Community Connections

What is the American Legion?

It is the nation's largest wartime veterans service organization, committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome programs in our communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and continued devotion to our fellow service members and veterans.

Where is it?

American Legion Post 268
69 W. Bridge St.
Oswego, NY 13126

Contact 315-342-4927 with inquiries for volunteering

The Arc of Oswego County is a private, not-for-profit organization that has been a leader in the provision of services to individuals with disabilities since 1953. Our mission is to be a leader in the field of developmental disabilities, committed to meeting the needs of individual growth, productivity, and independence through education, advocacy, and increased community acceptance and participation. You can help us achieve our goals by becoming a member today.

Check out more here: http://www.arcofoswegocounty.org

Or fill out their volunteer application here: https://www.arcofoswegocounty.org/support-us/become-a-volunteer/

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

Julie Allen
315-671-5435
[email protected]

 The Arts center is located on East 4th Street

Volunteers are sometimes needed for events and exhibit activities, for inquiries email: http://[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, call 315-598-3980.

Learn more here: https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.oswego.edu/childrens-center/&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1673882792648304&usg=AOvVaw3ivA5Vq22DbH8ppuxV55cv

Contact the Children's Center: 

315.312.2587
131 Sheldon Hall
SUNY Oswego
[email protected]

Treatment and prevention of Substance Use Disorder in Oswego County continues to be a high priority. Our partnering combines the best of both organizations in order to improve and expand our services to meet our critical community needs.

To get involved, please contact them via this link or call 315-342-7570 for the Oswego office, and 315-592-9243 for the Fulton Office.

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:   [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 Grace and Glory Animals?

Grace and Glory Animals is not only dedicated to saving wildlife, but also to helping the public learn about wildlife safety in innovative and exciting new ways! We are a non-profit organization that receives no government funding and all donations we receive go directly towards the care of our animals. We were founded in 2009 and have continued to grow with the help of the public donating their time and money!

We offer shows for any type of occasions such as birthday parties, scouts, school events, and event camps. You can find more details out about our programs on the webpage.

Where is Grace and Glory Animals?

7877 State Route 104, Oswego NY 13126

For more information visit: https://gandganimals.com/ or email [email protected]

 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 contact 315-342-7301

 Where is JCPenney?

140 NY-104 Ste A, Oswego, NY 13126

For more information on upcoming events that need volunteers, contact: [email protected]

What is the Legal Aid Society?

The Legal Aid Society of MidNew York, Inc., (LASMNY) provides free counsel and advice for people who need help with civil (non-criminal) legal problems.

Where is Legal Aid Society?

335 W 1st St, Oswego, NY 13126

For more information contact 315-532-6900 or visit https://www.lasmny.org/

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 email [email protected]

The H. Lee White Maritime Museum offers tours of the Oswego West Pierhead Lighthouse on Fridays and Saturdays each year between June and September.  For more information on booking, visit our lighthouse tours page or give us a call at 315-342-0480. 

Where is it?

1 W 1st St, Oswego, NY 13126

For more information, check here: https://hlwmm.org/pages/volunteer-opportunities-near-oswego-ny

For more information, contact   [email protected]

For more information, refer here: https://www.oswegony.org/government/animal-control

Or email: [email protected]

What is Oswego County Historical Society?

The Oswego County Historical Society was founded in 1896 on the centennial of British troops finally leaving Oswego and ceasing levies on boats and trade. The society printed their first publication in 1899, appropriately entitled First Publication of the Oswego Historical Society. This first printing from the society begins with a history of Oswego County from the Iroquois to the restoration of Fort Ontario in 1839.

For more information, visit https://nyheritage.org/collections/oswego-historical-society?gclid=Cj0KCQiAiJSeBhCCARIsAHnAzT8DcezWys2cHH7LCVML0WKvdiiRa65cJujzaTXHW-4ALLoDiFuWUgoaAk_EEALw_wcB

Contact through this form: https://nyheritage.org/about#contact

 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   [email protected] or visit https://www.oswegohabitat.org/

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

(315) 343-5138

[email protected]

If interested, please contact the Library at 315-341-5867 or fill out this application: https://oswegopubliclibrary.org/volunteering/

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

Paws Across Oswego County is a 501(c)3 non-profit rescue based in Oswego, NY. PAOC is authorized New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets to operate as a registered pet rescue, Registration No. RR0105.

Our rescue fosters and adopts dogs in need, as well as provides support to the community through various programs. We are dedicated to:

• Assist local animal shelters and DCOs by donations and voluntary services.
• Promote responsible pet ownership through education and special programs.
• Assist the local dog control officers and animal shelters find homes for adoptable companion animals.
• Foster homeless animals, train, spay, neuter, provide all vaccinations, heart worm testing, worming, grooming, and finding the appropriate forever home for every animal in our care.

For more information, refer to https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.pawsacrossoswegocounty.com/&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1673883071490235&usg=AOvVaw3yeGfhmitpIapI6MBgG5EM

Or call 315-342-0001

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 focuses on litter pick-up around SUNY Oswego's campus and includes an informative discussion about the features of Lake Ontario. 

For more information, contact   [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 St. Francis Commons?

St. Francis Commons Assisted Living services combine residential community with exceptional caregiver services. Our esteemed New York State-licensed Assisted Living Program (ALP) offers seniors on-site nursing support, active lifestyles, affordable retirement amenities, and personal dignity.

Where is St. Francis Commons?

12 Burkle St.
Oswego, NY 13126

To learn more about becoming a volunteer, visit https://www.stlukehs.com/volunteer/

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

What is Victory Transformation?

Since 2010, Victory Transformation, Inc. has helped thousands of men and women who have lost their way or went looking for the path to living with god. Through our programs and services, the primary mission of serving those in the community with “love, hope, and encouragement; while at the same time addressing their physical, emotional and spiritual needs” has never waivered.

Where is Victory Transformation?

24 East Oneida Street, Oswego, NY 13126

Please contact 315-403-7681 to learn how to get involved through volunteering or visit https://victorytransformation.com/get-involved

What is Anthony's House by Wellhouse Ministries?

A center that develops and opens a comfort-care home for people with terminal illnesses who need 24-hour care.

Contact [email protected] if interested or learn more here https://www.anthonyhouseoswego.org/support-us

What is WIC (Women, Infants & Children)'s Program…

WIC is a federally funded supplemental food and nutrition education program for women (pregnant, breastfeeding or up to 6 months postpartum), infants and children to the age of five. WIC provides food purchases on an EBT card, nutrition counseling, and referrals to health care. WIC program benefits are redeemed at local stores that accept WIC benefits. By providing some of the foods needed daily for good health, WIC can help you stretch your food budget. Nutrition staff at the WIC clinic can help you plan healthy meals for your family, give advice on infant feeding, children’s dietary needs, and the dietary needs of pregnant and breastfeeding women.

To learn more, refer here: https://www.oco.org/services/health/wic/