VOLUNTEER SERVICES

Volunteer History
Volunteers have always played a crucial role at Women In Need, Inc. In 1982, a group of women doing volunteer work with the homeless on the Bowery identified a profound lack of services and resources for women with children. On Valentine’s Day of 1983, this volunteer group, Women In Need, and The Church of St. Mary the Virgin joined to open an emergency residence for women with children. Volunteers ran the shelter in its first year of operation. As WIN has grown into a large multi-service agency with a professional staff, its volunteer needs have expanded and diversified.

Volunteers at WIN Today
Over 200 people volunteer in some capacity to lend their time and talent to Women In Need, Inc. programs. Volunteer opportunities at WIN include tutoring clients in English or math, leading children’s activities, helping with childcare, teaching computer skills, assisting in the offices, teaching English as a Second Language, and leading workshops on writing, career readiness, or budgeting skills.

Volunteer Supported Activities
Volunteers enhance the quality of life for WIN clients. Some of the volunteer supported activities include Halloween parties, Christmas parties, Secret Santa, Back to School backpacks, Thanksgiving turkeys, Luaus, pizza parties, the Valentine’s Project and many more.

The Associates Committee
The Associates Committee is a diverse group of young professionals dedicated to supporting the efforts of Women In Need (WIN). By organizing fundraisers in the New York City community and participating in volunteer activities to help support WIN clients, the Committee builds awareness about WIN's mission. The Committee sponsors several activities throughout the year, including the annual Halloween Party for WIN clients and the 2005 "WIN at the Top" garden party and silent auction. The Associates Committee is also a strong supporter of WIN's holiday gift drive. For further information and to find out how you can get involved, please call 1.800.HELPWIN.

WIN Celebrates Volunteers
The Suzanne Pincus Commit to WIN Award, given in memory and honor of Suzanne Pincus, a former WIN board member and long time volunteer, is presented each year at the Volunteer Reception, to the Volunteer(s) of the Year. The plaque reads “Suzanne Pincus’ commitment to children and families, the purity of her purpose, and the wisdom of her counsel, live to inspire WIN’s staff, clients, board and friends. We dedicate this plaque in her memory. The exemplary standard of volunteerism set by Suzanne has been attained by those individuals whom we honor in her name.”

How can I volunteer?

First, download and fill out an application (MSWord file), then mail, fax or email it to the Volunteer Coordinator.

For more information, please contact:

Angelita Estrada
Volunteer Services Coordinator
(212) 695-4758 ext. 709
(212) 502-5610 fax
aestrada@Women-In-Need.org