Street Project: The Bridge to Volunteering in the Big Apple

by Natalie Sabia (New York City)

Connecting busy Manhattanites with volunteer opportunities appropriate to their skills and demanding schedules can be a difficult task. “Street Project Inc.” is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization takes on that challenge, serving as a bridge for NYC professionals who are looking to give back. “It’s a good way for volunteers to give back to the community and also connect with other people,” said Stephanie Strauss, co-project leader for the Dress for Success project and Director of Communication for the organization. Founded in 1987, volunteer-run Street Project offers volunteer opportunities for all schedules; a majority of the projects take place on the weekends and don’t require a weekly commitment. “The great aspect of Street Project is you can get involved as much as you want to your comfort level and feel connected,” said Susan Raffel, Co-Executive Director.

Volunteers come from an array of backgrounds including law, finance, education, fashion and publishing. “There are a lot of young professionals who volunteer, but we’re open to anyone,” said Raffel.

Strauss, who works full-time for an investment firm, discovered the organization two years ago, while searching the internet for volunteer opportunities. “I attended a recruiting event and knew this was something I wanted to be apart of,” Strauss said. She first became a board member for Street Project and slowly got more involved in different projects. As time went on, Strauss became attracted to the “Dress for Success” project, which is dedicated to helping disadvantaged women transition into the workforce through the building of confidence, career skills and the provision of proper business attire, including suits, shoes, accessories, bags and coats. Now serving as co-project leader, Strauss takes great pride in the fact that her volunteer work is so meaningful to thousands of women. During the monthly event, the women in need go through fittings and receive career counseling. More than 45,000 women in over 75 cities each year are a part of Dress for Success through various organizations. “I enjoyed being a part of this event so much that I took it over as Co-Director,” Strauss said. “Thankfully, people are very generous about this event and donate a lot of clothing.”

Strauss enjoys all aspects of being a volunteer for Street Project. It opened up a new way to network with other young professionals and serves as a support group. “It’s a good way to meet new people,” Strauss said. “I like to know I am doing something to help others.” Raffel works full-time in risk management for financial services clients while working on her MBA from Columbia University. Yet, she still manages find the time to serve as co-Executive Director for Street Project, fitting in projects wherever she can. Although this translates into quite a hectic schedule, Susan loves being involved and giving back to her community. “It’s a lot to balance, but it’s been much worth it,” Raffel said.

She became involved in the organization after moving to New York about five years ago. She immediately participated in several volunteer projects but felt a special affinity to the “Harlem Dowling” project, which is dedicated to befriending children and their families who are a part of the Preventative Services programs at local Harlem Dowling social services centers. They meet on a monthly basis and set up educational and amusing events for children “I immediately loved the Harlem Dowling project and I loved the community,” Raffel said. “It was my favorite.” By 2005, Raffel became the project leader for the Harlem Dowling project and remained in that role for three years. As project leader, Susan was able to expand the project by bringing on more volunteers and creating new projects for the kids. Some of the events include bowling, ice skating, and trips to the zoo. “Being a part of Street Project opens you up to different people and different areas of the city,” Raffel said. “It’s been a two-way street — I can be involved and also give back.”

Raffel took on the additional role of director of finance for Street Project last year. As director of finance, she has been focusing on the organization’s finances and coordinating with other directors, while sharing her role as project leader to other volunteers. Still motivated to do more, Raffel is looking forward to growing the organization and to adding more projects. “There are several opportunities to choose from and its fun to try new projects,” Raffel said. “I am learning a lot as a director and there is so much more to learn in the future.” “I think as a woman, it’s great to be behind an organization that gives women the empowerment and confidence to make it in this world,” Strauss said. And, there are added benefits to involvement. “Street Project has helped improved my performance at work,” Raffel said. “I am able to use the skills I learn at street project in my full time job,” Raffel said. “Being a director for Street Project has helped me grow as a leader.”