Become a Volunteer

 


MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN OUR COMMUNITY

The YMCA is a cause-driven, volunteer-led organization. Our volunteers are shining examples of social responsibility and advocates for a better tomorrow who selflessly gift their time and talents help advance the Y’s cause and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. We are grateful to our volunteers of all ages who help the Summit Area YMCA achieve its mission to nurture and develop the potential of every child, promote healthy living and well-being, and assist neighbors in need. Our volunteers not only help strengthen our community, but strengthen themselves through meaningful experiences and purposeful impact. 

Do you want to gift your time and volunteer for the Summit Area YMCA? Volunteers are needed year-round for all types of opportunities, including fun ones like playing gym games with teens, painting nails and baking treats for Senior Manicure Saturdays. Keep reading!


VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Through the robust offerings of our Ys, there are many opportunities for you to volunteer. Provide leadership and support to programs and services like coaching youth sports, mentoring middle or high school students, and assisting with child care programs. Pickup or deliver food from the community food bank and to local schools and families. Organize a clothing drive, clean up the community garden. Work with a team to raise funds during our annual campaign to ensure that Y membership and programs are open to everyone regardless of their economic circumstances. Plan, promote and participate in events and activities that help to strengthen the community, like triathlons, senior day trips, cultural events and holiday celebrations. Utilize your organization skills and training ability to support special interest groups, such as ESL lessons, bridge lessons, art specialties, or reading to children. Be a mentor to our youth and visit our Achievers college prep program to share your career and/or college experience or coach basketball, soccer or tennis. Support the Y with your time and specialized knowledge to provide services such as legal, investment or facilities advice when requested. Provide leadership as a policy volunteer at the branch or Association level as a Board or Committee member. 

    

FAMILY PACKS PROGRAM

Volunteers are needed every Thursday morning (10:00-11:30 AM) to pick up food from the Community FoodBank of NJ in Hillside and deliver to designated Summit Schools.

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FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM

Volunteers are needed 3x per month to organize groceries (8:30 AM) at the Summit YMCA and/or deliver them (10:00 AM) locally to families in Summit, Berkeley Heights, New Providence, or Springfield whom may have no means of transportation, are at home with an infant or sick child, or are elderly.

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FRIDAY'S IN MOTION

A monthly social event for youth and teens with special needs, abilities and their families. Volunteers guide the participants through 1-hour of swim or recreation where children enjoy a variety of activities in the gym and in the pool that promote health, wellness, creative enrichment, socialization and community.

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SENIOR MANICURE SATURDAYS

Volunteers will provide hand massages and light manicures to residents of the Summit Vito Gallo Senior Center to help brighten their day. Additional opportunities for these events include making home baked treats for senior center participants.

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SPECIAL EVENTS

Volunteers are needed occasionally throughout the year for special events like the Special Needs Prom, Lunar New Year, Holi, Diwali, Mini-Triathlon, Healthy Kids Day and more. Check back here for more opportunities throughout the year or contact us for what's upcoming.

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VOLUNTEER SPORTS COACH

A volunteer coach for youth basketball or soccer would be considered a program volunteer. Program volunteers are required to complete our Program Volunteer Application and online training, submit references and pass a criminal background check. Once your application is received, it will be reviewed by our Volunteer Coordinator who will contact you within 3 business days to discuss your interests and next steps towards becoming a volunteer, which may include an interview.

PROGRAM VOLUNTEER APPLICATION


OTHER OPPORTUNITIES

Want to support the Y with your time and specialized knowledge? Contact us to discuss more.

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HOW TO BECOME A VOLUNTEER

A Volunteer Application must be completed prior to sign up.

Program volunteers for ongoing programs like coaching youth sports are required to complete our Program Volunteer Application and online training, submit references and pass a criminal background check. Once your application is received, it will be reviewed by our Volunteer Coordinator who will contact you within 3 business days to discuss your interests and next steps towards becoming a volunteer, which may include an interview.

PROGRAM VOLUNTEER APPLICATION


Special event volunteers are defined as volunteers for reoccurring opportunities like playing gym games with teens, painting nails and baking treats for Senior Manicure Saturdays listed above as well as special events like Diwali, Lunar New Year, Holi, Pride or Special Needs Prom. Special event volunteers are required to complete the Special Event Volunteer Application before participating in any volunteer activity. 

EVENT VOLUNTEER APPLICATION

 


VOLUNTEER QUESTIONS?

Fill out the form below to contact us today!