Volunteer Opportunities

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 successfully complete a background investigation
• must not be actively on parole or probation, and must not have had a criminal record within the last 3 years

Persons interested in volunteering their services and/or in need of additional information should contact office of Volunteer Services at 718-546-0453.

For volunteers wishing to renew their Volunteer Card, please complete the Volunteer Application Form