Hope Hall School

Founded in 1994 by Sister Diana Dolce, Hope Hall lives up to its name for students and their parents. For children who have been determined to be “difficult or impossible to teach” based on traditional school standards, Hope Hall offers an answer. Specifically designed for children with central auditory processing delays and/or attention deficit disorder, Hope Hall provides a multi-sensory approach to learning. Teachers work with individual students, sharing their enthusiasm, and helping them find their way to learn and excel.

Important Information

Patience, compassion, and openness to learning how to work with students who struggle with school are the qualities of the utmost importance in a Hope Hall volunteer, as well a desire to be with children. Knowledge or expertise in a particular subject is helpful but not mandatory. Training and guidance will be provided.

Contact Information

Martha Mortensen-Kolkmann, LMSW
Director of SSJ Motherhouse Resident Services 150 French Road, Rochester, NY 14618
P: (585) 641-8415  F: (585)641-8594
E: mmortensen@ssjrochester.org

  • Time: School hours (9 AM-3 PM Monday-Friday) (The volunteer will arrange their time with the teacher who will be supervising them according to the volunteer’s availability.)

    Description: Provide support to both the teacher and the students via group and one-on-one work. Classes that need assistance include regular classrooms, woodworking, the library, and English Language Arts (ELA).

  • Time: As Needed

    Description: Assist Director of Development with different projects within the Hope Hall Office of Development. Examples may include but are not limited to sending emails, stuffing and mailing letters, helping with fundraising events, etc

  • Time: As Needed (Testing occurs three times a year. One-State Test. Two-Standardized Tests.)

    Description: Offer support and supervision to the students of Hope Hall during tests. Support could include helping with reading and interpreting questions.

  • Time: The time and day would need to be within school hours, but outside of that it is entirely based on the volunteer’s availability.

    Description: Linda’s Cupboard is a Nonperishable food pantry for Hope Hall families, and it also offers personal hygiene items and paper products. They need volunteers who can pick up the necessary items and bring them to the school. There is a Wegmans, Tops, Aldi, and Walmart within a one-mile radius of the school. Volunteers could choose the store they want to shop in, and then they would be given a list of items and gift cards to complete the purchase.

  • Time: School Hours (9 AM-3 PM Monday-Friday. Do not need to work all days or an entire day.)

    Description: Provide support for full time staff. Examples may include but are not limited to filing, collating, mailing school newsletter, data entry, website development, social media, etc.

  • Time: As Needed.

    Description: Assist with special events like golf tournament, gala, walks, fine arts festival, etc.

  • Time: Approximately 2 (or more if you are available!) hours per week.

    Description: Drive individual, or small groups of students, to workplace experiences and return them back to school. Responsibilities would include: One hour training workshop on the Hope Hall philosophy, understanding our students, and an explanation of the Driving Volunteer procedures. Ongoing communications with the Career and Technical Education Department Head and Director. Connections to students and the Hope Hall Community.

    Preferences: Individuals who are reliable, patient, kind, and have a safe driving record.

Volunteer Opportunities