There is something quite extraordinary about offering your wisdom, skills and talents to benefit others.  Whether they are building sheds, tending gardens, cleaning equipment or working directly with our program participants, they are taking time from their busy personal and professional lives to give back.  To each we say thank you so much - your time is a precious and wonderful gift.   

Oak Hill has many volunteer opportunities within our 11 distinct programs located throughout Connecticut

Download a complete list of volunteer opportunities at Oak Hill. 

Oak Hill will run a complete background check of all volunteers to meet the requirements established by the Department of Children and Families (DCF). 

Some ways that you can help:

Teens Volunteer

Bristol Eastern High School Industrial Arts students helped to build an over-sized storage shed for camp.

“I like building in class, but this is better. You actually see your structure go up. I have never built anything like this. It is great to help out and make a difference.”

College Students Volunteer

Trinity College students volunteered their time to clean and restore durable medical equipment at the NEAT Equipment Restoration Center.

Oak Hill have offered students enrolled in the UCONN School of Social Work intern opportunities.   

"Their extraordinary work will benefit Oak Hill for years to come.  They not only provide a valuable service but bring to the agency fresh new ideas and new perspectives." - Patrick J. Johnson, Jr., president, Oak Hill  

Seniors Volunteer

Every week, Helen Roth volunteers her time to read to the residents of the Newington Group Home. Helen brings a great deal of joy to adults with intellectual disabilities.

Parents Volunteer

We're grateful to Karen and Bob Giarnese, parents for hosting Happy Feet Dance, a fundraiser to benefit Oak Hill.  With the help of their friends and family they raised almost $2,000 to benefit people with disabilities served by Oak Hill. 

John and Beth Dee, parents, organized four charity motorcycle rides - Jordan's Journey, which was a tribute to Jordan Thomas Dee, their beautiful son, born with intellectual and physical disabilities, who passed away at 14 years of age. 

Proceeds from these fundraising events have provided children and adults with disabilities the opportunity to attend camp and participate in recreational and social events.     

Families Volunteer

Al and Marion Pereira have provided funds for music therapy and have donated many musical instruments that are being thoroughly enjoyed by program participants.

"It's people like you who we believe are sent to make life worth living." - Dexter Cromartie, group home manager about Al and Marion Pereira who established the Arthur Pereira Endowed Fund, in memory of Al's brother who passed away unexpectedly. 

Professionals Volunteer

Many working professionals give of their time and resources to benefit Oak Hill.  At a recent United Way Day of Caring event, over 125 volunteers came out to build a new sensory garden at the NEAT Center.  Our thanks to the employees of Connecticut Children's Medical Center and the Phoenix Insurance Company.   

Companies Support Oak Hill

CVS Corporation generously supports the NEAT Center at Oak Hill, which provides people with temporary or permanent disabilities, seniors, families and the professionals with access to products, new and used equipment, training and services that enhance the independence and quality of life for people of all ages. 

CVS Corporation offers volunteer opportunities for their employees - CVS Caremark "All Kids Can" Volunteer website.  To learn how to volunteer click on this website and type in our agency name: Connecticut Institute for the Blind, d/b/a, Oak Hill

How do I get started?

Call Trish Hesslein, director of community relations today at (860) 769-3876 or email us at hessleint@ciboakhill.org 

Fundraising Events

Volunteers help Oak Hill raise funds at their annual golf tournament. 

Oak Hill's 15th Annual Fundraising Golf Tournament raised almost $50,000.  Proceeds will go toward providing recreational/cultural opportunities for children and adults with disabilities served by Oak Hill. 

Save the date:  Wed. Sept. 15, 2010 for our 16th Annual Fundraising Golf Event; held at Lyman Orchards Golf Course in Middlefield, Connecticut.  

To volunteer or support this event, please call Maria De La Cruz at (860) 769-3802 or email: delacruzm@ciboakhill.org  

Donate Durable Medical Equipment

The NEAT Center at Oak Hill accepts donations of gently used disability equipment, which is repaired, restored and sold to consumers at a savings of 50% to 80% of the original cost.   If you'd like more, please contact Don Hoerman, manager, NEAT Equipment Restoration Center at (860) 243-2869 or email: restore@neatmarketplace.org

Visit NEAT wesite: Buy/Donate Equipment