Volunteer in New Jersey to Help People with Disabilities and Special Needs

Promoting an Inclusive and Vibrant Community

People with special needs and developmental disabilities deserve the same community inclusion as everyone else. As Mother Theresa said, “I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot. Together we can do great things.” By partnering with local organizations, you can help individuals in our community to live their best lives. Volunteer opportunities include:

• Help individuals of all ages to experience the arts, athletics, and the outdoors

• Aid individuals with job training and help them achieve employment

• Promote inclusiveness and independent living

Search SamaritanScout.org to find opportunities near you! Check out some of the opportunities we’ve found in New Jersey listed below – for opportunities in New York read this:

NJ Volunteer Opportunities to Support People with Disabilities or Special Needs

Livingston, NJ

Friendship Circle welcomes volunteers in grades 6+: “Committing to just a few hours each week as a volunteer, you can change the life of a child by doing the things you already enjoy – playing games and sports, drawing, listening to music and more.”

Shining Stars volunteers help our young “special needs and neurotypical performers come together in a dazzling display of choreography and teamwork – a culmination of four months of rehearsals.”

7 different counties in NJ, HQ Cranford

South Orange, NJ

Jespy House volunteers play a vital role, supporting staff in enabling adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities to achieve their full potential and lead independent lives.

West Deptford, NJ

The Arc Gloucester empowers individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families to achieve their highest potential through advocacy, education and quality services. Volunteer in the office, thrift shop, events, or programs.

Sharing the Arts enhance the lives of individuals with special needs through performing arts! “Pre-teen through college-age volunteers serve as assistants, demonstrators, mentors and friends in the class.

Glen Rock and Ridgewood, NJ

From We Can’t to We Can creates representation and inclusion through children’s books, local events and financial support. Volunteers are needed for our ongoing events (several per month!)

Vineland, NJ

Hillsborough, NJ

Gigi’s Playhouse offers free educational, therapeutic-based, and career development programs for individuals with Down syndrome. Volunteer support activities and administration.

Special Strides improves the lives of individuals with special needs through a unique combination of therapy, horses, and the natural environment. Volunteers help with horse handling, grooming, and side walking. They can also support the organization through office assistance and event planning.

Mountainside, New Brunswick, Toms River, Somerset, NJ

At RWJ Barnabas Health‘s many locations across NJ, volunteers can contribute to therapy, social activities, and administrative work that supports children with disabilities and special needs. Opportunities include teen nights, STEM activities, adaptive aquatics, zumba and yoga.

1,700+ Opportunities to Volunteer throughout New Jersey!

Check Out Scout’s Search

It’s easy to use the Samaritan Scout search platform. Write keywords or select filters such as ’cause’, ‘skill’, location radius, and minimum age. No other website or search engine gives you such an easy, comprehensive lay-of-the-land of volunteer opportunities near you.