Community Connections

As a non-profit, community-based organization we work to ensure that everyone, regardless of disability, has the power to make life choices and achieve their dreams. Navigating the world of disability services can be confusing and overwhelming. Whether you have a simple question or no idea where to start, we’re here to help. 

Since 1979, we have provided opportunities so that people with disabilities can live freely and independently in the community. Everything we do is based on the Independent Living Philosophy: the belief that people with disabilities have a right to self-determination. People with disabilities possess power to make choices and work toward achieving personal goals and systems change. 

As a designated non-residential Independent Living Center, we are organized and directed by people with disabilities. Many of our services are available to people of all ages who have all types of disabilities. 

For more information, please contact

Scott Pecoy

[email protected]

 The Arts center is located on East 4th Street

Volunteers are sometimes needed for events and exhibit activities, for inquiries email: [email protected]

Contact (315) 216-6782 for more information or visit https://www.oswegoarts.org/

What is the Board of Elections? 

The Board is responsible under New York State Election Law for the following: Voter registration, outreach and processing. Maintain and update voter records.

Where is it?

185 E Seneca St Box 9
Oswego, NY 13126
315-349-8350 or 315-349-8351

Learn more about volunteering at the Board of Election in Oswego County: https://www.oswegocounty.com/government/board_of_elections/election_inspector_training.php

Questions about the Oswego County Board of Elections?
E-Mail Democratic Commissioner Laura Brazak
E-Mail Republican Commissioner Peggy Bickford

Catholic Charities of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse is dedicated to caring for those in need while promoting human development, collaboration, and the elimination of poverty and injustice.  We strive to empower those served to transform their lives in the spirit of God’s love and compassion. 

Learn more here: https://ccoswego.com/under-volunteer/

Where is Catholic Charities?

808 West Broadway
Fulton, NY 13069

For more information, contact Mary-Margaret Pekow, [email protected]

We are a faith-based, community driven model of recovery dedicated to transforming and restoring broken lives. Our vision is to set generations free from addiction one life at a time.

For more information contact:   Alicia Vann, [email protected] or visit https://desenshouse.org/

 What is Fort Ontario?

The fourth and current Fort Ontario is built on the ruins of three earlier fortifications which were the site of three French and Indian War and two War of 1812 battles.  It was occupied by the U.S. Army through World War II.  From 1944 to 1946 the fort served as the only refugee camp in the United States for mostly Jewish victims of the Nazi Holocaust under an Executive Order from President Franklin D. Roosevelt.  A post cemetery containing the graves of 77 officers, soldiers, women, and children who served at Fort Ontario in war and peace is situated on the grounds which are open year-round from dawn to dusk.

In 1946 Fort Ontario was transferred to the State of New York and housed World War II veterans and their families until 1953.  It opened as a state historic site in 1949.

Where is Fort Ontario?

1 East Fourth Street
Oswego, NY 13126

If you are interested in connecting and volunteering for events or during open season, call 315-343-4711

*Fort Ontario is closed for the winter. Will reopen for the season Wednesday May 10, 2023. *

 What is Human Concerns?

Human Concerns, Inc., the non-profit Food Pantry serving the city of Oswego School District, and our clients are truly grateful for the spirit of giving that has captured our community in the past few months.

Where is Human Concerns?

85 East 4th Street, Oswego, NY, United States, New York

For more information call 315-342-7301 or contact Julie McCrobie, [email protected]

What is Literacy Volunteers of Oswego?

OCO Literacy Volunteers provides one-to-one tutoring to adults seeking assistance in reading and math (below 9th grade reading level).  Through individualized learning plans students and tutors meet in public places in Oswego County to achieve success at a pace that works for the student. Our tutors help with reading and math content for students who want to gain employment, improve their employment or pass the TASC test (formerly GED), or pass the high school equivalency exam.  

We also provide tutoring to adults from other countries who are learning to speak English.

For more information, contact 315-342-8839 or Margaret Anderson, [email protected]

Spend time in the Permaculture Living Laboratory (PLL) located between Lee Hall and Shineman. The garden is open to anyone looking for some relaxing time outside, those in need of volunteer hours or those who want to learn more about gardening. Email [email protected] for more info.

 What is Oswego County Opportunities?

Oswego County Opportunities is a private, nonprofit human service agency serving 15,000 people each year through more than 50 programs providing:

• Assistance for the homeless
• Education services for children, youth and adults
• Reproductive health care for women and men
• Independence for those with disabilities
• Meals for the elderly, disabled, & youth
• Safety for the abused
• Support for youth
• Transportation for all

Please contact Bridget Dolbear at 315-598-4717 ext. 1082 or [email protected].

For more information: https://www.oco.org/

To submit a Internship/Volunteer application: https://www.oco.org/volunteer-opportunities/

OCO can offer longer term internship opportunities as well.

What is Oswego Habitat for Humanity?

We are volunteers who network with others in our community to address the needs of all who need a decent place to live. We unite our connections, resources, and volunteers to build and renovate homes, to enrich the lives of those who need them and our community.

To volunteer, visit: https://www.oswegohabitat.org/volunteer

For more information, reach out to Rachel Hendricks, [email protected]

If interested, contact Dawn Smith at [email protected] with an updated resume and an email expressing your interest.

What is the Oswego Players, Inc?

Our purpose described in the charter is “to advance cultural activities of the community through theatrical productions and through stimulating interest and participation in activities relating to the drama; to render assistance, advice, and service to other community organizations and individuals in theater-related projects; and to sponsor an education program of Children’s Theater including periods of instruction for children, and presentations by and for children.”

To get involved, please contact

Norman Berlin

[email protected]

If interested, please contact the Library at 315-341-5867 or reach out to Jeanne Brown, [email protected]

For more information, contact Kimberly Manoni, [email protected] or visit https://oswegoymca.org/index.cfm/contact/volunteer/

What is Rice Creek Field Station?

Rice Creek Field Station, a unit of SUNY Oswego, is dedicated to the support of academic instruction, research, and public service in all aspects of natural history, especially the natural sciences and environmental education.

Located one mile south of the main campus, our year-round facilities provide opportunities for field-oriented biological and earth science teaching and research. Guiding this effort is the mission of Rice Creek to be a living laboratory for the advancement of knowledge through ecological research, education, and stewardship of the natural world.

To inquire about becoming a volunteer for the Rice Creek Field Station, fill out this form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeP-TVlE-0fPC5ke2h-0oAXSli4AJ_oBz4NIEG20wWZbtmSiA/viewform

What is the Richardson Bates House?

Today the Richardson-Bates House remains one of the most intact house museums in New York State, which also features an extensive archival collection and exhibit space documenting the history of Oswego County. Visit to learn more about of the life and times of a fascinating Oswego family and the history of the place where they lived.

Where is the Richardson Bates House?

135 East 3rd Street, Oswego, NY, 13126

For more information, refer to https://www.rbhousemuseum.org/volunteer/

The Salvation Army’s mission is to meet human needs without discrimination.  It’s mission is carried out by providing emergency feeding programs including food pantry and soup kitchen, case management, and youth development programs including music education, teen programs, and camp experiences.

Check out more here:  https://www.facebook.com/SalvationArmyOswegoCounty

For more information, contact Major Heather Odom at Heather.odom@use.salvationarmy.org or Laura Crandall at Laura.Crandall@use.salvationarmy.org. 

Shining Waters is a partnership between the Office of Sustainability and Community Services that provides students with weekly campus and lakeshore cleanups in a collaborative aspect with other students.

For more information, contact Maxon Ali, [email protected]

 SHOP Is located in Room 3 in the Penfield Library Basement.

For more information regarding services and times please check out the SHOP website.

You can also contact SHOP at [email protected] or by calling 315-312-2446

What is Sterling Nature Center…

Since its establishment in 1997, the Friends of the Sterling Nature Center, a devoted non-profit 501c(3) organization, has been instrumental in transforming the Sterling Nature Center into a thriving community resource. We've passionately worked to uphold and advance conservation efforts, and now we're inviting YOU to be a part of this remarkable mission. 

We look forward to welcoming you into our community of passionate volunteers! Contact Christine Engel at [email protected]

For more information, contact   [email protected]

Here is a list of upcoming projects: https://events.civicchamps.com/organizations/2851/calendar/month

Bringing free books to our local neighborhoods in order to encourage literacy in young and at-risk children.

Oswego Bookmobile operates at 34 E Bridge St, Oswego, NY 13126

For more information contact Susan McBrearty, [email protected]

The United Way of Greater Oswego County improves lives by fostering partnerships, mobilizing the community to give and volunteer, raising awareness of local human needs and supporting solutions that address those needs.

United Way of Oswego County is part of a national network of about 1,300 United Ways. Each one is independent and local both in operation and control. Originally organized to coordinate activities among local charities, United Way’s role has expanded over the years.

For more information on how you can volunteer contact Brandi Weaver, [email protected]

For more information on how to get involved contact Teresa Woolson, [email protected]

The Oswego Speedway is a 5/8 mile race track in Oswego, New York. It was built in 1951 and was paved with asphalt since the 1952.

Volunteer with them by contacting Grant Swanson, [email protected]

The Oswego City-County Youth Bureau was established by Oswego County resolution number 147 in 1974, consolidating the new county department with the Oswego City Youth Bureau that had been in existence since 1963. It is supported, in part, with state aid from the NYS Office of Children and Family Services. The focus of the Youth Bureau system in NYS is to provide positive youth development opportunities for all youth, as well as early prevention services for youth at risk of becoming involved in delinquent behavior. The Youth Bureau also oversees Oswego County Parks & Recreation.

Learn more about getting involved by contacting Jen Losurdo, [email protected]

The St. Luke Family of Caring is an affiliation of community-based, not-for-profit healthcare providers serving the greater Oswego County area.

The St. Luke Mission: To meet the evolving healthcare needs of our community, the affiliate organizations comprising the St. Luke Family of Caring are dedicated to helping the people we serve live to their maximum potential and promote dignity of life throughout all of its stages.

Their services include skilled nursing care; sub-acute, short-stay rehabilitation; adult day healthcare; enriched living and assisted living.

They provide care and services to over 400 people, and employ over 500 in our community.

To get involved contact Debbie Corzett, [email protected]