Volunteer Services
New York City Programs
Helping Adults with Developmental Disabilities
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Senior Companion Volunteer Program -Open to senior citizens with a limited income and a desire to help people. Volunteers provide community inclusion activities for adults with developmental disabilities. Volunteers work a minimum of 15 hours per week and receive a small stipend for food, travel and expenses. The program is sponsored by N.Y. State Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities.
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Best Buddies - An international initiative founded by Anthony K. Shriver almost 20 years ago, this program connects college students and FEGS consumers who have developmental disabilities. Volunteers are in contact with their assigned Buddy at least once a week and meet with them twice a month. Requires a one-year commitment by volunteers.
Prepare for the World of Work
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I-PREP (Interview Practice and Review for Emerging Professionals) - works with MBA students from a number of colleges and universities. More than a thousand college volunteers meet with hundreds of FEGS clients to help them hone their interview skills and develop their resumes. FEGS has developed programs with Columbia University, Fordham Law School, Goldman Sachs, and Bank Leumi. In partnership with JEVS Human Services in Philadelphia, FEGS offers I-PREP services through the Wharton School of Business.
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Suited for Work - Operated by volunteers, this program gives FEGS consumers who are entering the workforce access to brand new professional business clothing and accessories to help them feel more confident in their new jobs. The program solicits, welcomes, and depends upon donations of merchandise from generous manufacturers, and also works with the Aveda Institute to provide consumers with haircuts and personal grooming tips to enhance their self-esteem and job preparedness.