Volunteering

A young volunteer assists an older adult with using a tablet computer.

How to Help

Thank you for your interest in volunteering for VISIONS. VISIONS volunteers assist with reading mail, and other types of written materials, escorting clients in the community for shopping and appointments and helping in a variety of programs (i.e. quilting, arts & crafts, knitting, photography, ceramics, technology training). VISIONS volunteers make a real difference every day in the lives of people who are blind and visually impaired.

Volunteer Opportunities

A group of students, older adults, and VISIONS staff stand together holding up tote bags they worked together to design.

VISIONS Intergenerational Program

VISIONS Intergenerational Program at VISIONS Center on Aging, our older adult center in Manhattan, recruits and trains volunteer high school students to assist older adults who are visually impaired or blind in their homes, and at the center. The youth provide escort and assistance with reading, shopping, socialization and technology.

Students interested in volunteering in this program can view our 2021 flyer, and apply by clicking the button below. For additional questions, e-mail Lisa Senior, Volunteer Services Manager, at lsenior@visionsvcb.org, or call 646-486-4444 ext. 213

Apply Now

Two volunteers paint bright yellow lines on black steps at VISIONS Center on Blindness.

Corporate/Group Opportunities

VISIONS offers an array of volunteer opportunities/activities for adults, organizations, and their employees, with options to suit organizations of all types and sizes. Some of our opportunities include:

Sponsor a Bingo or Ice Cream Social Event
Meal Service– Assist with serving meals to older adults and engage with our participants
Host a resume and interview workshop for blind adults or youth
Host one of our well-trained Interns at your organization

Don't see an opportunity that suits you or your organization? Reach out to us to discover other great volunteer opportunities.

Get Started

If you have any questions or need further information, please contact Lisa Senior, by e-mailing lsenior@visionsvcb.org or calling (646) 486-4444, ext. 224

Volunteer Requirements

All potential adult volunteers must complete an application and disclosure form. Both forms must be completed in full, signed and returned to VISIONS. Please note that VISIONS conducts a thorough background check on all volunteer applicants. All adult volunteer applicants must be at least 18 years of age. (There is a special program for high school students age 14 and older to join the intergenerational volunteer program at VISIONS at Selis Manor senior center.)

Each adult applicant is required to obtain three references, two from professional sources (employer, professor, etc.) and the third from a personal source. You will find three reference forms included with this application. Please indicate on the reference form which volunteer department you are applying for. Each applicant will attend a short interview and tour before their background check is submitted for clearance. Upon approval, volunteers will review and sign a set of policies and procedures, as well as an agreement.

Volunteer Application