Volunteer Opportunities

Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston: Blue Hill Club

Phone: 

617-474-1050

Hours of operation (or meeting times & dates): 

Ages 6-12: Monday-Friday 1-6PM Ages 13-18: Monday-Thursday 1-8PM, Friday 1-10PM Summer Day Camp Hours: Monday-Friday 9AM-5PM Pre-Camp 8AM-9AM Extended Day 5PM-6PM Ages 6-12

Location

15 Talbot Avenue
Dorchester, MA 02124
United States
How to get involved/application guidelines and procedures: 

General membership: Call (617) 474-1050 To register for summer camp: All interested families must attend an orientation session.

 

 

Key Programs Offered: 

During the school year, members may drop in at any time. Activities include arts and crafts, a clay studio, cooking, dance, music lessons, tutoring, life skills development, aquatics, football, basketball, karate, computers, and more. Summer: Three two-week sessions and one one-week session July 6-16: Around the World and Mad Scientist July 19-30: Eco Explorers and Sports Week August 2-13: Water Works and DaVinci August 16-20: Camp Olympics

Created: 
04/23/2010

America SCORES Boston

Phone: 

617.472.6737

Hours of operation (or meeting times & dates): 

After-school programming starts immediately after school lets out at the following schools: Frederick Middle School John Marshall Elementary School Mather Elementary School William Monroe Trotter Elementary School William E. Russell Elementary School

Mission: 

The mission of America SCORES New England is to empower students in urban communities using soccer, writing, creative expression, and service-learning. With teamwork as the unifying value, America SCORES New England inspires youth to lead healthy lifestyles, be engaged students, and become agents of change in their communities.

Location

150 Mt. Vernon Street, Suite 2
Dorchester, MA 02125
United States
Key Partners: 

Frederick Middle School John Marshall Elementary School Mather Elementary School William Monroe Trotter Elementary School William E. Russell Elementary School

How to get involved/application guidelines and procedures: 

Students must be enrolled in the following schools to participate: Frederick Middle School John Marshall Elementary School Mather Elementary School William Monroe Trotter Elementary School William E. Russell Elementary School

Key Programs Offered: 

A unique and exciting program of school creative writing and soccer activities for elementary and middle school students. We inspire youth to lead healthy lifestyles, be engaged students, and become agents of change. We offer Fall and Spring after-school sessions.

Community Meeting Space Available: 

No

Created: 
12/02/2010

Afterschool programming offered Monday through Friday.

Boston Public Library, Mattapan Branch

Phone: 

(617) 298-9218

Hours of operation (or meeting times & dates): 

Monday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m
Tuesday 12 p.m. - 8 p.m
Wednesday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m
Thursday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m
Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m
Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m

Mission: 

The Boston Public Library's mission is to preserve and provide access to historical record of our society, and to serve the cultural, educational, and informational needs of the City and the Commonwealth.

The vision of the Boston Public Library is to touch the lives of every Bostonian in
libraries, online and in the community.

Priorities for 2009‐10
Advancement of Learning
* Early Literacy: babies to pre‐kindergarten
* Academic support: School age children and teens
* Lifelong learning: For all ages
Easy Access to BPL Resources Most in Demand
* Serving the greatest number of people with existing or reduced resources
* Includes open hours, electronic access, and collection
Libraries as Community Gathering Places
* Existing facilities are clean, organized, and welcoming public environments
Programs and Services that Help People during these Economic Times
* Includes services such as job and career information, resume writing, foreclosure
prevention programs, etc.

Location

Mattapan Library
1350 Blue Hill Avenue
Mattapan, MA 02126
United States
Key Partners: 

Part of the Boston Public Library system. Click here to learn more about Dorchester area libraries.

How to get involved/application guidelines and procedures: 

Click here to register for a free library card online!

Key Programs Offered: 
  • Homework Assistance Program

    Free one-on-one homework help for students in grades K-8 from high-achieving high school mentors. Available at every BPL branch Monday-Thursday from 3:30-5:30PM.

  • Boston Teachers' Union Tutors

    Tutoring for students in all grades from BPS teachers. Days and times vary by location. Mattapan: Tuesday 4-6PM.

Created: 
05/21/2010

DISTINCTIVE ASPECTS OF THE COLLECTION
Strong collections in urban fiction, popular music, teen fiction, anime, manga and a wide array of DVDs, from movies to popular TV series. There is also a modest collection of local history materials.

RECURRING PROGRAMMING OFFERED
Weekly toddler films, Fun with Books, teen movie matinee, teen advisory board, and homework assistance.
Adult Book Discussion Group - 3rd Tuesday of each Month

SPECIAL PROGRAMMING OFFERED
A monthly calendar of events offers a range of programs from films, author talks and readings, workshops, and educational activities for all ages. Summer reading programs are offered for children and young adults. The Friends of the Mattapan Branch also has activities throughout the year. Please consult our calendar of events for more details.

The Mattapan Branch is teamed with the Mildred Avenue Middle School and the Mildred Avenue Community Center as part of Mayor Menino’s Community Learning Initiative, a multi-department collaboration aimed at helping Boston’s youth reach their full potential by coordinating learning and recreation throughout the day.

HISTORY
As early as December 18, 1849 the people of Mattapan were concerned about library facilities. It was on that date that Increase S. Smith founded the Mattapan Library Association. On May 2, 1854, the Boston Public Library opened, and in 1870 the suburb of Dorchester, which included Mattapan, was annexed to Boston. The Mattapan Branch evolved over many years beginning with a reading room attached to the delivery station in the Oakland Hall Building in Mattapan. In 1898, the book collection consisted of ninety-eight volumes.

Around 1924, the population of Mattapan began a rapid increase. As newer groups began to establish themselves in the more central Boston neighborhoods, Jewish immigrants moved in large numbers to Mattapan.

The small reading room was granted Branch status in 1923, but could not meet the demand of the growing population. Annual circulation climbed from 20,000 volumes in 1924 to 75,010 in 1926. Mattapan residents requested a new library. Citizens' letters and petitions took effect, and on June 22, 1931 the Mattapan Library Branch at 10 Hazelton Street opened its doors.

The Hazelton Street branch served the neighborhood well for more than 75 years, but with the formation of a Mattapan Library Task Force, the procurement of necessary funding in 1997, and the perseverance of Mayor Thomas Menino and Councilor Charles Yancey a new chapter began. On February 28, 2009 the Mattapan community celebrated the opening of an architecturally-stunning, technologically enhanced, and service-rich new Mattapan Branch at 1350 Blue Hill Avenue.

DotHouse Health

Phone: 

617-288-3230

Website: 

http://www.dorchesterhouse.org/

Hours of operation (or meeting times & dates): 

Monday - Thursday: 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. 
Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Mission: 

To be an essential resource for our community in its efforts to achieve the highest levels of health, well being and quality of life for its residents.

To provide affordable, accessible, and exceptional health care and other essential services in an environment that respects our consumers, our staff and our diverse community.

To be a leading force for change in the health, economic and social well being of our community.

Location

DotHouse Health Center
1353 Dorchester Avenue
Dorchester, MA 02122
United States
Key Partners: 

Codman Square Health Center, DotWell, SCI

Key Programs Offered: 

DotHouse Health (Formerly Dorchester House) is a federally qualified health center located in the Fields Corner neighborhood of Dorchester. 127 years ago, our founders had a brilliant vision. They understood that a person’s well-being wasn't just about one facet of a person’s life, but it was about the well-being of the whole person. It’s about taking care of the whole person across their life span. We continue to follow this vision by not only offering healthcare but, also community and social services to the people of Dorchester. We offer our 23,000 patients extensive case management, financial and legal services as well as a number of community programs. By connecting our patients with comprehensive primary care, social services and internal programs – all under one roof – we support the overall good health of our patients and build a stronger, healthier community.

Community Meeting Space Available: 

Yes

Also (or Previously) Known As...: 

Dot House/Dorchester House

WORK Inc.

Phone: 

617-691-1500

Email: 
Mission: 

All individuals have the ability to grow, the right to make choices and to participate in community life. It is the mission of WORK Inc. to join with others in creating the conditions under which all persons with disabilties will experience:

Presence and participation in community life
Opportunities to develop and exercise competence
Encouragement to make choices in the pursuit of personal growth
Opportunities to develop good relationships with family, friends, neighbors and peers
Respect and dignity through the promotion of human and civil rights
Protection from abuse and neglect
Assurances that services are flexible and person-centered and delivered by trained personnel
Respect for their unique ethnic and cultural backgrounds
The chance to take risks and have experiences that promote growth and development
Opportunities for self-advocacy that empower individuals and their families to articulate their needs and desires.

Location

Work Inc
25 Beach St
Dorchester, MA
United States

Perkins Community Center

Phone: 

617-635-5146

Email: 

perkinscc@cityofboston.gov

Website: 

www.cityofboston.gov/bcyf

Location

Perkins Community Center
155 Talbot Ave
Dorchester, MA 02124
United States
Key Partners: 

Boston Centers for Youth & Families Joseph Lee Elementary School Lee Academy Pilot School Codman Square Library DotWell

How to get involved/application guidelines and procedures: 

For Adult Education, including GED and ESOL classes, contact Papa Diop at (617) 635-1894. Drop-in registration every first and third Wednesday of the month. For all other after-school, summer, and recreation programs: call the front desk at (617) 635-1895.

Key Programs Offered: 

School Age Child Care After-School and Summer Program Piranhas After-School Program: Meets M-F, 3:20 - 6. 4 - 5pm writing. 5 - 6pm pool. $150/year. 1st month: Deposit and &35. Then: $35 every 3 months. Piranhas Swim Team: Membership overlaps with After-School Program, but open to others also. Swim meets 6pm Fridays.** Open Swimming: Saturdays. 10:15 - 11 Children, 11 - 12 Lap Swimming, 1 - 2:30 Community/Open Swim, 2-4:30 Adults.** Fire Star Homework Drop-in: Call center for more info Boston Raider's Mentoring: Academic help for youth aged 7-18. M-F, 3-8pm. $20/month. Strong Women, Strong Girls: Mentoring for girls in grades 3, 4 and 5 at Perkins on Thursdays, 4 - 5:30pm. Open Gym Peewee Basketball: Saturdays, 9am - 1pm. $65/season. Season runs approximately October - April. Self-Defense: Free self-defense classes taught on Saturdays from 9 - 11:30 am. 16 years and up. Karate: Classes offered for ages 5 and up, adults included, on Tuesdays and Wednesdays 6-8. Call center for pricing information. Dorchester Adult Literacy Coalition site

Community Meeting Space Available: 

Yes

Created: 
11/29/2011

Codman Square Health Center

Phone: 

(617) 825-9660

Hours of operation (or meeting times & dates): 

Urgent Care: 
Monday-Thursday 8:30am - 10:00pm 
Friday 8:30am - 9:00pm 
Saturday 9:00am - 3:00pm
Sunday 9:00am - 1:00pm

Primary Care:
Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 9:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday & Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday 9:00am - 1:00pm

Mission: 

To serve as a resource for improving the physical, mental and social well-being of the community. *** We opened our doors in 1979 with a dream: to build the best urban community in America. As part of this dream, we recognized that though health care begins by alleviating sickness, the journey to a true "culture of health" is achieved through the health of the whole person, and through the health of the whole community.  Our two-physician staff that summer of 1979 may have been small, but our mantra was not: while disease is a lack of health, health is not simply a lack of disease.

Today, with a staff of 280 employees, expert clinicians and medical staff, and an astounding depth and breadth of community programs, we believe that we are on our way toward reaching our dream of building the best urban community in America. The Codman Square Health Center is committed to continued progress and we hope you will join us in fulfilling our vision of a culture of health in our community.

Location

Codman Square Health Center
637 Washington St
Dorchester, MA 02124
United States
Key Programs Offered: 

Clinical Services
Primary care (Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics and Women’s Health)
Urgent care
Dental care
Eye care
Behavioral Health 
Specialty care (Podiatry, Cardiology, Sports Medicine, Nutrition, Dermatology, Smoking Cessation, WIC office) Pharmacy (w/ Eaton Apothecary, 617.265.7400)

Full Service Laboratory 
Diagnostic Care (X-ray, mammography, ultrasound, radiology) 

Case Management: Asthma, Diabetes, Pre-natal, HIV Client support: insurance services, interpreter services, on-site childcare, financial counseling, legal advocacy, multilingual staff, referral management

Civic Health through DotWell

Public Health Services: Cooking Classes & Nutrition Programs Healthy Eating for Diabetes Eat Green, Save Green HIV counseling, education, outreach, support Support groups for new parents, dads, moms (drop-in!), as well as AA, & HIV

Food Security:
DTA Food Stamp program: There will be a representative at the Health Center on Fridays from 8:30 am – 3:30 pm in the Nutrition Office in the first floor lobby. Half hour appointments can be made in MSI. Walk-ins also encouraged.
Food Pantry: Pantry will reopen at Greenwood UMC. Details forthcoming. MORE!

Created: 
02/07/2011

Healthworks Community Fitness

Phone: 

(617) 825-2800

Email: 

kchipman@healthworkscommunityfitness.org

Hours of operation (or meeting times & dates): 

Monday 6:00am – 9:00pm
Tuesday 6:00am – 9:00pm
Wednesday 6:00am – 9:00pm
Thursday 6:00am – 9:00pm
Friday 6:00am – 6:00pm
Saturday 8:00am – 12:00pm
Sunday Closed

Mission: 

Healthworks Community Fitness provides a fun, safe, and supportive environment in which women can become empowered to take control of their physical and emotional wellbeing. The member/scholarship program gives women free access to the environment needed to develop the whole woman- mind, body, and spirit. Healthworks Community Fitness understands that gaining access to fitness is the first step for many women towards empowerment. Since this is often a difficult step, it is crucial for women to obtain support.

Location

Codman Square Health Center Branch
450 Washington St
Dorchester, MA 02124
United States
How to get involved/application guidelines and procedures: 

Please call for more information!

Community Meeting Space Available: 

Yes, meeting space available during the day for women's groups

Created: 
11/28/2011

Boys and Girls Clubs of Dorchester: Walter Denney Youth Center

Phone: 

617.822.3701

Email: 

Office Manager Tara Lewis, tlewis@bgcdorchester.org

Hours of operation (or meeting times & dates): 

September 8 - July 1
Bantams/Cadets/Juniors – Monday – Friday 2:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Intermediates/Seniors – Monday - Friday 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Closed Saturday and Sunday.

July 7 - August 15
Bantams/Cadets/Juniors – Monday – Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Intermediates/Seniors – Monday – Friday 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Mission: 

To inspire and enable all young people, from diverse circumstances, to realize their full potential by providing opportunities for personal growth to become contributing, caring and responsible members of the community.

Our Boys & Girls Clubs Provide
A safe place to learn and grow.
Ongoing relationships with caring, adult professionals.
Life-enhancing programs and character development experiences.
Hope and opportunity.

Location

Boys and Girls Club, Walter Denney Youth Center
270 Mount Vernon Street
Dorchester, MA 02125
United States
How to get involved/application guidelines and procedures: 

Membership in the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dorchester is open to all children between the ages of 6 and 17. Our Club has an "open door" policy. Members are well supervised while in the program areas, but may come and go as they please. The membership fee for all ages is just $5.00 per year, or $10.00 per year for immediate family members registering at the same time. All members must furnish proof of age when signing up.

Bantams: ages 6 - 7 (limited membership; no drop-in, programmed activities only.)
Cadets: ages 8 - 9
Juniors: ages 10 - 12
Intermediates: ages 13 - 15
Seniors: ages 16 – 17
Orientation
After registering, members must attend a member's orientation. Parents are encouraged to attend as well. The orientations are held according to the following schedule:

Fall 2008 – Spring 2009 (September 8 – July 1)
For the Marr & McLaughlin Buildings (Deer Street & Dorchester Ave.)
(Held in the Marr building lobby)
4:00 – Monday - Friday

Summer 2008 (July 5 – September 8)
For the Marr & McLaughlin Buildings (Deer Street & Dorchester Ave.)
(Held in the Marr building lobby)
9:15 – Friday
9:30 - Monday & Wednesday
4:00 – Monday - Friday

Key Programs Offered: 

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Dorchester offer club members the chance to participate in programs that foster the intellectual, artistic and athletic interests of its members. Each program is age appropriate, supervised, structured and most importantly - designed to accommodate the wide variety of learning styles, social skills and intellectual abilities that our children bring to the Club each and every day. Members are grouped according to age and interests with activities falling into the following categories:

Triple Play – A comprehensive wellness program that weaves physical fitness, nutrition, stress reduction, healthy lifestyle choices together by drawing upon the 200+ programs that take place at the Club

The Arts – Painting & drawing, sculpture, photography and digital design

Music - Comprehensive music program including instruments, voice, and dance lessons. Partnership with Berklee College of Music

Education - Daily homework help, one-on-one tutoring, reading & writing enrichment, MCAS & SAT preparation

Life Skills - Leadership groups for 13-17 year olds (Keystone Club) and 10-13 year olds (Torch Club) teach civic responsibility and pride

Technology - Three computer learning centers, each with 10 computers, are available to members for educational and research purposes

Athletics - Basketball, hockey, soccer, baseball, track, volleyball, gymnastics, Judo and more

Aquatics - Organized swim teams, swimming lessons and drop-in swimming for all ages and levels

Social Recreation - Chess and other strategic board games, puzzles, pool, foosball, and movies

Career Service – Career preparation, placement and guidance for teens seeking employment support

Child Care - Licensed care for infants, toddlers and pre-schoolers; after-school care for children ages 6-12

Community Meeting Space Available: 

Yes

Created: 
10/23/2009

Boys and Girls Clubs of Dorchester: Paul R. McLaughlin Youth Center

Phone: 

617.288.7120

Hours of operation (or meeting times & dates): 

September 8 - July 1

  • Bantams: Programmed activities only;
    Monday – Friday 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. 
  • Cadets: Monday – Friday 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.; 
    Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.
  • Juniors/Intermediates/Seniors:
    Monday - Friday 3:00 p.m. – 8:45 p.m.;
    Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. 

July 7 - August 15

  • Cadets & Juniors:
    Session 1– July 7– July 25; 9:00 a.m. – 4:15 p.m.
    Session 2 – July 28 – August 15 ; 9:00 a.m. – 4:15 p.m.
  • Bantams:
    Session 1 Morning – July 7 – July 25; 9:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
    Session 1 Afternoon – July 7 – July 25; 1:00 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.
    Session 2 Morning – July 28 – August 15; 9:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
    Session 2 Afternoon – July 28 – August 15; 1:00 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.
    Intermediates/Seniors Monday - Friday 11:00 a.m. – 10:45 p.m.; Saturday 5:00 p.m. – 10:45 p.m.
Mission: 

To inspire and enable all young people, from diverse circumstances, to realize their full potential by providing opportunities for personal growth to become contributing, caring and responsible members of the community. Our Boys & Girls Clubs Provide A safe place to learn and grow. Ongoing relationships with caring, adult professionals. Life-enhancing programs and character development experiences. Hope and opportunity.

Location

Boys and Girls Club, Paul R. McLaughlin Youth Center
1135 Dorchester Avenue
Dorchester, MA 02125
United States
How to get involved/application guidelines and procedures: 

Membership in the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dorchester is open to all children between the ages of 6 and 17. Our Club has an "open door" policy. Members are well supervised while in the program areas, but may come and go as they please. The membership fee for all ages is just $5.00 per year, or $10.00 per year for immediate family members registering at the same time. All members must furnish proof of age when signing up.

Bantams: ages 6 - 7 (limited membership; no drop-in, programmed activities only.) 
Cadets: ages 8 - 9 Juniors: ages 10 - 12
Intermediates: ages 13 - 15
Seniors: ages 16 – 17

Orientation: After registering, members must attend a member's orientation. Parents are encouraged to attend as well.

Key Programs Offered: 

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Dorchester offer club members the chance to participate in programs that foster the intellectual, artistic and athletic interests of its members. Each program is age appropriate, supervised, structured and most importantly - designed to accommodate the wide variety of learning styles, social skills and intellectual abilities that our children bring to the Club each and every day. Members are grouped according to age and interests with activities falling into the following categories:

Triple Play – A comprehensive wellness program that weaves physical fitness, nutrition, stress reduction, healthy lifestyle choices together by drawing upon the 200+ programs that take place at the Club

The Arts – Painting & drawing, sculpture, photography and digital design

Music - Comprehensive music program including instruments, voice, and dance lessons. Also home to the Dorchester Music Clubhouse

Partnership with Berklee College of Music Education - Daily homework help, one-on-one tutoring, reading & writing enrichment, MCAS & SAT preparation

Life Skills - Leadership groups for 13-17 year olds (Keystone Club) and 10-13 year olds (Torch Club) teach civic responsibility and pride

Technology - Three computer learning centers, each with 10 computers, are available to members for educational and research purposes

Athletics - Basketball, hockey, soccer, baseball, track, volleyball, gymnastics, Judo and more

Aquatics - Organized swim teams, swimming lessons and drop-in swimming for all ages and levels

Social Recreation - Chess and other strategic board games, puzzles, pool, foosball, and movies

Career Service – Career preparation, placement and guidance for teens seeking employment support

Child Care - Licensed care for infants, toddlers and pre-schoolers; after-school care for children ages 6-12

Community Meeting Space Available: 

Yes

Created: 
10/23/2009
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