Volunteer Office Skills Program

ACI's Volunteer Office Skills Program provides a community work experience to individuals with disabilities. Our staff works with the volunteers to develop their skills so they are prepared to obtain paid employment. Volunteers are an integral part of the day to day operations of ACI and help us do the work that we do!

All volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. 

How do I begin?

1. Complete an application to identify interests and skills

2. Interview with the Volunteer Coordinator

3. Learn about ACI and our mission

What do volunteers learn?

• Team building skills

• Public speaking

• Collate mailings

• Phone skills training

• Computer skills

• Office equipment (fax machine, copy machine, shredder, laminator, etc)

• Community events

• Office etiquette

• Customer service

• Maintenance of the ACI Food Pantry

Event Planning

ACI encourages our volunteers to share their interests with others by hosting a workshop on one of their hobbies. This is not only a fun way to learn valuable skills but gives you the opportunity to teach others a new skill as well. Event planning is taught with staff assistance and includes the following:

• Public speaking

• Creating flyers

• Requesting donations

• How to run a meeting

• Keeping track of attendance

• Putting together an agenda

• Setting up the room

Community Event Planning

ACI believes in contributing to our communities. Throughout the year, we host or team up with other organizations to sponsor events such as planting trees on Arbor Day, conducting clothing and food drives, running the ACI CommUnity Market, and raising awareness and money for prevention of abuse. Volunteers are a vital part of helping us organize these events.

One of our annual events is the NJ Disability Pride in the Park festival; volunteers have numerous opportunities to help in the organization of the event including:

• Making phone calls

• Soliciting sponsorship and exhibitors

• Maintaining databases

• Sending out mailings

• Press Releases

Vocational Skills

Work as part of team in the ACI CommUnity Market.

• Stocking the shelves

• Checking the expiration dates

• Maintain database

• Creating pre-made bags

• Creating flyers

• Collecting food

• Learn important customer service skills

• Keep track of sign-in sheet

Other Opportunities

Do you have expertise in an area you would like to share? Would you consider interning for short or long term? Please contact ACI and let us know!

What is expected of our volunteers?

• Arrive on time on the days and times scheduled.

• Call to let us know you are late or can not make it in.

• Attend volunteer orientation meetings.

• Attend at least two job readiness workshops.

• Participation in workshops and events offered by ACI.

• Follow directions of Volunteer Coordinator and staff.