Volunteer Opportunities
The hundreds of individuals, groups, and businesses who share their time and talents make it possible for us to provide the highest quality programming to our members. Whether a few hours a day, a week, a month or a year, the impact of your gift of time is endless.
If you are an adult or teen interested in inspiring, motivating and improving young lives, we would love to have you join our team as a volunteer!
Volunteer opportunities are available for tutoring, coaching, college prep, fitness, STEM, arts, mentoring, career planning and more. Development volunteers are also sought to support the good work done throughout the organization.
We love to see our volunteers and program participants having a great time at the Wakeman Boys & Girls Clubhouses. We often take photos and videos and share them in our digital and print promotions. Completion of the volunteer application constitutes permission to use photos taken of you at Wakeman BGC for promotional purposes. For any questions or concerns, please contact Leslie LaSala at llasala@wakemanclub.org.
TEEN VOLUNTEERS
Volunteer two hours a week or more in one of the following programs and you’ll make a difference in a child’s life. They’ll also make a difference in your own!
Teens frequently use their hours toward college applications, Fairfield Prep Christian Service, National Honor Society, High School Key Club, SASO, and more. Programs begin mid-September, but volunteers are accepted throughout the school year when space is available. Volunteers must commit to a consistent day for a minimum of one season of the school year (fall, winter, spring).
GREAT FUTURES MENTORING: 9th-12th grade mentors meet weekly with their K-5th grade mentee to spend time on homework, life skills, social lessons, games, crafts, sports, and more. Mentors can choose to volunteer on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays 3:10pm-5:10pm at McKinley or Tuesdays 2:40pm-4:40pm at Holland Hill. Interested? Fill out an application and come to an interview!
Power Hour Homework Tutor: 9th-12th grade volunteer positions may be available assisting youth with homework, enrichment activities and play at the Southport Clubhouse, Smilow-Burroughs Clubhouse, Madison Avenue Clubhouse.
WBGC teen volunteer programs are designed to foster leadership, communication skills, and a sense of ownership in participants; as such, any interested teen should reach out themselves to Club staff. Trust us—it’s part of the process!
*Please note: completion of a background check is required of all volunteers, but does not guarantee acceptance for a volunteer position at Wakeman Boys & Girls Club.
Adult volunteer opportunities are available for tutoring, coaching, college prep, fitness, STEM, arts, mentoring chaperones, career planning and more. Please note that we are unable to accept court appointed hours for community service at this time.
Resource Development volunteers are also sought to assist Wakeman Boys & Girls Club in accessing new community connections and partnerships related to philanthropic support and engagement including personal solicitations, participation in special events, and corporate sponsorships. Contact Director of Development, Sarah Motti, for more information.
The Southport Clubhouse, Smilow-Burroughs Clubhouse, and Madison Avenue Community Clubhouse each have an Advisory Board that oversees facility operations and programming. For more information contact Tim Cepetelli for the Southport Clubhouse, Elisa Sanders for the Smilow-Burroughs Clubhouse and Carlos Collazo for the Madison Avenue Community Clubhouse.
Wakeman Boys & Girls Club also has a Board of Trustees that oversees the fiduciary and strategic goals of the organization. A formal interview and vetting process takes place. Inquiries may be sent to CEO Sabrina Smeltz.
COMPLETE THE APPLICATION HERE.
*Please note: completion of a background check is required of all volunteers, but does not guarantee acceptance for a volunteer position at Wakeman Boys & Girls Club.
What is the volunteer application process?
Interested teen volunteers and adult volunteers must complete the appropriate volunteer application. Wakeman BGC conducts background checks on all applicants and will also require a meeting for an interview and relevant training. After submitting an application, you will receive an email with a link to submit background check request. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee placement in a program for all volunteer applicants. We will complete the background check and direct your application to the directors who may best be able to match you with a program, then be in touch with you within 10 days.
When are orientations held?
Orientations will take place on the first day you are scheduled to volunteer.
How old do I need to be to volunteer?
Teens in grades 9-12 can fill out an application to volunteer at one of our sites.
What if I play a sport or have other obligations?
Volunteers must commit to a consistent day for a minimum 1 season of school year (fall, winter, spring). Programs begin mid-September but volunteers may be accepted any time space is available.
Can I use my volunteer hours to fulfill service requirements for other organizations?
Yes! Many of our volunteers use their hours for National Honor Society, SASO, High School Key Club, Fairfield Prep Christian Service, college applications, and more.
Is this where I volunteer for Torch Club or Keystone Club?
No. Torch Club and Keystone Club are leadership programs with different volunteer requirements than volunteer programs listed on this page. Information can be found for Torch here and Keystone here.
Who do I contact if I still have questions?
Southport Clubhouse & McKinley/Holland Hill Schools: Coreen Ahmad coreen@wakemanclub.org or 203-259-4805 x256.
Smilow-Burroughs Clubhouse: Erika Saucier, esaucier@wakemanclub.org or 203-908-3378 x105.
Madison Avenue Community Clubhouse: Emily Powell, epowell@wakemanclub.org or 203-908-3381 Ext. 151.
Resource Development: Sarah Motti, smotti@wakemanclub.org or 203-908-3381 x204.
What does it mean to be a Mentor at Wakeman Boys & Girls Club?
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