How To Help

How to Help

Volunteer Opportunities

The Access Community Action Agency has worked since 1965 to meet the needs of low-income families and individuals in Northeastern Connecticut. We are service providers, mentors, educators, volunteers, neighbors, family and friends. We hope you will choose to join us in our efforts to help create environments for individuals, families and communities to achieve independence and success!

At present, we have some exciting opportunities available for you. If you’re looking to spend just an hour or so a week, or perhaps you would be able to conduct a business seminar or workshop for us, we have opportunities available. Perhaps you’d be able to read to children at our homeless shelter or put on a musical, art or entertainment program for our residents. We’re as close as your keypad or your telephone to bringing a smile to our clients’ faces.

Emergency Shelter (Danielson)

The Access Emergency Shelter for the Homeless is looking for interns and volunteers for all shifts. Our shelter is open 24 hours/day.  Interns/Volunteers would assist with intakes, case management, office duties and will learn about the inner workings of a shelter. Call Deborah at 774-4977 to get involved.

Family Asset Development (Willimantic)

Volunteer opportunities include facilitating seminars on business topics and serving as mentors for new entrepreneurs. Inters will assist in the writing, editing, publication and distribution of promotional materials, assist in the recruitment of program participants and assist in resource development and grant-writing. Volunteers are needed during the tax season to prepare income taxes for our clients electronically. Call Denise at 450-7478.

Food Bank (Willimantic and Danielson)

Volunteer opportunities for you in our Food Bank to stock shelves, fill food bags and take inventory of our supply of non-perishable goods.  Call Kathy M at 450-7429 in Willimantic for more information, or contact Kim at 774-0418 in the Danielson office.

Marketing/Communications (Willimantic)

Volunteers and interns are needed to assist in the preparation of all marketing materials and publications. This includes press releases, media packets, newsletters, event promotional materials and website development. Call Kathy Crees, Director of Development and Home Services at 450-7146 if you’ve got an interest in the media, graphic arts, or community relations.

Mentoring Program (Danielson)

Volunteer opportunties for those interested in taking time to be a friend and positive role model to DCF youths ages 14-21 to provide support, friendship and advice to help adolescents learn to make better choices and to have positive relationships with adults. Are you willing to offer assistance with homework, help explore vocational opportunities, act as a resource and offer a shoulder to lean on to help young adults deal with the issues in their lives? If so, contact Katrina at 774-0418, ext. 3608.

Researcher (Willimantic)

The Access Community Action Agency has a need for an intern to work on data collection off the web, census information, etc. for the development of a Resource Library at our main office.  We also need individuals to assist in tracking information from websites for grant proposal applications and to seek out new funding sources.  Please cal Kathy Crees, Director of Development and Home Services at 450-7146, if you would like to work in research.

Volunteer Management (Willimantic)

We are seeking a qualified individual to coordinate the volunteers and interns for the agency’s many programs. Duties include identifying needs, recruitment of volunteers and interns, interview and place individuals and evaluate performance. Please call Marlene Cady, Human Resources Supervisor at 450-7441 if interested.