Make a Difference — Become a CFLR Volunteer
Strengthen lives, support recovery, and build community. Choose how you want to help, when you’re available, and see real impact.
Why Volunteer With CFLR
Volunteers are the backbone of our services. Whether it’s mentoring through the Compeer Program, helping out at outreach events, leading youth prevention activities, or supporting community-building events — every hour you give helps give someone hope.
Your time, skills, and compassion help transform lives across Central New York.
How You Can Help — Volunteer Opportunities
We welcome individuals, families, students, professionals — anyone ready to give back. Here’s how you can get involved:
Mentor & Friend
1:1 Support
Match with youth or adults navigating mental-health challenges.
Flexible commitment: as little as 2–4 hours/month.
Group Facilitator / Workshop Leader
Lead one-hour workshops: hobbies, life skills, art, wellness, recovery support — share what you love.
Especially helpful for our recovery aftercare, prevention, or youth groups.
Event & Outreach Volunteer
Help with community events, fundraisers, awareness events, outreach distributions, and more.
Opportunities vary; great for flexible or occasional availability.
Youth & Family Support Assistant
- Support families, help run youth-centered prevention or mentoring programs, assist with school-based outreach, etc.
Administrative & Behind-the-Scenes Help
Data entry, mailers, outreach calls, recruitment support, resource coordination — valuable help that supports every program.
What to Expect — Commitment & Process
Flexible Scheduling
Choose when and how often you volunteer; we’ll work around your availability.
Background Check & Training
For certain roles (mentoring, 1:1 support), we require a background check and short orientation or training.
Support & Supervision
You won’t be alone: staff and program coordinators provide guidance, resources, and support.
Meaningful Impact
Your time helps real people. Meet others who care, build community, and see the difference you make.
Volunteer Benefits & Why It Matters
Volunteers give more than time — they bring hope, connection, and healing.
Ready to Get Started?
We make it easy. Fill out our short volunteer interest form and we’ll reach out with next steps.
Volunteer - FAQ
No — many roles require only willingness and compassion.
Yes — we welcome whatever time you can give, regularly or occasionally.
Yes. Most roles require a brief orientation and, for certain roles, a background check.
Individuals 18+, families, students (with guardian consent), professionals — anyone ready to help.
Yes. Many of our volunteers have firsthand experience and offer powerful peer support.