The generosity and dedication of a volunteer can make lasting, positive effects in the lives of those we serve at Catholic Charities. Recognizing such, we respect and appreciate the gifts and talents of all of our volunteers. Every day we rely on their valuable efforts!
Looking to get involved? Browse our list of volunteer opportunities below.
Volunteer
Get InvolvedVolunteer
Receptionist: Volunteer receptionists assist with general office support through a variety of activities and related tasks. Volunteer receptionists answering incoming calls, direct calls to appropriate staff, as well as other clerical duties. Full-time and part-time positions are available.
Appeal
A variety of opportunities to help with the annual Appeal, which supports Catholic Charities, are open:
Parish Appeal Team Member: Acts as a communication link between your parish and Catholic Charities, and is a knowledgeable resource of Catholic Charities’ services to parishioners and peers. In effect, the parish team member is the “operations manager” for Parish collections and returns for the annual Appeal.
Appeal Speaker: Connects with and educates parishioners about the Appeal and Catholic Charities’ programs and services. Appeal speakers volunteer time to speak at Masses during one or more weekends at a parish in their community.
Corporate Committee Member: Networks and collaborates with other local business leaders to connect, educate and solicit businesses in Western New York. The role includes fundraising and educating the community about Catholic Charities’ services.
Community Committee Member: Connects with, educates and solicits groups comprised of the Community Committee, including Campus Ministries, Catholic elementary and high schools, Parish Youth Organizations and Religious Education. Volunteers gain fundraising experience and service hours, make connections, and most importantly, give back to our community.
Food Pantry
Pantry Volunteer: Volunteers are needed for the South Buffalo, Lovejoy and Kenmore pantries. Volunteers must be fully vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine.
Immigration & Refugee Assistance Program
Employment Volunteer: Helps update refugee employer database. This position involves calling employers to confirm updated information. Volunteers are needed approximately 20 hours per week.
English Language Learners (ELL): Provides English language tutoring and conversation practice for newly arrived refugees, as well as helps clients read through paperwork or instructional materials. This is a remote opportunity through WhatsApp or other secure video chat applications. Volunteers are needed approximately 6 to 10 hours per week.
Drivers: Transports newly arrived refugees to the grocery store, pharmacy and appointments. A clean NYS driver’s license and compliance with traffic laws ae required. Volunteers are needed approximately 2 to 6 hours per week.
Transportation Guide: Meets with newly arrived refugees to help them learn how to use public transportation, including how to read bus schedules, route maps, and buy and use bus tickets. Experience with using Buffalo public transit is preferred. Volunteers are needed approximately 2 to 6 hours per week.
Donations: Assists the donations coordinator and case managers with setting up refugee apartments before their arrival, and helps with donation pickups from the community. Volunteers must be able to comfortably help lift/move furniture.
Preferred Communities Mentor: Helps newly arrived refugees acclimate to their new home in Buffalo. The Preferred Communities program provides specialized assistance to especially vulnerable refugee groups, including those refugees who have medical and/or mental health challenges. Once matched with a client, mentor and client meet weekly for activities (day trips, library, help setting up their home). Mentors must be willing to travel for activities, submit a background check, and maintain a professional relationship with the client. Mentors are expected to spend a minimum of two hours a week with their client, and are asked to commit to three months of support with their client.
For more information on any of the above volunteer positions or to request a volunteer application, please call (716) 218-1450, ext. 2006.
In-Kind Donations
Catholic Charities is grateful to be able to accept a variety of in-kind donations for our Immigration & Refugee Assistance Program (IRAP), our nine food pantries, and for various programs offered through the Ladies of Charity of the Diocese of Buffalo, a volunteer organization affiliated with Catholic Charities. Click here to view a full list of in-kind donations that are needed and appreciated.
Internships
At Catholic Charities, we respect and appreciate the gifts and talents of all of our interns. We provide a wealth of opportunities in the Human Services field for those looking to get involved or engage in credit-based internships to enhance clinical and professional development.
Here is a listing of current internships available for college credit:
- Information Technology – Inventory Management
- Human Resources – Statistical reporting
- Accounting/Finance – Report writing
- Clerical/Administrative – Records Management
- Public Relations and Communications
To express interest in an internship with Catholic Charities, please email info@ccwny.org with the subject “Internship.”
