provides information about domestic violence and sexual assault and offers resources and referrals.

Transportation is available for eligible older adults and people with disabilities to reach their doctors, run errands, and more. A Medicaid transportation provider.

Provides activities such as leisure reading, writing, discussions with knowledgeable adults, tutoring and games that develop cognitive skills to encourage academic performance.

Volunteer Opportunities for Certified Sexual Assault Counselor with New York State Department of Health: free training provided by agency.

Volunteers may provide transportation to essential services and appointments, run errands, assist with grocery and personal shopping, or pick up prescriptions, plan a regular phone visit or home visit to provide friendly and supportive listening, prepare/deliver a weekly meal or treat, perform general yard work or light housekeeping, and/or provide respite for caregiver.

Permanent housing for 10 formerly homeless men in structured, homelike, shared apartment setting. Men work toward eventual independence and receive support from staff members during their stay, usually six to 24 months.Services include life skills training, outreach, case management and employment search assistance.Drop off donations of these items at the residence: men's clothing household items food personal care items outdoor recreation items furniture and household items for residents moving to their own housing

2025- Lifelong will start scheduling tax appointments for seniors and returning clients on 1/6/2025. Taxpayers under 60 that meet the income guidelines can begin calling for appointments on 2/3/2025.Free federal and state income tax preparation assistance for Tompkins County residents meeting one of these criteria: limited income, families less than $60,000, individuals below $37,000 individuals with disabilities all seniors, 60 and over, with spouses of any age.Self-prep assistance for those with income below $84,000at Lifelong, 119 W Court St, Ithaca.

Tuition-based general and special education preschool services for children 2 1/2 - 5 yrs. Reasonable rates, nurse on site, playground, nutritious snacks and field trips. Universal Pre-K program for children residing in the Johnson City, Binghamton and Union-Endicott School Districts

Provides one-to-one role model mentoring (4-8 hrs per month), provides encouragement, guidance and support to child in need (boys and girls 5-16 yrs). Also group activities.

Offers variety of fun activities, crafts, physical activity, and community outings for individuals eligible for OMRDD.

Volunteers do variety of tasks from cleaning, cooking, and gardening to offering listening ear. Volunteers staff house during one or more shifts (9:00 am - Noon; Noon - 3:00 pm; 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm; 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm any day of week). Volunteers answer phones, help out with light cleaning such as load the dishwasher, show guest the house, and help guest get settled.

2025 Update- Appointments will begin early Feb 2025Ithaca College VITA available for individuals who are not US citizens or permanent residents. Phone number is 585-230-6663Free income tax preparation program for people with incomes under $65,000 and/or those qualifying the Earned Income Credit.Returns with foreign tax credits, adoption credits, non-resident aliens, household employment (Schedule H), business partnerships or S corporations are beyond the scope of VITAVITA Cortland operates at various locations in the county, including: Access to Independence, Saturdays and Sundays United Presbyterian Church, Fridays. Cortland YWCA, Cortland-Chenango Rural Services McGraw/Lamont Library Truxton Town Hall Tully Free Library www.cortlandfreetaxes.org for the most up to date information, including scheduling updates.

The Care Links Program provides volunteers to work with people 60+, providing transportation, friendly visiting, help with shopping, telephone assurance, Respite assistance, Handy Helping, Information/Referral, and an AlzheimerTs Support Group.

Operates a drop-in center for neighborhood youth and provides learning activities. Services include homework helps, computer instruction, arts and crafts, and physical activities.

Recruits, screens, trains and supports community members who are matched with identified at-risk youth for at least one year. Program participants make a significant commitment of time and energy to develop relationships devoted to personal, academic or career development, and social, athletic or artistic growth. Offers comprehensive services to the at-risk youth's family.

Offers maximum flexibility and choice to its volunteers as it matches the personal interests and skills of older Americans with volunteer opportunities to serve their communities. This program also offers exercise programs and a telephone reassurance program (Good Morning Broome and Good Afternoon Broome).