Get Involved

Volunteer

Across the United States, more than 500,000 business leaders, community advocates, parents, teens and individuals who want to give back and support their neighbors volunteer at the Y. That’s because in 10,000 neighborhoods nationwide we have the presence and partnerships to not just promise, but deliver positive, personal and social change.

With a focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, Y volunteers give men, women and children of all ages and from all walks of life the resources and support they need to be healthy, confident, connected and secure.

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VOLUNTEERS OF THE Y

• Raise funds to ensure the Y is accessible to all members of the community
• Coach our sports teams and teach many of our classes
• Motivate and support youth in building the character strengths, skills and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, better health, smart life choices, and the pursuit of higher education and goals
• Extend a hand to help adults who want to do more, be more or live healthier
• Advocate for the Y’s efforts to influence policies and initiatives that positively impact societal issues of importance to the nation, and your community
• Participate in opportunities to give back and support neighbors

 

VOLUNTEERS Awards

As part of our commitment to building and encouraging strong communities, the Ridgewood YMCA annually recognizes individuals who have made contributions in several distinctive areas. 

The Laurence G. Meads Memorial Award is presented to an individual from the area served by the Ridgewood YMCA in recognition of “outstanding service to youth.” The recipient must be over age 21. We encourage you to nominate individuals from your community who may be deserving of this award.

The William E. Remington Good Citizenship Award is presented to young men and women, 21 years or younger, who are members in good standing of the Ridgewood YMCA. The recipients are those who have given significant service to their communities, religious organizations, schools and service organizations. Up to a $1,000 award may be given annually. Please encourage worthy young men and women to apply for this award.

The Nancy Wallace Youth Volunteer Scholarship Award is presented to a student that over the past two years has completed a minimum of 50 hours of volunteer work and maintained a GPA of 3.5 or greater.  The student must be under the age of 19 on the day of the application deadline. An award up to $250 may be given annually.

The Chet Van Doren Service Award is presented to a person 18 years of age or younger, who has given significant volunteer service to the Ridgewood YMCA.

The Jacob Van Dyke Memorial Award is presented to an adult in recognition of “outstanding volunteer service to the YMCA”.

Nominees for all awards should exemplify the YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. Enclosed are application forms for you to use or forward to others. All applications must be returned to Ridgewood YMCA, Jen Batelli, 112 Oak Street, Ridgewood, NJ 07450 by April 3, 2020.

Individuals selected to receive these prestigious awards will be honored at our Volunteer Recognition Reception, to be held on Friday, April 24 at 6:30 PM at the Ridgewood YMCA. This well-attended event is our way to thank our many volunteers, as well as present these special awards.

Mead Award 

Van Doren Award

Nancy Wallace Award

Van Dyke Award

Remington Award

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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITES AT RIDGEWOOD YMCA

PARKINSON'S ASSISTANCE

The Ridgewood YMCA offers a movement program called Delay The Disease, designed for people living with Parkinson's disease. Volunteers are needed to provide one-to-one assistance for the participants who may need help with getting in and out of a chair or walking around the room.

Training for all volunteers will be provided before the first class. Previous experience in an exercise program is preferred but not required. Patience and compassion working with individuals dealing with this disease is essential.

The class is offered a few times each week and volunteers will be asked to commit to one class per week for an 8 week session.

FACILITATOR 

Rainbows is a peer support for youth ages 4-14 years old that have experienced a loss due to divorce, death or abandonment of parent or significant person in their life. Volunteer facilitators are needed to work with a group of youth for the 15 weeks of the program. The program is offered September – December on Tuesdays at 6:30 - 7:30pm

How does Rainbows work? When there is a profound family loss, even the most caring parents can be immersed in their own pain. There is a real need for caring adults to be present for the children in these families. Rainbow facilitators are there to help them work through their grief, provide a safe place for them to meet new friends who have shared similar experiences and to identify and approximately express their feeling.

• Listening: Through listening to one another, children learn that other families experience change
• Sharing: Through sharing with one another, children learn that there is help and comfort available and that healing can occur.
• Helping: Through helping one another, children affirm their own abilities and goodness and enhance their own sense of self-esteem. Children come to understand that each change in life can be an opportunity for a new beginning and growth.

 

The Y is a nonprofit like no other. Take an active role in strengthening your community.

Questions? Please contact Megan Heller at email mheller@ridgewoodymca.org.

Downloads

Code of Conduct

Volunteer Acknowledgement Form

Volunteer Application