Nassau County Department of Social Services

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SOCIAL SERVICES VOLUNTEERS

                                Social Services
                                Volunteers
                                of Nassau County, Inc.

60 Charles Lindbergh Blvd., N.Y. 11553

The Social Services Volunteers of Nassau County, Inc. is a not for profit, charitable organization as defined under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Volunteers work in partnership with the Nassau County Department of Social Services to provide assistance for families and children, the elderly, and people with disabilities.

Administrative Volunteers

fulfill many functions in the Volunteer Coordinator's Office. They assist with recruiting, keep statistical records, and help develop and supervise a variety of activities such as Camp and Holiday programs. Graphics, artistic or writing skills are sought to help with promotional materials for fundraisers.

Boutique Volunteers

raise funds to meet the critical needs of families that cannot be fulfilled through governmental programs The boutique team holds monthly sales in the cafeteria of the Social Services building. Volunteers manage the boutique and are involved in the selection and merchandising of its unique assortment. Donations of saleable merchandise are also solicited from the community. This is an interesting and challenging assignment for those who enjoy a team project.

Clerical Volunteers

provide a variety of assistance to staff in filing, typing, answering telephones, or preparing informational materials. Hours are flexible and can be arranged to suit the volunteer and program. Many people use this experience to prepare for paid employment. Business organizations often use volunteer experience to fulfill the job requirements.

Play room Volunteers

work and play with children, ages 2 ½ to 8, in an environment designed to occupy youngsters while their parents wait to be interviewed by social services staff. This is good experience for students interested in the child care field and is fun for grandmothers. Volunteers are needed between 10:00am & 3:00pm.

Social Service Aides

act as liaison between clients and staff. They receive clients from the reception desk in the waiting room. They assist those who need help in filling out applications, and answer many inquiries about the location of facilities in the building. This is a challenging assignment that fills a vital need at the Department of Social Services.

Holiday Volunteers

Families who are dependant on public assistance have very little in their budgets to provide children with holiday gifts, let alone necessary winter clothing. Social Services Volunteers, aware of this problem, have organized several programs to bring some measure of happiness into family life at holiday time. The commitment of many volunteers is needed to brighten the holidays for our neediest families.

Translators

Volunteers who have second language skills can assist staff and clients during office visits. This program provides an opportunity for direct service to non-English speaking individuals.

All Nassau County Department of Social Services Volunteers can be reimbursed for travel expenses. Those who work a 5-hour day receive lunch allowance as well. Orientation and training for all programs is provided by staff or experienced volunteers. A minimum commitment of one-day per week is needed for most programs, but hours are often flexible and can be arranged.

All active volunteers are members of our charitable organization, The Social Services Volunteers of Nassau County Inc., incorporated in 1984. The boutique and other fun-raising projects, as well as contributions from the community, have made it possible to help our neediest clients in emergency situations. Food, transportation, household essentials, medication, baby equipment and clothing, are some of the items provided over the years.

HOLIDAY PROGRAMS

The Social Services Volunteers has developed several programs to help people in need during the Holiday Season. We invite you to join with us to assist families obtain essential household equipment, clothing and food. Your efforts will meet their needs and make every Holiday Season a special one for many of our less fortunate neighbors.

Thanksgiving Assistance

Food drives (non-perishable items) provide meals for many people. A Thanksgiving appeal to the community results in supermarket gift certificates to families for turkey and other food items. Each year over 300 families and individuals benefit from this program.

Toy Distribution Progr am

In December there is a major undertaking providing gifts and toys to over 1500 children, requiring the help of many to sort, package and deliver toys which have been donated by schools and organizations throughout Nassau County.

Foster Children's Holiday Par ty

is sponsored and hosted by the volunteer organization. Music, mimes, refreshments, entertainment and a visit from Santa make this event a truly festive occasion for children who have known abuse and neglect in the past. Volunteers assist in the preparation (sorting and wrapping gifts) and on the day of the party (welcoming guests and distributing presents).

Adopt A Family Program

This program allows you to make a difference in the lives of a single family in extreme need. You receive a family description and a list of specific needs. Donors often provide gifts of warm clothing, toys, household and other personal items. Volunteers assist in matching potential donors to families in need, gathering donations and making deliveries to the recipient families.

Thank you for your interest in these programs. If you have any questions, or have any other ideas that may benefit families and children, please contact:

The Social Services Volunteers of Nassau County, Inc.
60 Charles Lindbergh Blvd.
Uniondale, N.Y. 11553

Telephone: 516-227-7415

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