Contributed by ADAPT Marketing and Fund Development Intern, Chris Bufalo 

Community is at the core of ADAPT Community Network—it’s even in the name. ADAPT believes that both our organization and the people we support are essential parts of the fabric of our communities. We build upon this belief to create unique and rewarding opportunities for internship experiences. 

Those who join us for our internship program can be involved in an experience that dives deeper than a regular position. ADAPT offers interns enriching and rewarding opportunities, where real-life skills are developed through the power of personal impact and active engagement. 

Students joining internship programs find that the organization supports its staff in the manner of its namesake—adaptability. ADAPT offers a variety of internship positions determined by each intern’s area of interest. Interns can work in a person, hands-on role with those we support, or in a corporate office environment. Regardless of position, all students are provided an impactful experience from the perspective of a nonprofit industry leader. Through our trailblazing approach, ADAPT provides invaluable connections, skills, and person-oriented service for interns across the board. 

Dana, a PSO Trainer and former intern with our Family Reimbursement program, encountered one of these unique experiences. In the past, Dana had faced discrimination in employment due to her disability. However, she recalls the support and flexibility offered to her at ADAPT.  

“I felt such an immense vibration of community, I wasn’t outcast for having my challenges and everyone was so welcoming and warm,” Dana said. “ADAPT really wanted to make my voice heard. They asked, ‘how can we enhance you more?’, ‘how can we make your horizons bigger?’ I really felt seen and validated during my internship.”  

After her internship, Dana progressed to a position as an Administrative Assistant at ADAPT. 

While internships at ADAPT hold plenty of benefits for those enrolled within the programs, they provide even more for those we support. All interns are committed to helping remove systematic barriers and providing the support necessary for those within our programs to find their voice and campaign for their most independent and autonomous life.  

If you are interested in interning or volunteering at ADAPT Community Network, please contact Mark Heffner at mheffner@adaptcommunitynetwork.org or call 212-683-6700, x1945. 

Please visit https://adaptcommunitynetwork.org/join-us/volunteer/ for more information.