Get Involved

Community Residences

• Assistance is needed in any of our 16 group homes.
• Volunteers over the age of 18 may work with residents on a one-to-one or group basis.
• Based on the need of a particular home, volunteers may work with residents on developing hobbies, social skills, and independent living skills, under the supervision of The Kennedy Collective staff.
• Volunteers may also attend recreational activities with residents and The Kennedy Collective staff – including picnics, dances, baseball games, and trips to the mall.

Therapeutic Recreation

• Opportunities are available to assist clients with their participation in recreational and leisure activities.
• Recreation Aides may perform a wide variety of functions – from starting a craft or baking class, to assisting with sports programs or weekend excursions.
• Recreational activities may include community outings, individual supports, drop-in programs, Special Olympics events, and bowling leagues.
• Volunteer hours are available during weekdays, late afternoons, evenings, and weekends.

Art Program

• Work one-on-one with individuals with disabilities as they creatively express themselves.
• Assist the Art Therapist with painting classes – include mixing paints and offering drawing assistance.
• Volunteer hours are available on Mondays from 9:30am – 11:30am; 1:00pm – 2:00pm, or 3:00pm – 5:00pm.
• This is a great opportunity for Art Therapy majors to gain some experience!

Fundraising Committee Members

• Assist the Development department in the planning and execution of special events and other fundraising programs.
• Fundraising events may include a Cabaret and Silent Auction, a Golf Tournament, a formal Dinner Dance, an Advertising Journal and a fundraising event for The Kennedy Collective Autism Project.
• Other fundraising programs include Membership Recruitment, and the expansion of the Endowment Fund.
• This is an excellent way to meet new people!

Vocational Rehabilitation

• Assist the rehabilitation staff in the workshop, and at community-based vocational sites.
• Duties may include data collecting, one-to-one support, and co-facilitation of group activities like job-coping and anger management skill building.
• Volunteer hours are available on weekdays from 8:00am – 4:00pm.

Community Experience Volunteer

• Assist staff with the maintenance of client information, client programs, and one-on-one support.
• Programs are located in Milford, Bridgeport, Stratford, Fairfield, Southbury, Woodbridge, Newtown, and Monroe, CT.
• This is an excellent way to get an overview of the agency's operation, and is ideal for a person planning to enter the rehabilitation field!

Children's Services Volunteer

• Volunteers are needed to assist the integration of children with disabilities into existing community-based recreational and social programs.
• Volunteers act as a coach and a friend to the child, assisting the child to participate in activities, while promoting understanding of the needs of children with disabilities among instructors and other class participants.
• Some opportunities in the Children's Program include:
• Camp Tepee: A summer day camp for kids from the ages of 4-13 years old, held at the Lakewood-Trumbull YMCA.
• Community-Based Programs: Accompany a child as they experience something fun and new, including athletic teams, swimming lessons, and religious education classes.
• Drop-In Programs: Assist staff and support participation of children/teens/young adults with special needs at monthly social meetings held in Trumbull, CT.