905 Monroe Ave
Rochester, NY 14620
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Help Youth in Your Community
Get Involved
Ways You can Help
Donate
Without the generosity of our community and the support of our funders, our shelters, programs and dedicated staff would not be able to be there in times of need. Your commitment gives peace of mind and safety during times of crisis.
Our Wishlist
We accept a variety of donations: food, toiletries, new or gently used clothes for teens, diapers, formula, and more. Check out our Amazon Wishlist for more specific needs.
*Items of importance
Gift Cards
Gift Cards to area grocery stores and retailers allow us to purchase fresh fruit & vegetables, household supplies and more. Your gift of a gift card allows our team to be nimble and responsive to the needs of the youth and families we serve!
Most useful cards include:
Target
Walmart*
Wegmans*
Visa*
Tops
Lowes
Home Depot
Household & Cleaning Supplies
Light bulbs
Hand soap
Garbage bags
Dishwasher detergent
Laundry detergent*
Fabric softener*
Dryer sheets
Utensils, forks, spoons, knives
and serving utensils*
Dishes (preferably plastic)*
Baby wash
Lysol spray and wipes
Sponges
Libby mop heads
Food Storage Containers
Food-related items
Formula of all kinds
Baby food
Baby cereal (rice and oatmeal)
Kid friendly foods (mac and cheese, fruit roll ups, granola bars, fruit cups, snacks)
Child-related items
Bed Pillows (pillow nylon washable covers)
Crib size mattress protectors
Diaper Wipes
Diapers*
Invite us to Present
Know of a group at work, school or church that wants to learn more about The Center? We are happy to do presentations.
Adopt a Shelf
To ensure our food cupboard is full year round, we are asking people to “Adopt a Shelf.” Each partner who wants to help will be assigned a product or products to collect and donate regularly.
Donate
Tax deductible donations are accepted year round to support our work. You can mail your donations to our office, drop off donations, or donate money via card here.
Host a Drive
Maximize impact by engaging your friends, family, co-workers, or classmates! Simply host a food, clothing, or toiletry drive, collect the items, and we’ll do the rest.
Shop Amazon smile
Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of eligible AmazonSmile purchases to The Center for Youth on Amazon.
Attend Fashion Week
Stay connected to learn how Fashion Week Rochester runway shows benefit young people!
Become a Volunteer
Phone Counseling
Evening phone counselors assist on weeknights from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Responsibilities include answering the 24-hour emergency line to support the evening triage counselor. Training is required as well as a background check and orientation.
Crisis Nursery
The Crisis Nursery is a lovely home in a residential neighborhood where we care for babies and young children for brief periods during family emergencies. This is the only program of its kind in our community. Volunteers are needed to help keep the home open 24/7. Shifts are generally two to four hours. All volunteers must complete an interview, orientation and background check and provide references.
AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM ASSISTANTS
Volunteers will assist in the after-school program at Urban Choice Charter School. Activities include homework help, recreational activities and more for K-8 students. This program runs from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. daily during the school year.
Tutors
Tutors will help students taking GED classes or Pre-GED classes. Classes and tutoring classes are held during the day; individualized evening tutoring is arranged by appointment.
Host Homes
Host Home families are willing to house a runaway or homeless youth. Host Home stays range from one to 14 nights. Thorough background checks, a home visit and state certification must be completed in addition to ongoing training.
Special Events
The Center for Youth often needs volunteers for special events such as our Annual Gala, Fashion Week of Rochester activities, Day of Caring and other fundraising events.
Contact us
Need help now? Call our crisis line.
24 Hour Crisis Line
585-271-7670
Use the form below if you don’t have access to a phone, or have a non-urgent message:
What are you reaching out about?
location
- 905 Monroe Avenue, Rochester, NY 14620
- Open Mon-Fri: 8AM–9PM
- info@centerforyouth.net
- 585-473-2464