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Department for the Aging Launches Volunteer Online Portal

New online portal will create an easier process for individuals and community/private partners to volunteer and assist Department for the Aging’s older adult services and initiatives.

The NYC Department for the Aging has launched a new online portal for individuals and community based and private sector partners to volunteer for one of the Department’s programs and unique opportunities throughout the city. The new portal allows for a more streamlined process, making it easier for New Yorkers to register and find opportunities to volunteer.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department experienced an increase in demand from individuals interested in volunteering, which the new portal will help meet. In the past fiscal year, the number of registered volunteers rose more than 80% from the previous year. Currently, the Department for the Aging has more than 2,300 registered volunteers.

“The volunteers we are recognizing today, and the ones who participate in our programs every day, make our mission possible by ensuring older New Yorkers receive the care and services they need to lead full and independent lives,” said Commissioner Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez. “Our new online portal will give opportunities to even more individuals and private partners who want to take part in our programs, allowing us to reduce social isolation and ensure older New Yorkers receive the community support they need.”

“We applaud the Department of for Aging for expanding their digital volunteer platform, which opens up opportunities for more New Yorkers to support older adults and one another,” said NYC Chief Service Officer Laura Rog. “This important innovation will be a catalyst for service and create much needed community for New Yorkers.”

The launch of the portal took place during the Department for the Aging’s Third Annual Volunteer Recognition event, where 15 volunteers were recognized. These individuals were given certificates for their efforts supporting older adults in every borough by delivering meals, in addition to donating their time to older adult centers and Department for the Aging’s special events.

Some of the popular volunteer programs New Yorkers participated in the last year include Friendly Visiting and Friendly VOICES. Many other volunteers also participate in the Foster Grandparent, Health Insurance Information Counseling and Assistance Program (HIICAP), and Health Promotion, all of which were created to have a positive impact on the lives of older residents.

In fiscal year 2022, community and private partners include Citymeals on Wheels, New York Road Runners, Reading Partners and Aetna. This new portal will offer an exciting opportunity to engage even more partners to support this important work.

New Yorkers interested in volunteering for one of the Department for the Aging’s programs can visit the portal at https://agingvolunteers.cityofnewyork.us/agency/ or by calling Aging Connect at 212-AGING-NYC (212-244-6469).

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