Even in times when families and businesses are forced to cut budgets, individuals who are willing to give of their time, energy and resources continue to ask Forestdale how they can be of assistance.

In addition to caring foster families, Forestdale needs volunteers to mentor youth and young parents, provide job opportunities and training in the community.  Due to recent NYC budget cuts, Forestdale now reaches out to our community to organize toy drives during the holiday season and clothing drives for children and youth throughout the year. We also need donations of gently used car seats, cribs and children’s furnishings .To find out more about how you can help, please contact the Director of Community Development at 718-263-0740 x219. Or E-mail: development@forestdaleinc.org

Jimmy Rahman personifies the great qualities of a community volunteer to Forestdale. Jimmy, who works for the New York Department of Corrections, dedicates his life to helping those around him. A Queens resident since birth, he has strong ties through his family to the Muslim community near Jamaica. In addition, his grandfather owned and operated a neighborhood halal butcher shop in Long Island City.  Since childhood, Jimmy has lived in Astoria and Jackson Heights, and he appreciates the rich fabric of diversity that connects all these Queens communities. Throughout his deep and active involvement in the community, Jimmy credits the Jamaica Rotary Club as a source of the wisdom he uses to keep perspective.

Volunteer Jimmy Rahman, who helps organize the Forestdale Fathering Initiative alumni fathers.

As a result of his parents’ divorce when he was five years old, Jimmy has a deep understanding of the importance of balance within a family. He subsequently has developed a passion for helping kids in similarly unstable situations. Membership in the Boy Scouts of America was a steadying force in Jimmy’s life. For him, being a Boy Scout hones the sensibilities necessary for a balanced, successful life: leadership, accountability and community. He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, at which point, he says, “The commitment just begins.” Jimmy is still active in the organization, and worked on the business side of the Boy Scouts for five years.

It is through Boy Scout activities that Jimmy made his connection to Forestdale. While organizing his youth for recreational activities, he met Scott Leach, then in charge of the local Police Athletic League and a fellow Scout leader. The two men got to know and respect each other’s dedication to serving their community through these interactions. When Scott came to Forestdale, where he directs the Fatherhood Initiative, Jimmy asked what he could do to help.

Jimmy is instrumental in organizing a group of alumni of the Forestdale Fathering Initiative. Many of these alumni fathers returned with their children to the Forestdale Fathers’ Holiday Party held at the Queens Museum, where Jimmy organized his community contacts to donate a delicious buffet lunch and toys for every child.  During the program, many fathers echoed Jimmy’s pride in the rich diversity of our Queens community, when they performed traditional songs and dances and related holiday customs from their respective cultures.   He is currently planning a retreat for the group to Camp Alpine, a Boy Scout site in New Jersey.

In Scott’s words, “Jimmy has been a super volunteer to the program.  He is very dedicated to our mission of helping fathers.”  We deeply appreciate Jimmy Rahman’s desire to help “anyone who may be in need” and his commitment to Forestdale and our greater community.