Volunteer Opportunities

Abilities First serves close to 800 children and adults with special needs each year.

There are numerous opportunities for every individual who wishes to volunteer here at Abilities First.  Listed below are the different types of opportunities available.

Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC)-Provides a daycare/preschool for typically developing children and children with special needs aging from 6 weeks to 5th grade. Volunteers, assisting with, reading, playing with the children, helping with arts and crafts, and participating in the gym and outdoor activities (morning and afternoon hours) are greatly appreciated.

• Infant/Toddler classrooms (ages 6 weeks – 3 years) Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. or 3:30-5:30 p.m.
• Assisting with Preschool classroom (ages 3-6) Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. or 3:30-5:30 p.m.
• Assisting with School Age classroom (ages 6-10) Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. or 4:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m.

Preparation of materials, such as cutting, pasting, and coloring for all the classrooms is a huge help.

Pediatric Therapies
Pediatric Therapies provides speech, occupational, and physical therapy in a variety of settings. Areas with needed assistance are:

Prepare the learning aids by:

• Covering items with contact paper, cutting, pasting, lamination, etc.
• Alphabetizing and categorizing books and pictures. 
• Sanitizing toys and games.
• Creating speech and other therapy service games.
• Organizing cabinets and materials.
• Assisting with the Autism Learning Center.
• Assisting with the Summer Therapy Program.

Doty House and Hopewell Residential

Doty House in Middletown, Ohio is home to 18 individuals with a wide-range of intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Hopewell, in Franklin, Ohio, serves 8 individuals with less severe disabilities. The ranges of activities/services volunteers can provide for the residential area are:

• Friendly visitor (reading, talking, etc.); Assistance with outings (volunteer pays their way but most always at reduced fees);  Mealtime monitoring, sitting and interacting with residents who have finished eating; Assisting residents and therapists in nature walks; pushing wheelchairs; playing games; Mending, sewing clothing; Leading residents in volunteer selected craft activities.

Support Services
Direct Support Services personnel are a vital part of our operations. At times, volunteers are needed to assist staff with special projects.

• General cleaning
• Gardening, weeding, grounds work
• Construction renovation projects
• Small maintenance projects

Agency Needs

• Typing & filing
• Mass mailing preparation
• Special events
• Answering phones

For more information, contact Pam at 513-423-9496