274 Families Served, 405 Children Benefitting–and counting!
Start a Friendship with a Family In Your Neighborhood!
Life in New York City can be lonely and overwhelming! Expand your community and help an isolated family in your neighborhood by becoming a Family Friend!
What does it take to be a Family Friend
- Family Friends commit to be matched with a family for 6 months at a time.
- Family Friends exemplify Intentional Compassion, Radical Hospitality, and Disruptive Generosity as they befriend isolated parents.
- Family Friends operate in a team of volunteers, called a Circle of Support, who work together to holistically support their matched family!
- Family Friends connect via call/text with their matched family for a minimum of 1 hour per week, and at least 1 in person meeting per month. Connections can be virtual or in-person, per the needs of the volunteer + family.
Interested in Learning More about Becoming a Family Friend? View a Pre-Recorded Info Session here!
Sign Up for an Upcoming Info Session + Training!
Ready To Become a Family Friend? Apply Today!
1: Fill out an Online Application!
2: Check your Inbox for a welcome email with instructions on the Approval Process
3: Complete 2 Background Screenings
4: Complete the Online Training!
5: Schedule a remote Interview with a Staff Member
Once approved, our staff will connect you with a family in your community!
Email Olivia Voegtle at nyc@safefamilies.net with any questions!
What Does a Family Friend Do?
We serve a diverse population of families with unique needs, and because of that the experience of befriending these families may look a little different, volunteer to volunteer. Once you become a Family Friend, you might provide support by…
- Being available to text and call with parents who need to talk through emotional situations.
- Helping parents fill out housing applications, apply for jobs, government assistance, etc.
- Providing translation services for non-English speaking parents
- Sending encouraging notes or cards to celebrate milestones
- Accompanying parents to medical appointments or assisting with errands or chores parents might find overwhelming.
…And More!
Interested In Other Ways to Support Families?
Resource Friend: Donate and Deliver items or services that families need.
Family Coach: help parents set goals, find resources, and provide support to the team of volunteers. Experienced Family Friends are invited to apply for the Family Coach role.
Ministry Lead: Liaison between a church partner and our staff. Ministry Leads recruit and support volunteers from their church or community.
Host Family: temporarily care for a child in their home at a parent’s request. We do not currently offer Host Family opportunities. Subscribe to our Newsletter to receive updates on Host Family opportunities!