Event Categories:

Sign Up Now

The Y.E.S. Program is a volunteer program for youth ages 12 through 18. It is co-sponsored by the Town of Cheektowaga Parks, Recreation, and Youth Services Department and Catholic Charities of Western New York. 

Originally, the program was called Project C.A.R.E. (Concerned Adolescents for Retired Elderly). Ellen Christensen established the program in Fall 1973.

Volunteering through the Y.E.S. Program provides a much needed service to the community, while challenging the teens to learn more about themselves and other people. It also helps teens to explore career possibilities while demonstrating that young people are responsible and caring members of the community. 

Members receive a bi-monthly newsletter filled with a variety of events divided into the following categories: 

elderly (ex. Assisting with nursing home events, transporting to activities at larger facilities, making favors to add to Meals on Wheels food trays), 

children (ex. Arts and crafts at libraries, face painting), 

physically challenged (ex. Arts and crafts, bowling), 

community events (ex. Ronald McDonald House, Food Bank of WNY, holiday activities). 

Many volunteers who join at age twelve are very likely to stay with the program through high school. Experienced volunteers who have been involved with the program for at least one year can hold a seat on the program’s Advisory Board. This is composed of approximately ten volunteers who represent nearly 250 members. They help plan and evaluate events, brainstorm crafts, games, and themes, and organize the annual Awards Night. They are also role models and take new volunteers under their wing, assisting them at activities.