Performing community service can be an attractive alternative to other forms of punishment. If a judge sentences you to perform community service, there are two ways to get it done.
FIRST: COMMUNITY SERVICE COORDINATORS
Some counties have community service coordinators, and some judges insist that you use them. If this is the case, you will receive an information form in court explaining who you have to call.
SECOND: PRIVATELY COORDINATED COMMUNITY SERVICE
Many judges will allow you to perform your community service at any not-for-profit organization. You are responsible for setting up your hours, keeping track of your hours and activities, and then bringing a letter back to court – signed by a supervisor and printed on agency letterhead – that states how many hours you completed. It’s always a good idea to keep track of your service as you are performing it, otherwise, supervisors may forget what you did. To do this, print out our Community Service Hours Tracking Form, and at the end of each shift have your supervisor initial it. When you have completed all the required hours, bring your sheet to your supervisor and have them write a letter stating what you did and how many hours you worked. They need to print that letter on agency letterhead, and then sign it. You can then return the letter to me.
WHERE CAN I PERFORM COMMUNITY SERVICE?
There are many agencies who you can reach out to. Just remember that it has to be a not-for-profit agency. Many nursing homes, animal shelters, and daycare centers are actually for-profit enterprises. Make absolutely sure the place you choose is a not-for-profit.
Here is an incomplete list of agencies you can contact to schedule your community service:
- Churches, Synagogues, and Mosques (but not the one you attend – no double dipping is allowed)
- ABC (Action for a Better Community)
- Angels of Mercy – Dress a Girl, 692 N. Winton Road, Rochester, NY 14609 (585) 730-4556
- Boys and Girls Club, 500 Genesee Street, Rochester, NY 14611 (585) 328-3077
- Foodlink, 1999 Mt. Read Blvd., Rochester, NY 14615 (585) 328-3380
- Goodwill
- Habitat for Humanity / ReStore
- Honeoye Falls Volunteer Fire Department
- House of Mercy
- Mt. Hope Cemetery, Mt. Hope Avenue, Rochester, NY (585) 428-7999
- Open Door Mission, 156 North Plymouth Avenue, Rochester, NY 14608 Contact: Tammy Thimm (585) 454-6696 x113
- Red Cross
- St. Ann’s Community
- St. Joseph’s House of Hospitality, 402 South Avenue, Rochester, NY 14620 Contact: Sheila (M, W, F 9am-1pm) (585) 232-3262
- Villa of Hope
- Sunset House (hospice in Irondequoit)
- Teresa House (hospice in Geneseo)
- Unified Mission, 102 Reynolds Street, Rochester, NY 14608 (585) 235-0350
- United Way
- YMCA
- Willow Domestic Violence Center
For Spanish Speakers:
Ibero-American Development Corp., 954 Clifford Avenue, Rochester, NY 14621 Contact James Barry (585) 467-6410 x26