The Department of Correction Volunteer Services Unit operates under the umbrella of the Department’s Programs and Discharge Planning Division.  The unit relies on an array of volunteers to provide a variety of activities, programs, and services to the inmate population to promote the rehabilitation, personal growth, and character development of those incarcerated.

Community-based organizations, groups, and individuals work to help inmates begin new lives, reconnect with their families, and become productive members of society.

These community-based organizations, groups, and individuals share a commitment to promote activities that contribute to the reduction of recidivism.  Volunteers accomplish this by sharing their unique talents, skills, and knowledge, and by adapting to the challenges of a jail setting.  Currently volunteers provide religious, social, educational, recreational, and other services that enhance personal development and create links between those incarcerated and their communities.  The Department is open to other suggestions.

Services provided include but are not limited to:

• Alcoholics and Narcotics Anonymous Groups
• Alcohol/Drug Counseling
• Alternatives to Violence Training
• Culinary Program
• HIV/AIDS Education Counseling
• Horticultural Program
• Individual/Group Counseling
• Job Readiness
• Legal Services
• Library Assistance
• Life Skills Classes
• Literacy Assistance
• Parenting Classes
• Pastoral Counseling
• Self Development Classes
• Transitional Assistance
• Vocational Training

PERSONS INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING THEIR SERVICES:

• must complete the volunteer application (application can be downloaded from this Web site, or one can be mailed to you)
• must not be actively on parole or probation, and
• must successfully complete a background investigation

Applications may be obtained by forwarding a self-addressed stamped envelope to:

The New York City Department of Correction
Office of Volunteer Services
75-20 Astoria Blvd. Suite 110
East Elmhurst, NY 11370
(718)278-6430

Volunteer Application Form   (In Spanish) 

Persons interested in volunteering their services and/or in need of additional information should review the Volunteer Services Handbook. For additional information you may contact office of Volunteer Services at (718) 546-0453.

Volunteer Services Handbook