Mental Health Access & Support
Hudson Valley Clubhouse
Non-profit, 1-5 team members
Address: 98 Cannon Street Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
Action Areas:Housing Insecurity/Justice, Mental Health Access and Support
About: Hudson Valley Clubhouse is one of over 370 therapeutic, working communities in 32 countries. A Clubhouse is a community-based location designed to support the recovery of people living with serious mental illness (SMI). Each clubhouse provides a restorative environment for people whose lives have been severely disrupted because of their mental illness.
In each Clubhouse, an intentional community is created, where members and staff work together, side-by-side, to carry out all daily operations of the Clubhouse. Members are also given access to crisis intervention services when needed and are connected with resources to support their basic needs, including support with employment, relationship building, education, housing, and daily meals.
Position description: Each student is asked to join one of our two work units, career and communications or home and garden. Students learn the process of welcoming and engaging members (Clubhouse participants) in running all aspects of the Clubhouse, learning about members’ lives and community interests and needs, and assisting members in addressing those needs. All of this is done in a collegial manner that is more of a partnership and not a “treatment” mode. Students have the opportunity to learn about the wider mental health system and how to assist members with housing, employment, educational and public benefits needs.
Desired Skills:Communications – emails, phone calls, in person outreach, Social media management, interest in mental health policy and services; interest in psychosocial rehabilitation models, interpersonal communication
Hours: 4hrs/week
Positions Available: 2
Are you interested in getting involved with the Clubhouse HV? Visit here for your next steps.
Dutchess County Department of Mental Health Services – at capacity, please check back for Spring CEL Opportunities
The Brain and Body Coalition LLC.
Community Based/ For profit, 5-10 team members
Address: 8 N Cherry Street, Poughkeepsie Underwear Factory, 2nd floor; Programming occurs around the Hudson Valley and within Dutchess County.
Action Areas: Mental Health Access and Support, Public Health
About: The Brain and Body Coalition (TBBC) is committed to enhancing children’s mental health within communities of color through education, advocacy, and proactive care.Our focus is on the well-being of children while also empowering those who support them with essential training.
Our dedicated team of mental health educators in New York conducts signature workshops, evidence-based training, and community outreach initiatives aimed at dismantling stigma and fostering proactive approaches to mental health. Through innovative programming, easily accessible resources, and culturally responsive support, The Brain and Body Coalition promotes a holistic approach to wellness that empowers individuals and strengthens entire communities.
Position Description:
We are looking for an individual who is a quick learner and has a desire to get to know their community and available community resources. This is a front facing position and requires a positive attitude and professionalism.
As the outreach intern you’ll be required to attend a variety of in person events, familiarize yourself with resources and services provided by The Brain and Body Coalition along with current in past community partners.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Attend in person, community events:
● represent The Brain And Body Coalition by providing mental health education in public spaces, including Dutchess County buildings schools and local parks
2. Park and School engagement
Work with local parks and schools to provide resource packets, tabling and materials to close the gap in resources and increase conversations around mental health and positive well-being
3. Youth Engagement:
● Work directly with a youth ambassador to support outreach efforts and facilitate youth-centered projects.
Additionally, we would be happy to take on an intern that speaks more than one language.
Desired Skills: Bilingual Spanish-English, Bilingual with another language, Communications – emails, phone calls, in person outreach, Fact-checking, Graphic design, Previous experience working with young people, Public speaking/presenting, Research skills, Social media management, Video editing/production, fishing
Additional Requirements: Driver’s license
Hours: 8hrs/week
Positions Available: 2
Are you interested in getting involved with the Brain and Body Coalition? Visit here for your next steps.
Camino al Éxito (Project for All)
Non-profit, 1-5 team members
Address: 5 Elm Street, Pawling NY 12564
Action Areas: Education Policy and Equity, Expression, Arts, and Culture, Legal Access
About: Camino al Éxito Project for All Inc empowers low-income youth and their families within the Hudson Valley by providing bilingual access to education, health and legal resources that improve personal skills to uplevel available life opportunities.
Position Description:
Students can support with the operation’s organization within the marketing and development department.
Desired Skills: Bilingual Spanish-English, Communications – emails, phone calls, in person outreach, Graphic design, Previous experience working with young people, Research skills, Social media management, Writing, Data collection/analysis
Hours: 8hrs/week
Are you interested in getting involved with Camino al Éxito? Visit here for your next steps.
Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue – must have access to a vehicle
Non-profit, 30+ team members
Address: 2699 Route 22, Dover Plains, NY
Action Areas: Animal welfare, humane education, equine-assisted development
About: Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue is a nonprofit horse sanctuary and community resource founded in 2008 in Dover Plains, New York. Our mission, People Helping Horses Heal People, reflects both sides of our work: providing lifelong sanctuary and exceptional care for horses while creating meaningful opportunities for people to learn, connect, grow, and heal alongside them. Our horses come to Lucky Orphans through circumstances including neglect, cruelty cases, and retirement from racing. Once accepted into our sanctuary, they are given a safe and permanent home where their individual physical, emotional, and behavioral needs are respected throughout their lives. But the horses are only half of our story.
Lucky Orphans uses the unique connection between people and horses to support youth, veterans and first responders, women, schools, community organizations, and individuals who may benefit from an alternative environment for learning, connection, personal growth, and emotional wellness. Our programs are ground-based and focus on skills such as communication, leadership, confidence, emotional awareness, teamwork, compassion, and healthy relationships. Through the Hudson Valley Horse Park at Lucky Orphans, we also welcome the public to experience the sanctuary, learn about horses and responsible animal care, and discover how horses can serve as powerful partners in building stronger and more compassionate communities.
Position Description
Vassar students can become involved in a variety of projects based on their interests, academic goals, skills, and the current needs of the organization.
Possible areas of involvement include:
- Equine-assisted development and wellness programming
- Youth and community programming
- Program support, observation, evaluation, and impact tracking
- Nonprofit administration and operations
- Marketing and communications
- Social media strategy and content creation
- Photography, video production, and storytelling
- Graphic design
- Website content and digital communications
- Fundraising and donor engagement
- Grant research and development
- Community outreach and partnership development
- Event planning and promotion
- Public relations and media outreach
- Volunteer engagement
- Humane education and sanctuary advocacy
- Research projects related to nonprofit management, human-animal interaction, community wellness, or equine-assisted services
Students do not need prior horse experience. Opportunities can be designed around a student’s area of study and interests while providing hands-on exposure to the operations of a working nonprofit organization and accredited horse sanctuary.
Desired Skills: We welcome students from a wide variety of disciplines. Helpful skills or areas of interest may include:
Communications; writing; email and phone outreach; interpersonal communication; public speaking; education; psychology; sociology; nonprofit management; business; marketing; fundraising; graphic design; photography; social media management; web design; research; data collection and analysis; event planning; and video editing/production.
Most importantly, students should be dependable, curious, compassionate, comfortable working collaboratively, and interested in learning how a mission-driven nonprofit operates.
Additional Requirements: Some placements or activities may require a background check depending on the student’s role and interaction with program participants.
Closed-toe footwear and adherence to sanctuary safety policies are required while working around the horses.
Hours: 4hrs/week or 8hrs/week
Are you interested in getting involved with Horse Rescue? Visit here for your next steps.
Family Services – Children’s Center at Family Court
Address: 29 N. Hamilton Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
About: Family Services brings people together to find the support they need, improving their lives and communities, and building a stronger, safer Hudson Valley.
Action Areas: Mental Health Access and Support, Public Health, youth services, gun violence prevention, domestic violence
Position Description: The Children’s Center Intern assists the Lead Teacher and Assistant Teacher at the Children’s Center at the Dutchess County Family Court in compliance with all NYS Office of Court Administration Children’s Center Program agreements. The Intern provides a safe and creative curriculum for children while their families attend to court business and offers consultation to families for resources within the community. The position enthusiastically supports, practices, and communicates the agency’s Mission and Statement of Values. Under the supervision of program staff, interns may facilitate activities with children and offer supportive counseling to parents. In addition to direct-services, interns will assist with administrative and clerical duties. Intern responsibilities will be inclusive of areas identified in their respective college/university learning plan. Children Center Interns enthusiastically support, practice, and communicate the agency’s mission and statement of values.
Role/Responsibilities:
- Responsible for assisting with the direct care and safety of the children left in the center
under the supervision of program staff.- Implements and maintains the health and safety protocol/procedures and maintains visible instructive printouts of these procedures.
- Will assure center is in compliance with all program safety and confidentiality guidelines.
- Under the supervision of program staff, assisting with required intakes and reports.
- Prepares and submits information for monthly reports to appropriate entities.
- Secures the intake paperwork in proper location.
- Maintains statistical records necessary for reports and research.
- Planning, development and evaluation of program activities.
- Designs and carries out curriculum and activities based on the needs and
development of children in center at any given time. - Develops and implements monthly/seasonal themes and constructive activities in
a long-range plan - Will implement the established curriculum guidelines
- Designs and carries out curriculum and activities based on the needs and
- Assisting with the distribution of referral and resource information to caregivers based on their and their children’s needs.
- Remains informed on current local resources and services.
- Assesses the needs of the caregiver and will respond to them through referrals to
appropriate agency/program.
- Assisting the Lead Teacher and Assistant Teacher in the planning and coordinating the Children’s Center/Supervised Visitation Advisory Committee in conjunction with the Associate Director and Director of Family Support Services
- Completion of all required training for staff.
- Providing appropriate, creative, supportive interactions with the children in the center in group and individual activities.
- Develop creative “in-class” programs based on age and present teachable
Hours: 4 hrs/week or 8 hrs/week
Are you interested in getting involved with the Children’s Center? Visit here for your next steps.
Family Services
https://familyservicesny.org/
Volunteer-run, 30+ team members
Address: 29 North Hamilton St., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
Action Areas: Mental Health Access and Support, gun violence prevention, crime and violence victim services and support, family supports
About: Founded in 1879, Family Services brings people together to find the support they need, improving their lives and communities, and building a stronger, safer Hudson Valley. Our program areas include Behavioral Health, Victim Services, Family Programs, Youth Services, Community Safety, and Prevention. Last year, nearly 17,000 children, adults, and families benefited from Family Services programs in Dutchess, Ulster, and Orange counties.
Family Services also manages the Family Partnership Center as a location where the community can come together for conversation and the exchange of ideas, participate in athletics and arts programming, and where a variety of nonprofits and related organizations can co-locate and collaborate to offer enhanced services that create real access. Last year over 70,000 people took advantage of services or activities on this 100,000+ square foot campus.
Position description: Family Partnership Center (FPC) Ambassadors are unpaid volunteers who create a welcoming environment for FPC visitors and assist with connecting people to services. The FPC is available to the community as a place to come together for conversation and the exchange of ideas, to participate in athletics and arts programming, and where a variety of nonprofits co-locate and collaborate to offer enhanced services that create real access. It is estimated that the Center serves between 45,000 and 70,000 individuals a year with more than 110,000 service interactions.
We also have an opportunity to assist with our Communications and Marketing department.
Desired Skills:Bilingual Spanish-English, Communications – emails, phone calls, in person outreach, Previous experience working with young people, Social media management, Writing
Hours:4hrs/week
Are you interested in getting involved with Family Services? Visit here for your next steps.
Mediation Center of Dutchess County – at capacity for the Fall semester, please check back for Spring
https://dutchessmediation.org/
Non-profit, 1-5 team members
Address: 205 South Ave, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
Action Areas: Youth and Community needs, Racial Justice, Education Policy and Equity, Mental Health Access and Support
About: The fundamental principles of a Restorative approach are that all humans:
- Wish to be in good relationship with others;
- Need to feel a sense of belonging in order to thrive;
- Need to feel seen and heard in order to feel they belong;
- Are more likely to consider the impact of their actions on others if those challenging their actions are those with whom they are in good relationship; and
- Have the capacity to be accountable for their actions when they are supported through a non-judgmental process of self-reflection and perspective-taking.
Position description: Helping structure the internship (building systems, data collection)
- facilitating/helping with circles
- write circles (restorative and community-building)
- Creating a resources and guide (for community, colleges, age groups)
- Shadowing/Observing
- Sharing insights, perspectives, and ideas
Desired Skills: Communications – emails, phone calls, in person outreach, Graphic design, Previous experience working with young people, Previous experience in this field, Public speaking/presenting, Research skills, Social media management, Web design, Writing, Data collection/analysis
Hours:4hrs/week
Are you interested in getting involved with the MCDC? Visit here for your next steps.
The Growing STEMZ Foundation
Non-profit, 1-5 team members
Address: 295 Mill St. Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 & Poughkeepsie City Schools
Action Areas: Education Policy and Equity, Environmental Justice and Food Security, Expression, Arts, and Culture, Mental Health Access and Support, Racial Justice, Equity in STEM Education
About: The Growing STEMz Foundation is an organization dedicated to empowerment for communities through STEM/STEAM education via consulting, program development, professional development, tutorials, parent engagement and more.
Collaboration with others and Expressive Arts meets Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, are the hallmarks of our mission. We envision community engagement through project based experiences and developing 21st Century Skills for a competitive global marketplace. We advocate for Educational and Environmental Justice, Equity in STEM Education, and Social Justice.
Our ideal customers are students, educators, and parents. Our ideal partnerships will lead to increased exposure, learning, and college/career readiness for urban, underserved and marginalized communities in STEM.
Position description:
- Informal direct teaching (Teachers Assistant) via Science LABs, Science Club, Science Research in Elementary School Environment.
- Audit Teacher Planning Meetings
- Develop Youth Workshops (STEAM, Field Research)
- Assist in Planning and Coordinating STEM FEST Event May 2025
- Conduct and analyze surveys and questionnaires for organizational development
- Conduct Materials and Resources Inventory (develop a system)
- Enhance Organization Social Media
- Outreach
Desired Skills: Bilingual Spanish-English, Fact-checking, Gardening/farming experience, Previous experience working with young people, Social media management, Data collection/analysis, Familiarity with STEM ideals
Hours:4hrs/week
Are you interested in getting involved with The Growing STEMZ Foundation? Visit here for your next steps.
PACT
Non-profit, 20-25 team members
27 W 60th Street, #20014 New York, NY 10023
Action Areas: Preventive Education, Policy
About: More than 30 years ago, PACT (formerly ECPAT-USA) became the first U.S.-based nonprofit to raise awareness about the commercial sexual exploitation of children. Initially, PACT addressed sex tourism by helping to pass legislation that made it possible to prosecute Americans who traveled abroad to purchase and engage in sex with minors, ensuring that those who sexually exploited children in other countries could be held accountable in the U.S. Today, PACT now stands as the leading organization in the United States dedicated to ending the trafficking and sexual exploitation of children.
PACT’s mission is to protect every child’s right to grow up free from child sexual exploitation and trafficking. Our mission is achieved through four pillars: education, private sector engagement and community outreach, and legislative advocacy.
PACT’s approach to the prevention of child trafficking and commercial exploitation is unique due to our is multi-prong approach, which includes educational programs, legislative advocacy, engagement of the private sector who have a critical role to play in anti-trafficking efforts, as they can help to effect change through their business practices and operations, ensuring proper training of their staff, and helping to publicly raise awareness about this terrible problem; and research initiatives. Our programs and services are evidence-based, culturally and linguistically appropriate, and trauma-informed; Importantly, they are also informed by the Lived Experience Experts who serve on our Survivors Council, as well as the members of our Youth Advisory Council. Their contributions help to ensure that PACT’s programs and educational curricula content remain grounded in the realities of human trafficking, but the language employed to describe it is immediately accessible. Through these programs, PACT has trained educators, service providers, parents, and professionals across 35 states.
Position Description:
- Our interns will have the opportunity to work on a variety of projects, including data entry, outreach, reviewing and editing our different curricula and presentations, and collaborating on program design. As an intern, you will not only collaborate with the programs department, but also network with other departments. In addition to the essential work you will be completing, you will also receive guidance and instruction.
Responsibilities/Duties:
- Review our curricula workshops; provide feedback and suggestions for workshops and programs
- Ensure the materials, activities, and topics covered in our workshops are age appropriate and culturally relevant to youth. Practice workshop facilitation.
- Brainstorm and propose additions to our current youth programming, community engagement, and private sector engagement.
- Conduct Outreach for our different programs
- Carryout presentations to youth groups or Community events.
- Conduct research for programs. Assist in content creation for our program.
- Complete data entry and outreach for our program, with a focus on schools, community centers, and youth serving organizations across New York State.
- Participate in cross-departmental projects, as requested.
- Participate in professional skills development activities.
Desired Skills:
- Bilingual Spanish-English, Bilingual with another language, Communications – emails, phone calls, in person outreach, Fact-checking, Previous experience working with young people, Public speaking/presenting, Research skills, Writing, Data collection/analysis
Additional Requirements:
- Background check
Are you interested in getting involved with PACT? Visit here for your next steps.