Be a CIP Hero: Volunteer with Us!
Your Volunteer Journey Starts Here
Why become a Center in the Park Volunteer?
Volunteering at Center in the Park offers a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact in the lives of older adults while building meaningful connections within the community. Located in Philadelphia, CIP is a vibrant center dedicated to promoting wellness, engagement, and support through a wide range of social services, programs and events.
Volunteers are essential to our mission and help bring to life our goal of enhancing the lives of older adults in creative and dynamic ways. Whether you’re eager to give back, gain valuable experience in a fulfilling field, or simply meet new people, volunteering with CIP is an enriching experience open to all ages and backgrounds.
Volunteers are essential to our mission and help bring to life our goal of enhancing the lives of older adults in creative and dynamic ways. Whether you’re eager to give back, gain valuable experience in a fulfilling field, or simply meet new people, volunteering with CIP is an enriching experience open to all ages and backgrounds.


Your Time Can Change Lives
What Does a Volunteer do?
CIP welcomes volunteers to help with a variety of roles, from front-line event support to behind-the-scenes clerical work. Volunteers can get involved in our themed monthly parties and assist with large community gatherings like the Thanksgiving and Holiday Luncheons, Health Fair, and Juneteenth events. Volunteers in these roles might help with setup, greet participants, serve meals, or facilitate activities.
For those interested in administrative support, we have essential roles in data entry, making calls to participants, and assisting with organizational tasks. Clerical volunteers provide critical behind-the-scenes support, using their expertise to help us operate smoothly and efficiently. Whatever your skills or availability, there’s a place for you at CIP to contribute meaningfully, build connections, and support our mission to serve and uplift older adults in our community.
For those interested in administrative support, we have essential roles in data entry, making calls to participants, and assisting with organizational tasks. Clerical volunteers provide critical behind-the-scenes support, using their expertise to help us operate smoothly and efficiently. Whatever your skills or availability, there’s a place for you at CIP to contribute meaningfully, build connections, and support our mission to serve and uplift older adults in our community.
Volunteer Opportunities
Newsletter Coordinator
Prepare CIP’s newsletter for mailing by organizing, labeling, and packaging issues for shipping. Newsletter Coordinators play a key role in ensuring that our community members receive timely updates and important information about upcoming events, programs, and news. Attention to detail and organization skills are helpful in this role.
Newsletter Writer
Contribute articles, member stories, event highlights, and program updates for CIP’s bi-monthly newsletter. Newsletter Writers play a vital role in capturing and sharing the vibrant activities and stories of our community, ensuring members and stakeholders stay informed and engaged. Strong writing skills and attention to detail are essential.
Program Aide
Assist with the setup, facilitation, and cleanup of various programs and events. Program aides support our team by helping events run smoothly and making participants feel welcome and engaged.
Golden Age Café Volunteer
Serve in our café by preparing coffee, serving snacks, and assisting with food safety and cleanliness. Café Volunteers create a friendly atmosphere and offer a warm place for members to connect and relax.
Class Assistant
Support instructors by setting up materials and electronic devices (television, laptop, etc.), assisting participants, and helping with cleanup when necessary. Class Assistants enhance the experience for participants and ensure a positive, accessible environment for all.
Art Instructor
Lead art classes for older adults, including painting, drawing, crafting, and more. Art Instructors bring creativity to our members and help foster artistic expression in a supportive, engaging environment. Teaching experience is a plus.
Volunteer Gardener
Help maintain Center in the Park’s outdoor spaces by planting, weeding, watering, and tending to our gardens. Volunteer Gardeners provide a beautiful, peaceful outdoor space for our members to enjoy. Gardening experience is helpful but not required.
Volunteering Together, Achieving More
Group Volunteers
Center in the Park welcomes groups of all sizes and ages, including students, college organizations, community groups, and corporate teams, to join us in making a positive impact in the lives of older adults. Group volunteers play an essential role in our community, assisting with a wide range of projects, including painting, cleaning, shredding, gardening, and outdoor maintenance. Younger groups have created cheerful greeting cards, while others have served meals at our luncheons or helped host free events and performances for our members.
Volunteering as a group not only supports Center in the Park but also provides a meaningful team-building experience. Join us to make a difference while creating memories and connecting with our community!
Volunteering as a group not only supports Center in the Park but also provides a meaningful team-building experience. Join us to make a difference while creating memories and connecting with our community!

Experiences That Matter
What Our Participants Say
Our Team
Our team is the heart of our organization, working together to make a meaningful impact. Their dedication and passion drive our mission forward every day.

Renée C. Cunningham, MSS
Executive Director

Cleo L. Smalls, MBA
Center Director

David P. Griffith, MSW
Director of Development

Erika Barber
Ombudsman Director

Sykaiya Grant
Business Administrator
Vacant
Business Administrator
Ways to give
Your financial contributions help us create programs and resources that empower older adults to live actively and independently. Every dollar makes a difference in supporting our mission.
Join our team of passionate volunteers who assist with events, workshops, and community outreach. Whether you have a few hours a month or more, your time can brighten someone’s day.
Help spread awareness about the importance of active aging by sharing our mission with your network. Your voice can inspire others to join the movement and make a lasting impact.
Interested in becoming a volunteer?
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Get Involved Today!
You’re not too old, and it’s not too late!