1. INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
The Impact that Volun-
teers are having on our
new NSP Program
(Continued with photos of
volunteers painting murals)
2
Volunteering and its Sur-
prising Benefits
3
A letter of Appreciation,
Elizabeth McCarthy, Ex-
ecutive Director
4
Volunteers of the Month
for 2011
5
Volunteerof the Month,
January and February
6
Volunteerof the Month,
March and April
7
Volunteerof the Month,
May
8
How to find the right vol-
unteeropportunity
8
VolunteerOpportunities
9
Free Training Classes for
Volunteers at ESS
11
A message form Steven
D’Ambrosio, Assistant
Director, Human Resource
11
SPECIAL THANKS to all
ourVolunteers
11
A Message from the Editor,
Mary Knowlin, Volunteer
Recruiter
12
Volunteer NewsleSUMMER, AUGUST 2012VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1
Episcopal Social Services and Sheltering Arms
Sixteen volunteers from KPMG, a
NYC based audit, tax, and advisory
services firm, added color and much
needed coats of paintto ESS’ Close
to Home Residential Program at the
Marolla Place Group Home, in the
Bronx.
Thanks to their hard work and en-
ergy, all the bedrooms and offices
were painted ensuring that this group
home was ready for the July 26th
Grand Opening! KPMG also donated
school supplies and 100 Finance Management books, with tips in setting up a bank
account among other need to know tools for our Group Home teens!
They painted the rooms based on research conducted by Ellen McCartney, Special
Project Assistant, and Hilary Gunn, Executive Intern, on the therapeutic properties of
color. Variations ofbluewere chosen for each bedroom since research shows that
blueis a calming color, helps people focus on completing tasks and therefore allows
those to increase productivity.
Bronx-native artist, muralist, and SVA graduate, Stephanie Rodriguez, addedlots of
color and spunk in this imaginative Bronx neighborhood scene with a Yankee Stadium
backdrop, the focal point of the Marolla Place Group Home recreation room. With
her talent and help from dedicated volunteers, this mural was ready for its debut at
ESS’ Group Home Grand Opening!
SPECIAL
POINTS OF INTEREST:
The impact that volun-
teersare having on our
new NSP Program
The Impact that Volunteers are Having on our New NSP progra
By: Daniela Ramos and Hilary Gunn

3. PAGE 3
Volunteering and its Surprising Benefits (Article found on
HelpGuide.org) Helping Yourself While Helping Others
While searching the internet on articles about volunteering, I found this article on HELPGUIDE.org, A TRUSTED NONPROFIT
RESOURCE “Volunteering and It’s Surprising Benefits”. With busy lives, it can be hard to find time to volunteer. However, the
benefits of volunteering are enormous to you, your family, and the community. It can help you find friends, learn new skills,
and even advance your career. Volunteering can also help protect your mental and physical health
Benefits of volunteering #1: Volunteering helps you make new friends and contacts: One of the best ways
to make new friends and strengthen existing relationships is to commit to a shared activity together. Volunteering
is a great way to meet new people, especially if you are new to an area. Volunteering also strengthens your ties
to the community and broadens your support network, exposing you to people with common interests,
neighborhood resources, and fun and fulfilling activities. Volunteering increases your social and relationship
skills: While some people are naturally outgoing, others are shy and have a hard time meeting new people.
Volunteering gives you the opportunity to practice and develop your social skills, since you are meeting regularly
with a group of people with common interests. Once you have momentum, it’s easier to branch out and make
more friends and contacts
Benefits of volunteering #2: Volunteering is good for your mind and body: Volunteering provides many
benefits to both mental and physical health. Volunteering increases self-confidence: Volunteering can provide
a healthy boost to your self-confidence, self-esteem, and life satisfaction. You are doing good for others and the
community, which provides a natural sense of accomplishment. Your role as a volunteer can also give you a sense
of pride and identity. And the better you feel about yourself, the more likely you are to have a positive view of
your life and future goals. Volunteering combats depression: Reducing the risk of depression is another
important benefit of volunteering. A key risk factor for depression is social isolation. Volunteering keeps you in
regular contact with others and helps you develop a solid support system, which in turn protects you against
stress and depression when you’re going through challenging times. Volunteering helps you stay physically
healthy: Volunteering is good for your health at any age, but it’s especially beneficial in older adults. Studies
have found that those who volunteer have a lower mortality rate than those who do not, even when consider ing
factors like the health of the participants. Volunteering has also been shown to lessen symptoms of chronic pain
or heart disease.

4. Benefits of volunteering #3: Volunteering can provide career experience: Volunteering offers you the
chance to try out a new career without making a long-term commitment. It is also a great way to gain experience
in a new field. In some fields, you can volunteer directly at an organization that does the kind of work you’re
interested in. For example, if you’re interested in nursing, you could volunteer at a hospital or a nursing home.
Your volunteer work might also expose you to professional organizations or internships that could be of benefit
to your career. When it comes to volunteering, passion and positivity are the only requirements: While
learning new skills can be beneficial to many, it’s not a requirement for a fulfilling volunteer experience. Bear in
mind that the most valuable skills you can bring to any volunteer effort are compassion, an open mind, a
willingness to do whatever is needed, and a positive attitude.

5. A Letter of Appreciation to our Volunteers from Elizabeth McCarthy, Executive Directo
A volunteer appreciation letter and certificate was mailed on May 15, 2012 to all our volunteers thanking
them for their service, hard work and dedication in volunteering at ESS/Sheltering Arms. Below is a copy
of the letter and volunteer appreciation certificate that was sent to our volunteers:
On behalf of ESS/Sheltering Arms, I would like to thankyou for volunteering your time throughout the
year in support of our programs. Your commitment furthers our ability to carry on the work of serving
and uplifting disadvantaged citizens in New York City that was started 180 years ago.
Because of dedicated volunteers like you, ESS is able to provide for over 5,000 of New York City’s most
vulnerable residents with quality services including after school programs, adolescent residential care,
early childhood education, family preservation, foster care and adoption, and programs and residences
for developmentally disabled adults.
Enclosed you’ll find a volunteer appreciationcertificate,a small token of our gratitude for your time and
dedication in upholding our mission of transforming the lives and communities of New Yorkers in need.
We are proud to partner with you in this vital work.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth McCarthy
Executive Director
PAGE 4

7. P A G E 6
Congratulations to Seyna Sous, Volunteer of the Month, January
2012
Seyna Sous, a volunteer with our Early HeadStartprogramwas presentedwith the volunteer of the month
award for January. When did you start volunteering at ESS? I started
volunteering at ESS in September 2010 with the Developmental Disabilities
Services department, under the Director Richard Anemone. Running copies on a
daily basis for his clients. I volunteered for the Mental Health Department, under
the Director Dr. Karen Myrie assisting the medical clinic staff with creating a new
patient file system for their patients. Volunteering in these department helped me
to focus on my careerin the medical administrationfield.Ilearnedhowthe dental,
psychiatric and medical department operates on a daily basis. I am currently
volunteering with the Early Head Start program under the Director Helen Davis,
assisting Wanda Ortiz as an Clerical Aide. I learned a lot working with her. What
do you like most about volunteering at ESS? I like volunteering at ESS, because
I get to help people in doing what I love and it makes me feel great knowing that
I can assist in anyway possible. I have been volunteering for one and half years
and I have learned that in order to be a good volunteer you have to be dedicated,
passionate and patience that is the key. What made you choose to volun-
teer at ESS? My grandfatherinspiredme to becomea volunteer, becauseof his strong, genuine and great
passion for helping others giving back to the community. He volunteered his time at a Buddhist temple
on Marion Avenue, in the Bronx. No matter what the weather was rain or shine he managed to get up
every morning and get to his destination. With every penny he had he donated to the temple. Making
sure that the bills were paid and helping with repairs within the temple, anything to help make it better
forthe peoplewhoattendthe templetoprayon a dailybasisoron special occasions.Hewasaninspiration
and a great motivator in my life. He passed away at the age of 88. What impact has volunteering at
ESS made on you? It really changed me to become a better person in many ways, from developing my
social skills, to building a higher confidence level and becomingmore attentativeto society. I would like
to thank ESS and the Early Head Start staff for all their time
Congratulations to Charlotte McCullagh, Volunteer of the Month,
February 2012
Charlotte McCullagh, a volunteer/intern with our General
Preventive program was presented with the volunteer of the month award for February. She is
pleasant and has connected well with the preventive staff. Charlotte’s site supervisor, Anne M.
Franco praised her for her eagerness to learn.s. Although she has only been with the program
for over 2 months, she has exhibited quality performance thus far. When did you start
volunteeringat ESS? I started volunteering at ESS at the end of November 2011. I am currently

8. volunteering as a case aide/ Clerical Aide for the Family Preservation team. What made you
choose to volunteer at ESS? I was placed at ESS by the NYU Silver School, they felt that the
agency was a good fit for me. What do you like best about volunteering at ESS? I like
volunteering at ESS because the case planners and supervisors are very supportive and know a
great deal. I thank them for all their support.
P A G E 7
Congratulations to Hayden Hutchison,Volunteer of the Month,
March 2012
Hayden Hutchison, a volunteer/intern with our PYA Youth Development
program was presented with the volunteer of the month award for March.
When did you start volunteering at ESS? I started volunteering at ESS in
January 2012. What made you choose to volunteer at ESS? I am working
towards my Masters in Social Work and Global Public Health at NYU, and I am
completing my first year MSW field placement with ESS Preparing Youth for
Adulthood program. I hope to pursue a career working with children and
adolescents. Why is volunteering and giving back to the community
important to you? Volunteerism and service are two personal passions which
I look to continue as social worker in my professional career. Thanks to the PYA
Youth Development staff for all their help.
Congratulations to Mark van den Bergh, Volunteer of the Month,
April 2012
Mark van den Bergh, a volunteer with our IT Department was presented with the volunteer of
the month for April 2012. Mark started volunteering at ESS in
December 2011.
What made you choose to volunteer at ESS? I didn’t want to sit
at home all day and wasting my IT business analyst experience I
started to look for a voluntary roles. Via the website idealist.org I
found a volunteer employment possibility as IT volunteer at ESS.
After visiting the website and reading the mission statement I knew
this was the organization I wanted
What do you like best about volunteering? The best thing about
volunteering for ESS is the fact that I can contribute to the following
part in the mission statement of ESS. The positive impact that ESS
makes on to transform the lives and communities of New Yorkers
in need, ESS strengthens families, promote the healthy
development of

9. children and youth, and empowers all whom we serve to become self-sufficient to a level at
which they are capable. It is good to know that you can make a difference by contributing your
help and knowledge as a volunteer to the society.
How does volunteering fit your personal goals? For me it is important to have a challenge in
life and learn something. Besides the possibility to be able to donate my time and knowledge
to an organization like ESS it is important to gain experience in several ways. As IT volunteer
with ESS I can learn a lot about a specific part of IT which I don’t know yet and at the same time
contributing something for a very good cause. I am convinced that this experience will look very
good on my resume but most importantly will have great impact on further career decisions in
my life. Being able to combine work and helping people in need is very special.
Why is volunteerism and giving back to the community important to you? It is great to
contribute and give something to people who are in desperate need of help. Volunteerism and
donating something to the community is a great experience for me. In my previous job I was a
really a very devoted employee but as a volunteer I can honestly say I feel very committed and
maybe even more devoted. It is really great to know that your dedication as a volunteer is really
appreciated by ESS and the New Yorkers in need.
P A G E 8
Congratulations to Dita Carhart, Volunteer of the Month, May 2012
Dita Carhart, a volunteer with our Development and Communication
department was presented with the volunteer of the month for May 2012.
When did you started volunteering at ESS? I started volunteering at
ESS in November 2011.
How long have you been volunteering and where have you
volunteered before? I began volunteering once my children were in
school longenough to string a fewhours together, which wasabout eight
years ago. I started as a readingtutor in a school in the Bronx. I work with
the same three students for three years, and then unfortunately, the
program was canceled. I also became a greeter at my children’s school
and later a tour guide for the
elementary school and the middle school.
How did you learn about our volunteer program? Five years ago I started as a CASA Advocate, helping
foster children with their court cases. That is how found out about Episcopal Social Services.
Why did you choose to volunteer for our Development and Communication Department?
I realized of all the caseworkers I had worked with through CASA that ESS had the best! I then decided I’d
like to re-enter the development field and I wanted to volunteer in an organization that worked with
children. So I looked up to see if ESS had any opportunities and gave them a call.

10. How to Find the Right Volunteer Opportunity (Article found on
HelpGuide.org)
There are numerous volunteer opportunities available. The key is to find a volunteer position that you would
enjoy and are capable of doing. It’s also important to make sure that your commitment matches the
organization’s needs.
The following questions can help you narrow your options:
Would you like to work with people or would you rather work in solitude?
Do you prefer to work alone or as part of a team.
Are you better behind the scenes or do you prefer to take a more visible role?
How much time are you willing to commit?
How much responsibility are you ready to take on?
What skills can you bring a volunteer job?
Getting the most out of volunteering
You’re donating your valuable time, so it’s important that you enjoy and benefit from your volunteering. It’s
importantto makesure that your volunteerpositionis a goodfit andto communicatewiththe peopleyou’re
working with in the volunteer organization.
Ask questions. You want to make sure that the experience is right for your skills, your goals, and
the time you want to spend. If you have any questions, be sure to speak up. Sample questions to
your volunteer coordinator might address your time commitment, if there’s any training involved,
who you will be working with, and what to do if you have questions during your experience.
Make sure you know what’s expected. Before starting, make sure you are comfortablewith the
organization, know what is expected, and understand the time commitment. Consider starting
small so that you don’t over commityourself at first. Give yourself someflexibilitytochangeyour
focus if needed.
Don’t be afraid to make a change. Speak up if your experience isn’t what you expected. Don’t
force yourself into a bad fit. Talk to the organization about changing your focus or consider
looking for another match.
Enjoy yourself. Most importantly, make sure you’re having fun! The best volunteer experiences
benefit both the volunteer and the organization. If you’re not enjoying yourself, ask yourself why.
Is it the tasks you’re performing? The people you’re working with? Or are you uncomfortable
simply because the situation is new and familiar? Pinpointing what’s bothering you can help you
decide how to proceed.

11. P A G E 9

12. Volunteer Opportunities

13. Volunteer Opportunities
The mission of Episcopal Social Services (ESS) Volunteer Services is to expand and enhance the services that ESS
provides to children, adults, and families, while providing a meaningful experience for volunteers.
ESS volunteers give generously of their time and talents and make an enormous difference in the lives of their fellow
New Yorkers. Some volunteers make a long-term commitment serving a program on an on-going basis; others come
just for a day.
Individual Volunteer Opportunities
Adolescent Residential Care for At-Risk Youth
Arts Workshop Facilitators – Are you willing to lead a workshop for a group of 10 youth on poetry, art, drama, spoken
word, dance, or any other liberal art?
Computer Mentors – Teach youth at our group homes how to use basic computer programs in our new Cyber Cafe.
After-School Program
Tutors for ages 10 - 13 – Assist middle school students with homework assignments, studying for tests, class projects,
etc.
Recreation Mentors for ages 10 - 13 – Assist middle school students while they are participating in recreation activities
such as: sports, dance, step team, art, video games, band, choir, etc.
Tutors for ages 5 – 10 – Assist elementary school students, with homework assignments, studying for tests, class projects,
etc.
Recreation Mentor for ages 5 - 10 – Assist elementary students, while they are participating in recreation activities such
as: sports, flag football, dance, art, music, choir, etc.
Martial Arts Mentor for ages 5 – 10 – Teach elementary school students martial arts once or twice a week.
Day Care Center
Arts Mentor - Provide arts and cultural activities including, but not limited to: art, singing, dancing, song-writing, martial
arts, and performance plays. Motivate and encourage children to join in.
Music Instructor - Provide musical instruction to the kids and organize an end of the year performance.
Classroom Aide - Assist with classroom activities, ages 2-4, under the supervision of lead teacher. Office Aide - Prepare
mailings, photocopy, file, fax, and general office duties as assigned.
Reading Buddy - Read to children, aged 2-4, twice a week. Willing to be lively and engage the kids Science Buddy – Do
experiments with the kids and get them excited about science!
Dance Mentor – Engage the kids in dance and movement in a weekly class.
Development/ Communications Department
Communications Assistant – Assist with communications functions such as preparation of the newsletter (both print and
electronic versions), appeal mailings, press releases, layouts of journal ads, photography, etc.

14. Early Head Start
Classroom Aide - Assist in the various classroom activities under the supervision of the teachers
Administrative Aide - Great with filing, and filling in as a receptionist for staff
Data Entry Aide - Must be proficient in Power Point, Excel, Publisher, Word
Kitchen Aide – To help in the kitchen preparing food, Must have food handling, cooking, nutrition experience. Preparing
and setting tables. Will be preparing food for ages 2 – 4 years.

15. Volunteer Opportunities (Continued)
Event Volunteers
Flexible schedule in order to help participate & assist with large events . Help to decorate & setup.
Foster Care and Adoption
Tutor – work with kids in high school, middle school, or elementary, giving them one on one help with their homework
after school. Flexible schedule.
Clerical Aide – Assist in filing, copying, faxing and answering the phones.
Group Projects
Gardening
Arts projects with our clients
Renovation or painting in foster care group homes
Building bookshelves and toy cubbyholes in day care centers
Staffing a family picnic or holiday party
Hosting a “third party” fundraiser at your site for one of our programs
Health Services
Filing Aide – Help the offices file and condense paperwork.
Bilingual Office Aide – Spanish speaking assistant that can help the mental health department translate
Homefinding and Intake
Recruiter Aide – Assist in completing necessary outreach objectives at local faith and community based organizations.
Displaying flyers, inquiring about possibly hosting or participating in an event at the location to better spread the word
regarding being a foster parent to children in need, particularly teens.
The recruiter aide will also be for tabling certain events if possible with fellow staff, such as the ACS informational Forum as
well as any other event where the potential to reach out to our targeted area is possible. Volunteer will assist in reaching
out to current foster parents in regards to upcoming committee meetings and potentially hosting foster ware parties.
IT Development
IT Assistant – To help with phones, creating key cards, and maintaining printer logs.
Quality Improvement
Data Entry Assistant – Help with date entry for case record review and client satisfaction sate, assist with checking
accuracy of data entry.
If you’re interested in volunteering, please email the completed application to:Mary Knowlin: knowlinm@e-s-s.org
To learn more about Volunteer Opportunities, please call our Volunteer Hotline at #212.886.5663,
Is there something we haven’t listed as a current volunteer opportunity that you’d like to see? Please don’t
hesitate to share with us!
PAGE 10

16. P A G E 1 1
Free Training Classes for Volunteers at ESS
FREE Training classes are available to ESS staff. Volunteers can participate in
the training classes. Please check for the training schedule and select the
training you want to take. If you are interested in participating in any of the
indicated trainings, you MUST contact the Training Department (training@e-s-
s.org) or you may contact Janine Duke, Training Manager directly at (dukej@e-
s-s.org) so that you may be registered. Please let her know the Name and
Date of the training you would like to attend and your Contact Information
for confirmation.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES, PLEASE CALL OUR VOLUNTEER HOTLINE AT (212)
886-5663 OR EMAIL YOUR RESUME TO: MARY KNOWLIN ATKnowlinm@e-s-s.org
A message from Steven D’Ambrosio, Assistant Director, Human
Resources
Here at ESS, we all seek to work within the framework of our
mission statement—To Transform the Lives and Communities of
New Yorkers in need. As volunteers at ESS, you make a
meaningful impact on all who we serve whether child, teen, or
adult. Without your devotion to our cause and to our mission,
ESS would not be what it is. I want to thank you all from the
bottom of my heart for all that you do and for all that you have
helped us to achieve.

17. SPECIAL THANKS to all of our Volunteers
We at Episcopal Social Services thank all our volunteers
for their generous contribution, hard work and
dedication. We recognize you as being a valuable part
of our company. You are the clue that holds our
company together and make us shine. Whenever we
need help in one of our department, you fill in the gap
and we thank you for that. Whether you are
volunteering/ interning for college credit or just to
give back to the community it takes a special kind of
person to volun-
Let love shines through in all you do. teer and give of there time. “Volunteers Make The
Difference” A SPECIAL THANKS and welcome to all our new volunteers. Thank you for
sharing the most precious gift of all—yourself.
P A G E 1 2
A Message from the Editor
Mary Knowlin, Volunteer Recruiter
——————————————–
Editor
June 2012
My name is Mary Knowlin, Volunteer Recruiter at
ESS. I came to ESS/Sheltering Arms in June of 2011. When I was offered the position as Volunteer
Recruiter, I thought to myself how could you recruit volunteers? Who has the time to devote to
volunteering? I remember in my Customer Service class there was a sign in front of the class that
read: “You Don’t Know What You Can Do Until You Try”. Everyday I would look at that sign and

18. read it and said to myself, “that is so true”. Previous Job Corps staff went over the details of the
Volunteer Recruiter position. I read all the information that they gave me. With the ongoing
guidance and supervision of our Assistant Director of HR, Steven D’Ambrosio I was able to learn
more about being a Volunteer Recruiter. Now I love being a Volunteer Recruiter, because it makes
me feel good to hear the stories people tell me about wanting to volunteer. When I call to
interview them on the phone, I asked them the question “Why is Volunteering and Giving Back
to the Community Important to You?” The response is always focused on a passion to help
people and by doing this I’m giving back to the community. Some say that the community has
done a lot for them so they want to give back. It is all about helping and giving back to the
community and the people we serve. “Thanks to our Volunteers”
I am proud to present the first issue of the Volunteer Newsletter. This newsletter was published to
give thanks and recognition to our volunteers and to highlight their service and dedication to
ESS/Sheltering Arms. Inside this newsletter you will also find articles on our cover story “The impact
that volunteers are having on our new NSP (Non-Secure Placement) program”, “Volunteering and
it’s Surprising Benefits” , “How to find the right volunteer opportunity”, “Volunteer Opportunities”
and “Free Classes for Volunteers at ESS”. Highlighted is a letter from our Executive Director,
Elizabeth McCarthy, along with a volunteer appreciation certificate that was sent to all our
volunteers thanking them for their hard work, dedication and service to ESS/Sheltering Arms. A
message from Steven D’Ambrosio, Assistant Director, Human Resources. Please do not hesitate to
contact me at knowlinm@e-s-s.org if you would like to contribute to future newsletters.