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

Friendship Circle [Livingston, NJ]

Welcoming 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 Network [Cranford, NJ]

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.” Located across 7 different counties in New Jersey, with headquarters in Cranford.

Jespy House [South Orange, NJ]

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

The Arc Gloucester [West Deptford, NJ]

Empowering 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 [Glen Rock and Ridgewood, NJ]

Enhancing 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.

From We Can't to We Can [Vineland, NJ]

Creating representation and inclusion through children’s books, local events and financial support. Volunteers are needed for our ongoing events (several per month!)

Gigi's Playhouse [Hillsborough, NJ]

Offering free educational, therapeutic-based, and career development programs for individuals with Down syndrome. Volunteer support activities and administration.

Special Strides [Monroe, NJ]

Improving 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.

RWJ Barnabas Health [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.