VOLUNTEER SERVICE BUREAU OF WESTCHESTER INC (dba Volunteer New York!)

Volunteer New York has been very helpful in helping us secure volunteers and Board members as well as educating myself and other Board members through Boot Camp. Thank you!
Susan Harris, President, Friends of Music Concerts, Inc.

We’re so grateful for the support of Volunteer New York with the reading celebration that we organize once a year at Spring Valley High School. The volunteers' assistance plays a significant role in making a memorable and impactful experience for everyone involved.
The volunteers promote the love of reading and take the time away from their busy schedule. This shows support for our school community.
Our students benefit greatly from having community members set such an impactful example.
Thank you for helping us promote literacy and education.

We are Meals-on-Wheels of New Rochelle. Volunteer New York refers volunteers to us, hundreds of them!
These men, women and high-schoolers are essential to our organization because they deliver all our meals,
7 days a week, all year long.
MOWNR is very grateful to Volunteer New York for the steady supply of wonder generous people that they refer for service to our Program. .

Volunteer New York is dependable, reliable and provide an invaluable resource of volunteers to the community and the Hudson Valley Region.

We have attracted quality volunteers through this organization. A lot depends on how you write the description of your project.

Volunteer NY has always come through with volunteer opportunities great for our whole family. We are fortunate to be able to promote service with our children thanks to the work of Volunteer NY!

Volunteer New York! uses a holistic approach when it comes to community. By engaging with all community stakeholders — individuals, nonprofits, businesses, and governments — Volunteer New York! offers a wide variety of programs, ensuring everyone can easily find the perfect opportunities to give back to their community. Their staff is always willing to help out, and they are very passionate about the work they do. It is definitely worth it to volunteer with them.

Volunteer New York! is an impactful organization to the Westchester community. Not only do they have powerful outreach to all groups in the community, but they are also such a personable, friendly team to work with. I'd recommend volunteering with them!

The Westchester-Putnam VITA Program thanks Volunteer New York for all of your many years of assistance with promoting and advertising our volunteer recruitment needs. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs offer free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals. The VITA/TCE sites are operated by IRS partners and staffed by volunteers who want to make a difference in their communities. The IRS-certified volunteers who provide tax counseling are often retired individuals associated with non-profit organizations that receive grants from the IRS. The Westchester-Putnam VITA Program has been in operation for 20 years and it is through the combined efforts of Volunteer New York and other dedicated partners in service to the community that we are able to recruit dedicated volunteers each year. Thank you, Volunteer New York!

I learned about Volunteer New York through a friend's recommendation and have been thoroughly impressed by their service. Their website is exceptionally user-friendly, providing comprehensive information that made my search for volunteer opportunities both easy and enjoyable.

Thanks to Volunteer New York, I joined the Clay Art Center's Facilities Committee and am now part of an exciting expansion project. This role has been incredibly fulfilling and would not have been possible without the well-organized and informative platform provided by Volunteer New York.

Their dedication to connecting individuals with meaningful volunteer roles in our community is commendable. I am grateful for the significant difference they have made in my journey as a volunteer and highly recommend their services to anyone looking to make a positive impact.

- Dennis K

I have been working with Jessica at VolunteerNewYork.org for couple of months now. It has been a pleasure working with her via emails and phone calls. She is 'super' knowledgeable about the events and is a joy to talk with over the phone.

Unfortunately, so far I have participated in only ONE event...It was a ton of fun working at the Pumpkin Picking at Muscoot Farm. One tiny kid, maybe 1-1/2 years old, fell in a mud puddle and cried at first, but then he kept throwing himself in puddles, face down, over and over again. His joy and laughter was amazing to watch :). His parents laughed too and just went with the flow. A muddy kid is worth the priceless memories. A hot bath and warm dinner to complete a great day at the farm.

I have another event booked and I have many others in my sights. Possibly many more activities to enjoy in my, not to far down the road, retirement. Imagine being a Thanksgiving Day parade Balloon Holder? (I'm not a fan of the cold weather but I'm considering it in New Rochelle). Or, working at a record store at the 138 year old historic Tarrytown Music Hall.

The opportunities are boundless that run a large gamut of different types of events and programs. From one-time events to regular, long lasting opportunities.

Thank you Volunteer New York!
Charlie Versaci

My family has benefitted so much from our relationship with Volunteer NY! My sons, who both have autism, have participated in a Leadership Class which was designed and is taught by Patti Columbo, who is the Manager of the RISE Program. They love the class! My sons have also had their first volunteering opportunity through Volunteer NY last month at the 9/11 Day of Remembrance at the Westchester County Center. In addition, Volunteer NY has provided the Non-Profit that I am the President of (The Mouth to Hand Parent Association) with volunteers to do presentations for our non-speaking autistic students. What a great organization!

Volunteer NY has expanded our volunteer ranks dramatically, and connected us with so many amazing community partners. We are so grateful for the connection!

Volunteer New York! is an incredible partner! Yonkers Partners in Education (YPIE) relies on a volunteer corps of 230+ dedicated individuals who work one on one with our high school students to assist in the college application process and to serve as long-term mentors. Volunteer New York! refers a steady stream of new volunteers to our organization year round. Additionally, Volunteer New York! provides resources and support to help manage our volunteers. And their annual benefit celebrating the Volunteer Spirit Awards is not to be missed!

I can't say enough wonderful things about Volunteer New York. Collaborating with staff like Jessica Friedlander - Senior Manager for community engagement- makes it such a pleasure. They have great resources when looking for specific volunteer requirements, and will assist in creating a concise posting for your not-for-profit program. I have been utilizing Volunteer New York's resources for almost 5 years, and they have continued to grow their community services within both Rockland and Westchester counties. A big thank you to all who make this organization great!

This organization is filled with people who are truly dedicated to creating valuable contributions to countless people and organizations in our area. They work with hundreds of nonprofits and thousands of volunteers to make a meaningful difference in the lives of so many. It's an extremely well-run organization that's definitely worth investing in as a donor or volunteer!

Volunteer New York helped the Hudson River Audubon Society find a newsletter editor, after the former one had moved to Florida. We were impressed by the attention we received from Volunteer New York, their excellent communication, their availability to help us with our needs.

Volunteer New York has helped us connect with committee members and board members that are advancing our mission. The team at Volunteer New York is always quick to provide guidance when needed. We are lucky to have this resource in Westchester!

An amazing organization that helps promote community stewardship throughout the region, especially in New Rochelle. Fellow New Rochelle resident Alex Acaro introduced me to the incredible work being led by Volunteer New York, which helps young professionals build great profiles to show job markets what they do during their free time.

Volunteer NY helped us at TEAC (Tarrytown Environmental Advisory Council) all Winter/Spring to find volunteers for our ongoing invasive vine removal project (TEAC Vine Squad), and we have had incredible results! We have gotten an average of 16 volunteers per work day, depending on the weather. Volunteers have come from far and wide and have been enthusiastic and ready to work. I highly recommend engaging Volunteer NY for your next community activity or volunteer opportunity!
Rachel Tieger
Co-Chair, Tarrytown Environmental Advisory Council

Volunteer New York was instrumental in making Life Progressive Services Group Inc. (LPS) - formerly known as Lockdown Progressive Services- MLK DAY of Service a huge success. With the help and support of Jessica Friedlander, Volunteer & Nonprofit Engagement Manager of Volunteer New York, LPS MLK DAY of Service attracted an overwhelming number of volunteers (18) - regularly, LPS maximum number of volunteers per occurrence is 10..

LPS is grateful for Volunteer New York's help and support in managing volunteers sign up and reporting attendance.

The Yai Team is so happy to be apart of the Rise program volunteer of New York. . The volunteer tasks we have learnt has been amazing. . Thank you the rise Program for all the opportunities to volunteer in the community.

Volunteer New York is an exceptional organization that allows us to have the resources to focus on our mission of assisting the families in our community who are affected by diaper need. From the RISE volunteers who transport our diapers to the volunteers for our packaging events that we are able to connect with through VNY's website, VNY plays an integral role in helping us to help others. We love being a part of VNY's service events and we are so incredibly grateful for all of the support we receive from VNY and from the community members it helps us to reach. Thank you VNY! We couldn't do it without you!

Volunteer New York has been instrumental in helping our small profit. Patti Columbo came in and assessed our needs and set us up with a team of volunteers who come weekly and help us get pasteurized donor milk to the babies who need it. Our volunteers do everything from knitting and crocheting baby blankets remotely for families in need to assembling shipping boxes and packets right here at The New York Milk Bank so we can donor milk to hospitals. We LOVE Volunteer New York and our volunteer staff!

I went to a 9/11 Day of Service organized by this great and honorable group of leaders, more than a decade ago, wanting to find a role in aging services....and now, fast forward, I've become the chair of a "small but mighty" nonprofit agency's board of directors, whose predecessor in that role I had met at that very event. I never expected that. And I'm learning every day. It has been life-changing, in all the best ways, and the experience has built lifelong relationships and friendships for me that I treasure. I stand in its debt.

I took V NY! ‘s Leadership Westchester class 2021-22. It has changed my life.

Today I dare to be vulnerable; dare to see others and myself; and dare to openly listen and discuss even if we disagree.

I have learned what brings me joy and meaning in my life.

Amazing organization that does so much good work in the community. Have been an active volunteer through Volunteer NY for ten years or more, working on projects with my family, my company, or other groups. They also helped place me on the board of another nonprofit organization.

Volunteer New York! has always been promptly responsive with helpful ideas for our choral group, Westchester Chorale. The volunteers they have connected us with have been top-rate. It's hard to imagine how we would have survived these last to covid-plagued years without them.

Volunteer New York is an amazing Organization that provides invaluable service to Westchester and beyond and deserves a Five Star + Rating.
The Bethany African Methodist Episcopal Church Feeding Program in Southwest Yonkers is grateful to be a beneficiary. As a partner Agency with Feeding Westchester, we operate a weekly Food Pantry with distribution every Monday, in the parking lot at the Nepperhan Community Center (342 Warburton Ave, Yonkers)
Through a mutual referral, we were able to get professional, expeditious and consistent assistance from an outstanding group of individuals. VNY helped us get the ball rolling with our 2022 Annual Back-to -School Drive.
We are excited and look forward to a continued beautiful working relationship! Kudos to you, Jessica and the members of such an Incredible Team!!
"Team Work Makes The Dream Work!" We are Honored to work with You!
~~From a small Church with a Big Heart for Mission Work, Thank You!
Remain Blessed to Be a Blessing! Sis. Vicki Nwokelo – Program Director

I have found 4 specific volunteer activities that closely matched my passions. Some were one time, others lasted months or years. When I had misunderstanding with exploring aspects of the Volunteer NY. The staff responded with a comprehensive note, took action, and ultimately the Volunteer position was closed rapidly.

I am incredibly appreciative of the variety of openings, the weekly tailored report for my interests, and the responsiveness of the overwhelming majority of contacts who posted etries

A great team of responsive, real people who really care about their work, and excel at matching nonprofit with interested volunteers. I have used this site as a volunteer myself, and as a volunteer manager - every interaction is a pleasure.

Jessica Friedlander is amazing. She did an incredible amount of work to help me find the right volunteer projects !
Thank you SO MUCH.

The Volunteer Service Bureau of Westchester is an amazing resource for collaboration. We reached out to them in order to work with volunteers on a very ambitious project. They were not only helpful in getting us signed up on the site, they guided us as we were creating the opportunity postings. They were kind and patient with us and gave us great advice on how we should word our postings in order to garner more attention. We will definitely be looking to collaborate more in the future!

Invaluable resource for the community.
Very professional staff. Easy to use Website. Lots of opportunities for all ages.

Volunteer NewYork is a wonderful platform to reach volunteers.
Jessica is very understanding, prompt and responsive with coordinating the efforts so we can focus on the cause.

I would wonder how am I going to find time to do all the daily tasks that need to be done in our nonprofit. After one conversation things became so clear! It was like a huge weight being lifted off of my shoulders. Thank you Volunteer New York!

Volunteer New York! has connected us with great volunteers. It’s easy to post new opportunities, and there is plenty of room to describe the roles we’re trying to fill. — David Kellogg, Chairman, SCORE Westchester

I run Scarsdale Meals on Wheels and we lost about 1/2 our volunteers when Covid hit ( from fear they would be exposed). Volunteer NY put our need on their website and we had an outpouring of interest - your website is amazing!! I now give your information out very often to anyone looking to volunteer. Thank you. - Robin Goldstein, Manager Scarsdale Meals on Wheels

Volunteer NY has been an invaluable asset for Westchester-Rockland Project Linus! Each and every member of the staff has always provided support and enthusiasm for our organization All of our events run under VNY's umbrella have been successful due to the hard work, dedication and organization provided in the planning and execution of the events. Jessica, Nicole and Katie - just to name a few of the team members - are always willing to listen and offer suggestions on how to make events better, how to reach out to new volunteers and how to form corporate partnerships.
Thank you Volunteer NY for all you!

I am the program director at the nonprofit Hearts & Homes for Refugees, in Westchester County NY. We share volunteer opportunities on Volunteer New York, and find that the website helps us connect to interested volunteers. In addition, the team at Volunteer New York is always very helpful when we have questions or need to make changes to our listings.

I am the Executive Director of a nonprofit that has just started actively recruiting volunteers.

Jessica Friedlander, the Volunteer & Nonprofit Engagement Manager, has been an invaluable resource to help us easily connect with volunteers.

I have been immensely impressed by the quality, humanity, and professionalism of the volunteers that have come to us via Volunteer New York.

Throughout NY State, volunteer fire departments and ambulance services are in crisis. These organizations, staffed by 100% volunteers, are facing greater call volumes, increased training requirements, and declining participation by residents due to a variety of professional and personal constraints. In less than one day, Jessica Friedlander helped the Briarcliff Manor Fire Department and Ambulance Corps craft our volunteer opportunity and get it posted on the Volunteer New York site. They also expedited our work to present our volunteer needs at an event in the Village library. The site is easy to navigate, includes many useful tracking features and includes a full-color .pdf of our informational brochure. Kudos to Jessica and the Volunteer New York Team for providing this valuable resource.

I want to thank Patti Colombo, Manager of the RISE Program at Volunteer NY, who worked with me and my Prevocational Skills group at the Arc of Westchester through this past summer and early autumn. Through her Zoom meetings, she not only provided detailed information about the vast network of volunteer organizations within Volunteer NY, but she also used her expertise and extensive experience to focus her discussions on the specific needs and interests of our individuals. We are all very grateful to Patti, the RISE Program, and Volunteer NY for the services that you provide to our individuals.

Ted Spooner
Senior Instructor, Project SEARCH
The Arc Westchester

Volunteer New York seems to have a good reach. There were many responses to our call for volunteers to help with a fall clean up, gathering leaves in the historic cemetery, in anticipation of our Veterans Day recognition. The website is a good, relatively easy to navigate portal to manage the volunteer opportunity, communicate if necessary, and report attendance.

David Osborn, site manager, St. Paul's Church N.H.S., Mt. Vernon, NY

Volunteer NY! connected me with some of the most impactful, consequential and enduring relationships in my life. Fulfilling volunteer opportunities with the work and programs offered by the American Red Cross, Putnam Service Dogs and Leadership Westchester. Personal relationships with the facilitator, David Severance, and my classmates in the Leadership Westchester Class of 2020. Volunteer NY! opened my mind and heart to connecting my personal mission with organizations where my time and talents can make an impact.

Volunteer New York and RSVP of Westchester have consistently gone above and beyond in their service to the community. Beyond connecting volunteers with opportunities to empower their community, the folks at Volunteer New York have dedicated themselves towards providing learning opportunities, professional development, and connectedness.

Volunteer NY is one of the factors I believe accounts for the success of the Westchester Library System’s TAS Connect and Read Better Program.

Volunteer NY enlists adults in Westchester who want to give support to those in their community looking to earn a high school equivalency diploma, improve their reading skills or learn to read.

The tutors from Vol NY are matched with an adult student and given training and instruction to work one on with them teaching reading or math skills. Most of the Vol NY volunteers have no educational training yet seem to quickly adapt to the learning style of their student using the resources of the program and following the guidelines of our program.

During the pandemic, our program moved from in person at the library to online. An adverse situation became an opportunity for many who now had the time to work towards the HSE diploma.

When I was in need of volunteers I put in a call to Jessica at Vol NY and she put our program front and center on an email and within days we had enough tutors to fill all our student’s needs. When a second round of tutors was needed, she again placed the ad and again many applied.

I rely on Volunteer NY and the people resource they offer as the main resource for tutors in our program.

Many thanks to you and kudos to all the volunteers from Vol NY.

Volunteer New York! is a top-notch organization, always there to serve the needs of non-profits organizations and volunteers alike.

I have utilized Volunteer NY many times for the folks I work with. It has offered us many opportunities to learn about giving back to our community and the connections to do so as well! Camp Vollo, a virtual summer camp based around volunteering locally, was just one of their awesome programs!

Volunteer New York! has been a wonderful partner to our organization, JCY-Westchester Community Partners, a Division of the Family Service Society of Yonkers, which runs mentorship programs throughout Westchester County. We have received many amazing volunteers who we matched with children to mentor one-one-one. Especially now, during the pandemic, Volunteer New York! has connected us to many wonderful volunteers who are mentoring children in our eTutoring program, and helping them through the challenges of remote learning. Thank you Volunteer New York!

I have been volunteering with VNY! for about 6 years now and cannot say enough good things about them. They made volunteering easy and fun, and helping along the way, whether it be simple tasks or assisting in being a project leader. I have participated in MLK and 9/11 days of service many times over now directly with them, AND I was real excited they were involved in my company's efforts to give back to the local community. Taking the lead on organizing large corporate volunteer events, it still had a personal feel and I HIGHLY recommend them to help with individual or corporate programs. LOVE LOVE LOVE VNY!

Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP-Rye) has found Volunteer New York's partnership invaluable. As a new organization, we have formed our entire core group of volunteers from the volunteers that have come via their services. We cannot thank you enough! Honestly, if only the world could replicate Volunteer New York, the world would be a different place!!!

Through VNY, our organization has been able to make great connections with groups and individuals that we may not have ever met before! Jessica Friendlander specifically has been SUPER helpful with helping with our page and making these connections. VNY is a fantastic platform to grow and diversify your volunteer team.

I have a unique perspective to rate Volunteer New York!: I'm a former board member and chair, and recently stepped down as its Executive Director. Unless you have lived in an area where there is no similar volunteer connector organization, you may not realize the good fortune we have in Westchester, Rockland and Putnam that Volunteer New York! is going strong into its 70th year. The Board, Staff and Office Volunteers work together as a dedicated nimble team. The last 6 months beautifully illustrate my point and the focus on the future is always bright. This is an organization that makes it easy for you to say yes, possible for your agency to stretch its capacity and is worth your support in every way. Join me now as a proud volunteer.

Jessica Friedlander really helped me get volunteers to my organization quickly. She's really helpful and very responsive. It's great to know Volunteer New York has such great person working for them.

Volunteer New York! is an incredible partner to Latino U College Access. They have helped our organization tremendously when it comes to fulfilling our volunteer needs - from getting our opportunities on their website and weekly newsletters to connecting us with hardworking and dedicated community members. The volunteers we gain from Volunteer New York! are reliable, passionate about our mission, and value making an impact in our communities. Volunteers are an essential part of fulfilling our mission and Volunteer New York! makes it so easy to connect with new and returning volunteers.

For H.A.W.T Muse, Volunteer New York has been an amazing support system. They are keen on helping the community and other local organizations achieve their goals. Everything from their supportive staff to the ample amount volunteer opportunities provided, are nothing short of AWESOME!!!!

Thank you VOLUNTEER NEW YORK!!!

- H.A.W.T Muse Inc.

I never heard back from anyone whether I could volunteer or not.

Volunteer New York and Jessica Friedlander have opened my eyes to the endless needs in our community. Thank you to this wonderful organization and to Jessica for coming and speaking to my students. Her Be the Change program is inspiring and allows me to broaden the volunteerism I already do with my students. Thank you Jessica and Volunteer New York.

Lisa Watson
Library Media Specialist
Student/Community Liaison
Alexander Hamilton High School
Elmsford, NY

When we were faced with high employee turnover, we reached out to Volunteer New York! to secure a pro bono consultant to conduct a survey of past employees to identify employee concerns. We secured a consultant who conducted that survey for us and issued a report with recommendations for what we could do to reduce turnover. Thank you Volunteer New York!

Gramatan Village has consistently had an outstanding experience as an official host station for RSVP of Westchester. RSVP Director Wendy Armstrong could not be more helpful or accommodating in collaborating with us to meet the needs of the vibrant, older adults we serve. The enthusiasm that Ms. Armstrong has for her work is truly inspiring, and we are delighted to have the opportunity to work with Volunteer New York! and RSVP of Westchester.

Volunteer NY! has been a wonderful resource for our young adults to find meaningful volunteer experiences. Lets all try to make this world a better place by searching their database and finding a not for profit that interests you! You will most certainly find meaningful opportunities and feel so good about helping others! Find your passion -search the VOLUNTEER NY! Website now!

Volunteer New York! is a phenomenal resource for finding meaningful volunteer and leadership development opportunities. They even hooked my nonprofit up with auditorium space for an upcoming event! Highly recommended.

For some time I have wanted to take a moment to thank all you, for all you do for the community.
I want you to know we found the speed dating event very helpful, we pursued 2 candidates . One, unfortunately accepted a board position at another nonprofit, but the other officially joined the WCA board in June. I look forward to next year as we are still searching for a treasurer.
Also, I really enjoyed the panel at Regeneron. It was a great opportunity to spread the work of WCA, but also hear and learn from colleagues.
Thanks again,
Allison

It is due to this agency that we are able to continue to do the work we do. They help us recruit volunteers, and are available whenever we have questions about using the database. They have even offered on-site visits to our locations when we really need some extra help. They are extremely passionate about what they do.

My first interaction with Volunteer New York was when my school district's superintendent suggested I reach out. He thought that they could help identify volunteer opportunities for the high school students. I worked with Katie who was fantastic. In the end, we were able to use their fantastic site to post the volunteer opportunities so that students could sign up to volunteer on MLK Jr. Day of Service. It was from that point that I was hooked!
I met with Jennifer M. to discuss the organization at greater length. I then took advantage of a few volunteer opportunities and felt great about giving back.
She encouraged me to apply for Leadership Westchester and I'm in this year's class. I have enjoyed the class immensely.
All the staff I have met at Volunteer New York - Alisa, Jennifer, Katie, Jeannette and Tony - are truly amazing - thoughtful, smart and dedicated.

I am a member of the Class of 2018 of Leadership Westchester -this professional leadership development program offered by Volunteer New York is one not to be missed for any person looking to take the next step in their leadership journey. It has been transformative. This is just a small piece of the phenomenal work done by Volunteer New York, an organization that is so impressive in connecting non-profits and volunteers. Every initiative in which I have participated has been highly organized, inspiring, and fulfilling. The work they are doing is unmatched anywhere else.

Volunteer New York! is simply an amazing organization, both for individuals who want to volunteer, and for organizations in need of volunteers. I have experience working with volunteers who have signed up through VNY! and it is a seamless process. It creates meaningful connections for engaged folks, and it helps needy local organizations. Having supervised both individuals and groups in volunteer opportunities, and seen the tremendous work of volunteers, I can attest to the benefits it reaps for all.

I run a small not for profit in Westchester County called Destination: College. Our organization first met with Volunteer New York! about four years ago and they have been incredibly helpful to us ever since. Volunteer New York ! introduced us to a pro bono legal services organization in their network of partners and thanks to that organization ‘s help, we now have a great set of bylaws and a volunteer handbook. Volunteer New York! has sent wonderful volunteers our way and we are most grateful for that support as well. Their Volunteer Spirit Award Breakfast which we have attended for the past few years brings together over 600 people in the County who seek to make life better for all those who live here. Volunteer New York! runs that event, like every event of theirs I have been to, like clock work. This year they added a networking event to the breakfast that was also most useful to our organization. We can’t say enough great things about Volunteer New York! , its mission, its impact and its people.

Volunteer NY! made our company's last minute holiday event a breeze. They simplified the process for us and helped us make a meaningful connection with our community. I highly reco using them!

Volunteer NY (VNY) has partnered with my firm for the past few years to organize volunteer events for our employees to work at The Children's Village (CV) in Dobbs Ferry. These events range from Holiday Celebrations to athletic competitions and artistic endeavors. VNY has been a wonderful partner in these events, helping to coordinate with CV as well as purchasing and organizing the supplies and activities. These events are as rewarding for the volunteers as the boys that participate and a great time is had by all.

Volunteer NY! has been a great partner to our company for many years. We received tremendous help on organizing community service events for tri-state area employees. They make volunteering easy and structured.

They have run several projects at our Audubon center over the years. They are always well organized and bring a groups of volunteers that really want to help. They have help us to accomplish many great things!

I've had such a wonderful experience with Volunteer NY! They carefully matched my experience and skills with wonderful agencies and an awesome project for a volunteer day that was sponsored by my employer. After the event, we kept in touch and the Volunteer NY! staff continued to open doors for me. They helped me take my volunteer role to the next level; they introduced me to another local agency where I was recently elected as a Board of Directors member. My leadership skills continue to grow and sharpen with these new opportunities and the best part is that I'm able to help others throughout all. I look forward to continuing to work with Volunteer NY! for a very long time!

Volunteer NY organized a fantastic experience for a group of our employees at the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester. We were able to maximize our time with the kids with activities that Volunteer NY organized for us ahead of time. It was a really impactful experience for our volunteers and we hope to do it again soon!

Volunteer NY! is staffed by some of the most dedicated and energetic people I have ever worked with. We at My Sisters' Place greatly appreciate our long term relationship with Volunteer NY! as they work tirelessly to help support our mission of assisting survivors of domestic violence. Whether they are working on volunteer projects or sending us capable volunteers we can always depend on the staff of Volunteer NY! to assist us in a caring and supportive manner.

Volunteer New York is a fabulous organization that has always been supportive of me professionally and personally. Recently I collaborated with Volunteer New York for a summer camp project for My Brother's Keeper in New Rochelle. I reached out to Volunteer New York as a resource and they gave me a referral to Camp Morty. The referral made a tremendous impact on the community of New Rochelle and Camp Morty. The camp's enrollment increased more than 50% from last year. Thank you Volunteer New York!

I recently interned for this amazing nonprofit and it was the best experience I've had interning so far. The dedication to the mission of VNY! that the staff showed was admirable. Being apart of that positive energy is something to definitely brag about. I was able to gain hands-on experience to the communications sector behind the nonprofit. From the moment my internship began to the 6 month mark, I felt a part of the team at VNY!. Thank you to all at VNY! for making my experience a great one!

Professional, friendly and diverse, Volunteer New York! is a wonderful organization and partner for the Westchester community. 5 stars!

Very organized group with a great work ethic. Always reliable partners and pleasant to work with.

I have been working with with Volunteer, New York! for 7 years. I have also been working with dozens of the not-for-profit organizations they help. Never have I heard a negative. Whenever the groups have reached out to Volunteer, New York!, the support to get, and keep volunteers was excellent, much appreciated.
For the last 5 years, I have participated in their Martin Luther King Day of Service. The 6 or 7 events at which I volunteered were well planned, well attended, and very worthwhile. The staff was always upbeat, helpful and accommodating.
Over the years, I have referred many organizations to them, and would not hesitate to do so going forward. It is one of the most professionally run organizations I have come across. And one of the most trusted.

Such a simple premise - matching eager volunteers with the non-profits who need their services - and yet so sorely needed. Many people say they'd love to help out more in their communities. Volunteer New York makes it exquisitely simple to do so. Whether you want to volunteer for a day (with your family, your colleagues, or solo), or establish a lasting relationship with a cause close to your heart (and in need of your skills), VNY helps make it happen.

I have worked with VolunteerNY for over a decade and they provide an easy and thorough connection to volunteer opportunities in three counties. Not only do they help individuals, they help other nonprofits in the area in get there volunteer opportunities publicized and connect them to each other. I would strongly recommend them to anyone looking to serve.

Patti Colombo, Manager of the RISE Program at Volunteer NY, reached out to us at the Arc of Westchester with a need of help for a 1-day volunteer project. Over the holidays, there were a massive donation of nearly 250 "sock bundles" (socks for the homeless wrapped around a water bottle) that needed to be delivered to The Sharing Community in Yonkers. We were more than happy to take this on.

The final result of this special project left me in awe. The volunteers were helpful and hands-on. What really left an impression on the volunteers, was having an understanding of how meaningful their hard work is. Patti took the time to explain to them the purpose of the tasks and how significant their work would be to others. This piece is very important as it instills motivation to complete the tasks and provides them with an improved well-being.

I'd like to quote the group leader working with the volunteers:
"It was perfect. They went into detail about the cause and the group was excited to help the less fortunate.”
The group leader also mentioned the volunteers were really interested in what they were doing and would like to do more.

This has been a wonderful experience for us! Thank you from the Choices Program at the Arc of Westchester!

What a great experience we had partnering with Volunteer New York on a Book Drive for our My Brother's Keeper New Rochelle initiative. Volunteer New York managed to have a moving company pick up books from many of the schools in our community, held a day-long drop-off of books for us at the local county center and then provided us with a dozen enthusiastic volunteers who helped us sort the thousands of books we received. With all the books that were donated, we were able to complete our Barbershop Reading program, set aside books for our 15 pop-up libraries and provide bags of books for 60 family daycare providers in our city. Thank you Volunteer New York!

Wonderful organization, they helped us meet our needs and a great experience for our employees. Julie was amazing

Great organization with great leadership for other non-profits, community groups, special causes and getting people to do the right thing. Very inspiring.

Volunteer NY! provides wonderful opportunities for doing good and amplifying the impact of your efforts by providing a platform to coordinate your activities with co-workers, family or members of your community and share the experience to inspire others. My first experience with VNY! was during the holidays, but they showed me that the spirit of generosity, giving and helping others is something that can be part of your life year-round.

Volunteer NY! is an incredible organization that promotes volunteerism in so many ways, First, their database of volunteer opportunities makes it so easy for potential volunteers to browse hundreds of listings to find the perfect volunteer job on their own. Second, they match corporate volunteer groups with non-profits who need help with specific projects, benefiting both the corporate employees with a meaningful volunteer experience, and the non-profit that gets its work done and meets a new group of supporters. Third, they actually create volunteer opportunities themselves with their Dr. Martin Luther King and September 11 Days of Service, lining up dozens of a great variety of volunteer projects to give people an opportunity to give back to the community to commemorate those occasions.

They also support non-profits in deeper ways. Their Leadership Westchester Program provides leadership training for people interested in taking their volunteerism to a higher level, and their new Board Speed Dating Event helps connect volunteers looking to become more deeply involved with a non-profit the opportunity to learn more about it.

Our organization, Furniture Sharehouse, has benefited greatly from our partnership with Volunteer NY! Many of our current warehouse volunteers came to us through the database listings. Our Executive Director is a graduate of the Leadership Westchester Program, and we have been the beneficiary of many of the Day of Service projects over the years.

Alisa Kesten and her incredible staff are committed to increasing volunteerism in a significant and meaningful way, benefiting Westchester's corporations, non-profits, those in need and those with time and talent to share to help them.

I attended Leadership Westchester and was more than blessed. My life was literally changed.

Yes She Can is a new nonprofit organization in Westchester County, NY. When I founded the organization I had very little experience in nonprofits. I was introduced to Volunteer NY and have benefited enormously from their guidance and support. Their volunteer database yielded wonderful volunteers for our organization. When Volunteer NY created their first "Board Speed Dating" event I jumped at the chance to participate. We were fortunate to meet many outstanding prospects and we now have one of the candidates on our board.

There's no other place in this county to get information about volunteer opportunities and good work being done here. The leadership Westchester program is a huge benefit to the whole county, because it's where leaders are made!

We attended a "Board Speed Dating" night, but were unsuccessful.

Wonderful experience, the staff is very warm and friendly. Volunteering never seemed so easy and fulfilling.

I worked with My Brother's Keeper sorting through books and setting up reading material for pop up libraries in my area. It was a cause that I greatly support and the other volunteers were truly invested as well.

This organization does an outstanding job of creating contribute meaningful experiences for volunteers by connecting them with a wide range of nonprofits.

I interned for about six weeks at the Volunteer New York! office and it was a very rewarding experience. The people working here are extremely kind and there is always so much to do. If anyone is looking for an internship I would highly recommend VNY! I was able to learn so much about how a non profit operates, and I had a lot fun doing it.

I had the privilege to intern at Volunteer New York! I immediately felt welcomed and valued into their vibrant and forward thinking culture. Volunteer New York! is particularly different in their approach to volunteerism as they have different departments that target particular social issues while making it easy for anyone to get involved in being part of the solution.

I was able to see and get involved in local corporate volunteer engagements and was happy to learn that public and private partnerships make a BIG difference in our communities.
If you are looking to get involved and influence social change in any capacity, Volunteer New York! is the place to go!

The most important skill I will take from my experience with VNY! is that spending your time doing something meaningful can really make a difference in someone’s life and in your personal life. Doing good truly makes you feel good. Volunteer New York has allowed me to completely implement all the social media skills I was taught to help effectively pass along the message of what volunteering means. I will use everything VNY! has taught me and transfer those skills into other jobs I may have one day. Social media can be overwhelming but it is a useful tool to have in today’s society and I have learned what an impact it can make for a company as well.

Volunteer New York! should be looked as a job recruiter but for volunteers. They are here to help YOU. Everyone goes above and beyond to help you find the best volunteer experience as well as take your qualities, talents and experiences into account. They assist you in every step along the way, all you have to do is say yes to volunteering!

We are so grateful to Volunteer New York's support and promotion of our Birthday Giving Program! Hundreds of children benefited from the generosity of our Westchester neighbors all linked up by Volunteer NY! Kudos to your staff and team!!

Pam Koner, Founder
Family-to-Family
www.family-to-family.org

I have been volunteering for a little of over a year through Volunteer New York! It has been so rewarding to be able to give back to my community and meeting new people along the way who share the same vision.

The Volunteer of New York! Staff is passionate about the work they do which I have experienced at each event that I have attended. Their staff greets everyone with a smile and their excitement is shines through. Their staff is friendly, well organized, and extremely helpful. They have made me feel as part of a team that shares the same goal – to give back and help others.

Volunteer NY is an exceptional non-profit organization that provides a n extremely important service to non-profits and members of our community. It is a well-run organization and they assist with not only volunteer recruitment but also a host of resources for volunteers and those interested in volunteering.

Speed dating to match potential Board Members with non-profits was an excellent event. It was well run, generated enthusiasm and a great crop of individuals interested in volunteering time and talent.

The Volunteer Service Bureau of Westchester hosts a yearly Leadership program. I am a graduate of this program, Leadership Westchester (LW). This program identifies and trains leaders to carry out or participate in various volunteer opportunities upon graduation. I developed a job skills program for women in prison. I then started volunteering at a local prison. This has been a life changing event for me. I know this is also the case for other graduates of LW. I cannot thank the volunteer Service Bureau enough for providing me and others with tools we can use in our communities as active and effective volunteers.
Through LW and other programs that they run, the Volunteer Service Bureau connects community needs to willing individuals in the community. Their work is essential to a thriving community where so many volunteers are needed.

"Volunteer New York" recently held a really innovative event... or at least, I had never heard of it being done before. They called it "Board Member Speed Dating." It was a very informative, also fun event at which representatives from local not-for-profits sat at tables around the room, while members of the community who felt they might be in a position to join the organization's volunteer team circulated from one table to another in 12-minute increments. It was really well thought-out. I enjoyed each of my 5 "dates"!! and wish there were more hours in the day so I could follow up with them all. A GREAT way to quickly determine who you might like to volunteer with. Very professionally run: business attire, advance copies of resumes requested from us, prep info folders provided to us, brief social hour followed for networking and business card exchange. Fantastic event! I will definitely watch for it next year and enthusiastically recommend it to my personal network.

I had such a great time volunteering for VNY! Everyone is so passionate about the work they do and it is a very supportive environment. I had lots of fun promoting special events and would recommend that everyone volunteers and helps support the causes they care about!

We contacted Volunteer NY in the hopes of finding a volunteer for administrative type assignments. In a short time, i.e. we were contacted by a lovely young woman supremely qualified for our position. She has the right insights in to the sensitive type of work we do (supporting family caregivers in a hospital setting) coupled with a fabulous computer background. I am sure she will take on greater responsibilities as her many talents surface. We are so appreciative and so pleased!!

As a volunteer for Live On NY/New York Organ Donor Network I look for inspiration everywhere and I find it here.Its great to see what the other non-profits and their volunteers are doing.Keep the message going out

I am a volunteer at the Westchester County Archives in Elmsford, NY I have been volunteering P/T for about 12 years. I have been helping the Archive digitize their various photo collections from the 1930's on... These historical images are made accessible by the archives on their website -http://archives.westchestergov.com/digital-collections
I estimate I have scanned around 14,000 images to date.
It is rewarding for me to know that these historical events will be preserved for posterity. The staff at the Archives are dedicated and caring and appreciative of all the volunteers. They hold an annual luncheon to recognize all the volunteers. It is an honor and a pleasure to be part of this team.

Jack Lee
Yorktown Hts. NY

There are few organizations that touch as many lives as Volunteer New York, The nature of their work touches on everything from career development to youth education and I am glad that we have such a great organization supporting the nonprofit sector in the Hudson Valley. I have been both a recipient of volunteers from Volunteer New York and I am happy to say that we have been a recipient of carefully placed volunteers whose interests and skills match our mission.

Most recently, we were able to connect with a young man who provided free DJ services for our Halloween Party. This was an opportunity for him to explore this career path and we were glad to not only have this skilled volunteer but to be a part of the beginning of his career. Thank you!

For almost twenty years I have been able to connect with so many volunteer opportunities through Volunteer New York. I remember a snowy day walking a picket line to preserve affordable housing or sending post cards to those who are serving in the military. I have had the privilege to serve on four boards of directors inWestchester County, but I am just as happy making blankets for needy children.

I am so excited to be part of this organization. My company has just signed up to volunteer on 9/11 days and the employees are buzzing about how great it is going to be. I am looking forward to an amazing year!

In 2013, I became involved with Volunteer New York! through Leadership Westchester, a 10 month leadership experience that gave me the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally. During the program, I learned the importance of taking the time for self-reflection, developing my mission and vision and it connected me with 20 wonderful people who have the desire to lead and volunteer. The journey continued when I had the opportunity to meet with Alisa Kesten (the best Executive Director ever!) and discuss my desire to become more involved with Volunteer New York! and the Leadership Westchester Alumni Association (LWAA). I was then connected with Allison (a fantastic staff member) and have been working with her on the LWAA ever since. As the chair of another board, Katie (another fantastic staff member) has helped organize countless volunteer opportunities for young professionals in Westchester too from 9/11 Day of Service to Skills-Based Volunteering. Volunteer New York! also helps corporations connect to volunteer opportunities - and just recently helped the organization I work for connect with Kaboom! and build a playground in our local community. With Volunteer New York! the opportunities are endless! I'm extremely excited to continue to work with this organization as a board member.

My first experience with Volunteer New York! was through their signature "Leadership Westchester" program in 2011. It was a game changer for me both personally and professionally. After completing the program, I knew I had to give back to the organization and I joined the board last year (2013). I have never met a more supportive and engaged board, alongside their team of professional and passionate staff. I am looking forward to a long relationship with Volunteer New York! to help spread the word about volunteerism and community engagement.

I attended an EARN networking meeting (Employee Assistance & Resource Network) where Katie Pfeifer of Volunteer New York! spoke about the value of doing volunteer work. I signed up to meet with one of their placement counselors. Within a week or so, I had selected an organization and met with its assistant executive director. We've just begun our working relationship, and we're already off to a great start! Their need is great, and my desire to help them with their challenges is genuine. I anticipate great results.

I needed to volunteer with very specific requirements. I had emailed quite a few places, but was not getting much help. I had given Elena Deforest a call, and was immediately assisted and helped with all of the things I needed. I was so confused and lost regarding how to go about and start this process. She had listened to everything I had to say, got me in contact with the right people, and she had put me in the hands of the perfect place to go. My experience was amazing, everyone i spoke with was super friendly, especially Elena, and I will definitely go through this organization if and when I do more volunteer work!

My dealings with the Volunteer Service Bureau of Westchester were quite enjoyable. They certainly have raised the bar. Throughout the process the lines of communication were constantly open. They took the time to get learn who I am and what I am looking to accomplish. In doing so, they were able to place me where I am most comfortable and able to leverage my skills to better my new organization. In my opinion, this is the first and last organization you will need to contact.

Volunteer New York is THE volunteer matching, training and advocacy organization in Westchester County and beyond. I have used VNY's website to find volunteers for my organization and to find volunteer opportunities for our members. I am also a proud graduate of Leadership Westchester, VNY's signature leadership development program, which gave me the tools to follow my passion in the service of my community.

I contacted the organization for recommendations on behalf of my teenager who was seeking a volunteer opportunity to fulfill her community service requirement. We were close to the deadline and Jeanette Gisbert provided wonderful resources in a very timely manner which were all fulfilled on time! We are so grateful for the kind assistance and I highly recommend the organization.

I attended a workshop on skills-based volunteering given by the Volunteer Center of United Way (Westchester). I had been unemployed for 18 months at the time and decided that since I wanted to look for a job in the non-profit sector, the best way to do that would be to gain some experience as a volunteer - my previous jobs were all in Corporate America. The workshop helped me to understand what kind of a volunteer that I would be - programmatic or operational and what types of opportunities were associated with each. I took the advice of Judy Douglas who recommended meeting with a Volunteer Specialist at the Volunteer Center. I had identified a couple of places that I was interested in on their web site and at the meeting the specialist called those organizations on my behalf. I interviewed with 2 and spent all of last summer volunteering for both of them. By the end of the summer, one had offered me a full-time job! I can't say that would have happened had I not connected with the Volunteer Center and their very determined staff.

Hello, I am Ann Frey the Director of Volunteers at the Wartburg, a senior facility located in Mt Vernon. I have posted many opportunities on the Volunteer Center website. Also, if I ever have any questions regarding my site Zachary Zwiert has always been so helpful and patient explaining how to best utilize the website. Every staff member associated with the Volunteer Center that I have met have been very helpful and great resources connecting me to groups that they think our organization will benefit from. Thank you to Alisa Kesten and your great staff for all you do.

In the initial stages of trying to find a board position that was a fit for what I valued, I was lucky enough to meet Alisa Kesten at a year end Holiday Party. She spoke with me at length regarding what I wanted to do and kept in touch with me for a few months. She included me in a Leadership Westchester event and ultimately introduced me the Executive Director of a not for profit that I was very interested in joining. I have since become a Board Member and am certain that I would not had it not been for Alisa's help.

I post my pressing volunteer opportunities from Westchester Jewish Community Services at the Volunteer Center's website. People can find out and be in touch with me about our current volunteer opportunities as well as see the location, qualifications, and time commitment all online.

The volunteer center has helped our not for profit
Greatly increase the numer of volunteers this year.
We have even had many corporations hold collection
Drives at their workplace as a result of the
Publicity we have received from The Volunteer center of the United way.

We also participated in this years serve and remember at the
kensico dam on 9/11. We made flash cards for an elementary schools use.
There were so many volunteers helping throughout the day.
It was truly and amazing event. The Staff at the Volunteer Center are ao passionate about their work.
We thank them for everything they do for all of us.
Teresa LPIF

I am currently a Leadership for Westchester graduate, the Volunteer Center has been a a great resource for me in getting involved with Non-profits in the community. I am currently a Board Member of a Non-profit organization in New Rochelle and the Volunteer Center helped me find a organization that I'm passionate about. They also introduced me to other people that helped me with the organization I am part of now. The Volunteer Center is a great resource for individuals and Non-profits.

Let's Get Ready helps low income students through the college admissions process. Every October we hold an annual "College Application Day" where adult volunteers work with students on their college applications. Just 3 days prior to the event we were connected to the Volunteer Center as a way to secure more volunteers. The Volunteer Center immediately sent out a blast to their volunteer list and 3 dedicated and energetic volunteers came to the event providing invaluable assistance to our students. The Volunteer Center is a wonderful way to secure talented and caring volunteers without having to go through a lengthy recruitment process.

I've had the pleasure of working with the Volunteer Center for many years. In my capacity as a Program Manager for 2 local non profits I have taken advantage of many of their services including using large numbers of volunteers recommended by them and participating in their Annual Recognition event. All of the staff is top notch!! Recently I found an outstanding volunteer opportunity through them. I mentored a High School student for College Application Day through Let's Get Ready. It was a fabulous experience and I was happy to give my time and expertise to make a difference in the life of a student. Thanks Alisa for posting this on Linkedin!

I had the opportunity to meet Alisa Kesten the Executive Director at the Volunteer Center at a networking event, and then through other meetings got to know her. When I expressed my interested in joining a local board that would match my skill set, she kept her eyes open, and passed information on to me on a regular basis. I have recently joined a board that seems like a good fit. The volunteer center worked hard to make matches that will work for all and I applaud them for that.

I always look to the Westchester Volunteer Center for the latest in volunteer programming. Their staff is expertly led by an amazing executive director, Alisa Kesten, who has a cadre of professional volunteer administrators, including two of my very favorite people in the industry, Judy Douglas and Jeanette Ginsbert. They lead the NYS Regional Volunteer Center network and have my highest respect and appreciation for all they do to advance the human condition and improve life circumstances of society as a whole through the impact and power of volunteerism! Diana O'Neill, Executive Director, Long Island Volunteer Center, an affiliate of HandsOn Network

My name is Ann-Marie Smith and I am from the Westchester/Hudson Valley chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I just wanted to personally let you know what a great employee you have in Zachary Swierat from The Volunteer Service Bureau of Westchester In. The second I signed up to make a profile on Volunteer-Center.org, I immediately received a welcome email from Zachary. I have sent him many emails asking for help and he has walked me through everything I needed to know and even helped me create my volunteer events. He was so helpful and very nice! I really felt like he was going above and beyond to help me figure out how to use the site. I hope he gets some kind of acknowledgement for his amazing customer service!

Warm regards,
Ann-Marie Smith

:: Ann-Marie Smith | Campaign Assistant, Team In Training
:: The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society | 1311 Mamaroneck Ave. Ste. 130, White Plains NY 10605
:: 914.821.8993 |F: 914.949.0391 | www.lls.org/wch | Ann-Marie.Smith@lls.org

As a client of the Volunteer Center of the United Way, the Faculty Student Association of Westchester Community College has had the opportunity to engage several volunteers in management consulting roles in the areas of marketing and communication, social media, competitive benchmarking and process improvement. It has been a very rewarding experience for the volunteers and our organization. We are extremely appreciative of their time, expertise and commitment.

I would also like to thank the Volunteer Center for the great work they do in our community and express special thanks to Alisa Kesten and Judy Kadish. We look forward to a long term partnership.

David Sklar
Executive Director
Faculty Student Association
Westchester Community College

On behalf of the Board of Directors of NAMI Westchester (National Alliance on Mental Illness), I would like to recognize and thank the Volunteer Center for their help with NAMI's county wide Mental Health Awareness Ribbon Campaign. Maxine, Amie, Zachary, Katie and Ira volunteered their time to brainstorm ideas, offer concrete suggestions, help to plan and prioritize the multitude of tasks implicit in running a first time campaign, and assist in outreach. Their follow up is immediate and thorough and their work is exemplary.

On behalf of the staff, parents and children of the Community YMCA Learning Center I want to thank the volunteers who showed up for the Day of Service coordinated by the Volunteer Center. This was an amazing group of hardworking, friendly people, well led by Zack, from the Volunteer Center.

This amazing group painted our entire learning center in just a few hours, cleaned up after them selves and were just the nicest group of people to be around.

Thank you to everyone involved!!

On behalf of our library and its patrons, I want like to thank the Volunteer Center of United Way for its recent volunteer effort at our Main and Huguenot Children's Library. Both projects (the search for "lost" books at Main and the painting of a variety of spaces at the Huguenot Children's Library) were successful and completely met our goals. The volunteers, our project coordinator, as well as other Volunteer Center staff were pleasant, hardworking and professional - a pleasure to work with in all respects. We certainly plan to continue this enriching partnership in future years.

Zachary Swierat and his colleagues at the Volunteer Service Bureau of Westchester are wonderful colleagues and have helped us facilitate many meaningful programs and connected volunteers to agencies. We celebrate the role the play in serving, helping and impacting the broader community and wish them continued success.

The Volunteer Service Bureau of Westchester, Inc. is a valuable resource for the county's nonprofits on so many levels. Connecting nonprofits and volunteers, strengthening leadership skills, and creating greater awareness of our county's needs - are its hallmarks. In 2005 I participated in Leadership Westchester - it is one of the best professional development programs I have ever been involved with - it not only positively impacted my career - it was life changing. Today as a nonprofit executive, I often recommend the Volunteer Center to my colleagues and constituents.

As a past staff member, and now a Board member, I can say that this is an organization worth people's attention. We play a very special role- we connect, manage, and serve volunteers and hundreds of not for profits. The breadth and depth of the role we play in Volunteerism in Westchester County is truly amazing!

I recently had The Volunteer Service Bureau help my company organize a service project for 12 of my team members. They worked with us on picking a project, training us once there and following up to make sure we all had the experiece we were looking for.

I may be unique in that I have been a volunteer for the Volunteer Center, I have participated in their Leadership Westchester curriculum, I have worked for them, and I am now a Board Member. I have seen the Volunteer Center from these many and varied perspectives, and can say from personal experience that I saw many benefits from each. In fact, I still regularly discuss their fabulous services in my community with volunteers and agencies both. If it weren't for The Volunteer Center, it would be tremendously difficult to connect people who want to serve with agencies that desperately need the helpl.

The Volunteer Center has been an invaluable resource for us at County Harvest. They have provided our food rescue organization with countless volunteers who have picked up and delivered thousands of pounds of excess food for soup kitchens, food pantries and homeless shelters in our area. Their staff are professional, courteous and extremely helpful. We are extremely grateful for their help and support.

I have been on both ends of work with the Volunteer Center of the United Way and couldn't be happier or more excited with all of my experiences. Professional and courteous, they have been more than helpful when I have needed some volunteers for the various projects and committees I chair, such as the Southern Westchester Energy Action Consortium and the Eastchester Environmental Committee. I really like how they have automated the process to either sign up as a volunteer or as an organization that needs personnel and assistance. They are hands on and I have gotten to know several of the organization's personnel, from the Director on down. I can't recommend them enough, again for both sides of the ball.

I had a great experience volunteering with the Volunteer Center on MLK Day this past year! They were extremely organized; from the moment that I signed up for the event, to following up with me after I had completed the project! I volunteered with a few coworkers and made a few new acquaintances on the day of the project as well. We were able to accomplish a lot during our day of service and we were able to leave the project feeling like it was a job well done. I would definitely volunteer through the center again and plan to do so more in 2013. Thanks for a great experience!

I have worked on several outreach projects with the Volunteer Center and I always feel energized when the project is over. They provide a wonderful service.

The Volunteer Center has been an invaluable resource to me as Recruiting Manager for JCY-Westchester Community Partners. We have an ongoing need for volunteers who can make a commitment of at least 1 hour, once a week (currently we're actively seeking 100 new volunteer mentors!) and the staff and management (Alisa, Rosie, Jeannette, Katie, Nathalie, and everyone else) of The Volunteer Center are very sensitive to and aware of our particular needs. Their counselors frequently refer people who are in their office directly to us so that I can conduct an interview and get the process going immediately. In addition Zach and the "tech" staff help us with our web postings which have been very successful. Their outreach programs get the message to so many people and save me many hours of research and "leg work". They allow me to concentrate on following up with people who have shown interest and getting them started in the program that suits them best. We simply could not accomplish our recruitment goals without the help of The Volunteer Center.

The Volunteer Center has been a terrific resource for us at Leake & Watts. They have provided our social service organization with both skilled-based volunteers and corporate volunteers for days of service. One skills-based volunteer with expertise in branding and advertising has become an invaluable ad hoc consultant. As we look to re-brand ourselves, he has helped us figure out what to focus on, what is most important as we choose to allocate resources for this initiative, and has educated our Board of Directors on the process of re-branding an organization. We also love the corporate volunteers that we have been linked with for special projects, and our Manager of Volunteer Services continually utilizes the resources of the Volunteer Center to augment our program. In all, the Volunteer Center is a great asset to the community!

I just would like to take this opportunity to the group of The Volunteer Center volunteers for coming to the Veteran's Administration Hudson Valley Health Care System on September 11th. , 2012 and working with the veterans in Compensated Work Therapy vocational programs on improving their resumes and interviewing skills. It was a real advantage to have such an experienced group of professional executives to assist the veterans in their vocational rehabilitation and employment goals. Providing veterans with input on presentation and resume composition was invaluable for all those who participated in the Job Readiness Workshop. Participants reported receivieng very positive feedback that will definitively help them in future interviews. I hope that we can work together in the future, further assisting these veterans with their unique circumstances and requirements. Your organizational commitment and individual dedication was greatly appreciated. Marek Bienkowski, CWT Program Manager/HVHCS

The Volunteer Center of Westchester connected us with a volunteer to help us update our website on an ongoing basis. The volunteer has an expertise in website design and management- just what we needed! Our website is critical to ensuring that the public knows about our services. Therefore, this volunteer's skills are essential to raise awareness of what we offer.

Simply put, this organization is tremendous. As a new Executive Director with an extremely lean staff and extremely limited funding as well as a huge number of organizational issues to address, I urgently needed professional, skilled assistance and found it through The Volunteer Service Bureau. The individuals that were sourced for me (Judy Kaedis is deserving of award for her work at the organization) are not only of exceptional quality in their respective fields of expertise, they are warm, friendly and giving individuals. From strategic planning to executive coaching to board building to budget/finance to marketing, The Volunteer Service Bureau manages to connect with them all! Additionally, the turnaround time in sourcing a volunteer request is rapid. I have attached myself to their hip and would likely have not survived these first months without them! They have both my utmost respect and my gratitude. Thank you all!

We are a non profit who went to the Volunteer Center to seek assistance for a long term project -- and were pleasantly surprised when a member of RSVP signed up, and brought her sister and bro in law to help! They did a total of 192 hours on our project and completed it in record time. This was for a project that staff just didn't have the time to do -- and yet we got it done with the volunteer help from the Volunteer Service Bureau of Westchester (or the Volunteer Center of Westchester as we know it). THANK YOU!

Just wanted to say thank you for a wonderful day filled with great insights and fun networking (and reconnecting with alum). The day was jam packed with tips and techniques and I will apply much!
I also wanted to share with you that I left my headlights and immediately got help from your staff. I can't tell you enough how this solidified my learning in the area of collaboration!!!!

I want to extend my special thanks to you and the staff at the Volunteer Center for all the work that you do every day for all and for the leaderships in this incredible county!!!!

The Volunteer Center of United Way supports the volunteer program of Family Services of Westchester referring perspective volunteers, linking the agency to corporations for days of services and providing volunteers for special intiatives such as Martin Luther King Day of Service. The staff is thoughtful, careful and thorough in their planning, making sure the volunteer is appropriate for the project and that the resources needed are in place for a well-run program. The Volunteer Center is an essential resource for all things 'volunteer' in Westchester County. We salute their good work everyday!

I want to thank you for all the support that you gave me and Richmond Community Services during 2011. Recreating a volunteer program and starting an outreach program has been a challenge, but with The Volunteer Center's support, we have ended the year with successful 2011 events. People who have significant intellectual and developmental disabilities at Richmond Community Services have experienced exciting and new opportunities with the help of volunteers, including Mary Kay glamour shots, pumpkin carving, rock concerts. The end of the year data has reached numbers that I hadn’t even dreamed of!

Thanks to The Volunteer Center’s invaluable assistance, Richmond Community Services’ Volunteer/Outreach program ended 2011 with 3016 hours completed by 429 volunteers!!!

Thanks again!

I look forward to continuing our relationship during 2012.