Celebrating 40 Years Serving People with Developmental Disabilities

Volunteering

You Can Make a Difference
Volunteers are an essential part of the Spectrum Family. Each individual who donates their time by volunteering helps improve and enrich the quality of life for all Spectrum clients.

  • Using your talents to help others
  • Connecting with people
  • Exploring new career options
  • Giving back to the community
  • Developing new skills
  • Feeling a sense of fulfillment

Locations
Volunteer opportunities are available at our Closter Intermediate Care Facility, Residential Group Homes in Bergenfield, Edison, Elmwood Park, Glen Rock, Haworth, Hillsdale, Maywood, Northvale, Norwood, Paramus, Wayne and Westwood, Residential Apartments in Closter, Edison, Ringwood, River Vale, Rockleigh, and our Adult Training Centers in Edison, North Haledon, Ringwood, Teaneck, and Westwood.

Volunteer Requirements
Minimum Age:

  • 16 years of age

Minimum Commitment:

  • Able to commit to a regular schedule where applicable

Other Requirements:

  • Placement interview
  • English proficiency
  • Two references
  • Criminal record search

There’s more than One Way to Help:

Friendly Visitor – Come as an individual or visit with your family to socialize with our residents. Bring a favorite game to play, small craft activity, or entertain with your musical talent. Feel free to use your skills to create a meaningful visit.

**We ask that Friendly Visitors please commit at least 25 hours per year. Your visits & friendship mean a lot to our consumers and we want them and you to get the most out of this program.

Adopt a Garden – Help plant and maintain flower and vegetable gardens located at all Spectrum residential and training facilities.

Recreation – Assist with planned Recreation Program activities including canteens, bowling, arts and crafts, cooking, woodworking, talent shows, and more.

Therapy Dog Program – Bring your certified therapy dog to visit our residential and training facilities.

Skill Based Volunteering – Provide instruction in music, art, computers, cooking and woodworking to our residents and/or assist with carpentry or painting services as needed.

Clerical volunteering is usually available at the River Vale Corporate Office.

How Do I Become a Volunteer?

Simply fill out an application and if you meet the requirements, we will contact you for a personal interview.

For more information on individual or group volunteering, contact Kathy Bentzen at:
Phone: (201) 358-8000 x3026
Email: kbentzen@spectrumforliving.org

For more information on corporate volunteering and/or days of service, contact Elizabeth Boyajian at:
Phone: (201) 358-8081
Email: eboyajian@spectrumforliving.org

Submit Volunteer Application

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