Ten ways to volunteer in Northwest Philadelphia

Sometimes, it’s the little things that make us happy. Like the satisfaction of making someone’s day with a kind comment, or lending a helping hand for a great cause.  If you are looking for an opportunity to extend a helping hand this summer, it’s not too late. Check out the list below of ten Northwest Philadelphia volunteer opportunities, and help make a difference in your community.

 

1. The Asia Adams Save Our Children Foundation

Ever think about the importance of mentorship in a child’s life? The Asia Adams Save Our Children Foundation is a great way for youth and adults to guide the children of Philadelphia to be positive leaders in their communities. The organization is seeking youth between the ages 12-24 to participate in a series of educational workshops on teen dating violence.

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Asia Adams was a college student who was killed in 2004, a victim of dating violence. Adams’ mother created the Asia Adams Save Our Children Foundation to help protect other young women and men from dating violence. The organization also provides several ways that parents/guardians can be proactive in making their children aware of teen dating violence.

Contact Shelah Harper at 215 438 1840 or email AsiaAdams21@yahoo.com, The Asia Adams Foundation is located at 5450 Wissahickon Ave. Accessible to the SEPTA routes HXH and Regional Rail Chestnut Hill West.

Website: http://www.AsiaAdamsFoundation.com

 

2. Journey’s Way – resources and programs for people 55+

Journey’s Way helps remind us of the wisdom given to us by our elderly. Journey’s Way provides housing, counseling and programs for people over the age of 55.  Journey’s Way volunteers provide a wide array of activities and services for the community’s elders. Positions are tailored to your skills, interests and schedule. Some examples are:

coordinating health, cultural, educational and recreational programs and special events at the center
fundraising
teaching classes like: nutrition, cooking, health, art, pottery, data entry
friendly calls and visits to seniors, and much more.
Volunteers must be 16 years or older.

For more information please contact Rkochman@intercommunityaction.org.  Journey’s Way is located at 403 Rector St., Philadelphia PA 19128. Accessible to SEPTA routes 9,27,32

Website: http://www.Journeys-way.org

  

3. Wissahickon Restoration Volunteers (WRV)

There is so much to learn and do to safeguard the world for future generations. Wissahickon Restoration Volunteers helps us remember the value and importance of the environment in that process, and what we can do to keep it flourishing.  Every 1st Saturday or 3rd Sunday of the month there are on-going restoration activities through WRV. Founded in 1997 WRV, actively protects and improves the natural environment within the nearly 2,000-acre Fairmount Park system. Volunteers are always welcome. Must be 16 and older, volunteers under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

For more information on how to volunteer please contact, Susannah Beckett at wrv.info@rhd.org

Wissahickon Restoration Volunteers is located at 3271 Midvale Ave. Accessible to SEPTA route K and Regional Rail Manayunk/Norristown line.

Website: www.wissahickonrestorationvolunteers.org

 

4. Giving Of Self Partnership

Can you imagine what life would be like without having access to food? If you can’t, volunteer at Giving of Self Partnership to make sure others have access to food too.  At Giving of Self Partnership, volunteers assist in the daily operation of the organization’s food bank, which serves many neighborhood families. The partnership is looking for caring and outgoing individuals who are able to lift up to 25 pounds and are eager to serve the community.

Please contact Ms. Browne at 215-927-6100 for more information. Ages of Volunteers; Must be 17 and older. Giving Of Self Partnership is located at 6101 Limekiln Pike. Accessible to SEPTA routes: 6,18, 26, H and XH

Website: http://www.givingofself.org

 

5. Chestnut Hill Hospital

Hospitals help in our moments of deepest need. But even they need help from time to time.  At Chestnut Hill Hospital, adults and teens are wanted to join a group of caring and generous individuals who want to make a positive difference in the community. The volunteer positions include working within the Information Unit, Volunteer Peirce Room, Mail Room Volunteer, Office Volunteer, Marketing Volunteer, Volunteer Office and Friendly Visitor Cart –Beverage Cart Host/Hostess. As a volunteer in a hospital you will have the opportunity to improve someone’s experience at a moment of need in their lives by helping to make their visit a more comfortable and pleasurable one.

Please contact Sara Scoles at 215-248-8274 or Sara_Scoles@chs.net for more information. Must be 16 and older. Chestnut Hill Hospital is located at 8835 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19118. Accessible to SEPTA route 23 and Regional Rail Chestnut Hill East and West.

Website: http://www.chhealthsystem.com

 

6.  Chestnut Hill Community Association

Volunteering at the Chestnut Hill Community Association is a great way for people to participate in several efforts that help keep their community thriving. Volunteer positions are open to students, professionals and anyone else looking to make a difference in Chestnut Hill. Opportunities to participate with the Chestnut Hill Community Association include joining clean-up groups, town watch, participating in local events, offering legal advice, making phone calls, joining a CHCA committee and much more.

Please email info@chestnuthill.org or call 215-248-8810 or 215-248-8811 to start getting involved. Chestnut Hill Community Association is located at 8434 Germantown Ave. Accessible to SEPTA route 23 and Regional Rail Chestnut Hill East and West.

Website: http://www.chesnuthill.org 

 

7. The Wyck Association

Do you love gardening and locally grown foods? The Wyck Association tells the story of Wyck, the quietly elegant home, historic gardens, and collections of a Philadelphia family over three hundred years. Volunteers at the Wyck house may choose several areas of work:

Ornamental Garden volunteers focus on the conservation and propagation of historic plants.
Horticulture volunteers help by weeding, mulching, and watering the roses as well as the other ornamental plants in the garden.
Greenhouse volunteers help with pruning, propagating and greenhouse care.
Home Farm volunteers focus on organic vegetable production for a weekly on-site farmers market, planting, weeding, pest management and harvesting.
Volunteers can also help with the weekly farmer’s market, which runs on Fridays.
Volunteers at the Wyck House help by giving tours on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Training is provided and the only requirements are to have an interest in American History, especially the history of early Philadelphia and Germantown, and a desire to share your knowledge.

Please contact to the Wyck association for specific details of each category at 215-848-1690 or wyck@wyck.org The Wyck Association is located at 6026 Germantown Ave. Accessible to the SEPTA route 23.

Website: http://www.wyck.org

  

8. G-Town Radio 

Do you want others to hear your message? Have you ever been interested in hosting or producing a program on the radio or even curating playlists as a DJ? Interested in gaining experience in media research and reporting on the local news and events level? G-Town Radio is always looking for volunteers like this. Learn the ins and outs of internet and radio programing. No experience required; but it is a plus.

Please contact info@gtownradio.com for more information. Located at 5105 Pulaski Ave. Accessible to

SEPTA routes HXH, 53, 23 and Regional Rail Chestnut Hill West.

Website: http://www.gtownradio.com

  

9. The Germantown Y

Managing our health should be a top priority for all of us, but it doesn’t always work out that way.  The Germantown Y offers various health related programs and activities for the Germantown community. The gym has reopened its doors and regained its membership. The Germantown Y could use your help in programming activities, assistance with childcare and maintenance work on its historic building. Volunteers ages 16 and up are encouraged to apply.

Please contact info@germantowny.org for more information. The Germantown Y is located at 5722 Greene Street. Accessible to SEPTA routes J,K,23,26,HXH and 65.

Website: http://www.germantowny.org

 

10. Greater Philadelphia Cares

Didn’t find what you are interested in? Have no fear. If you are looking for other opportunities inside and outside of  Northwest Philadelphia, Greater Philadelphia Cares is a great resource guide in finding places that need volunteers. Greater Philadelphia Cares supports the creation of vibrant communities by motivating people to volunteer their time, talents, and resources. The group’s aims to, “provide a clear path to service for all, enhancing the impact of non-profit agencies throughout the Greater Philadelphia region.” Check out the Greater Philadelphia Cares website to view a monthly calendar of events for volunteer opportunities throughout the city. All opportunities vary in age and purpose.

Website: visit www.philacares.com

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