<lst>Volunteer Fairfax has started Volunteers for Change, a volunteering opportunity for adults featuring a flexible calendar of weekend and weekday evening projects. Interested adults need to attend a one-time orientation on one of the following dates: Sunday, Jan. 5, 2-3 p.m.; and Wednesday, Jan. 8, 6:30-7:30 p.m. All orientations take place at Volunteer Fairfax's central Fairfax office. Contact Emily Swenson to register for the next orientation at 703-246-3460 or e-mail eswenson@volunteerfairfax.org. Visit www.volunteerfairfax.org for more information.
Event facilitator volunteers are needed to assist with a holiday event at Lack Accotink Park on Dec. 14, including assisting with Santa pictures and pet pictures. Minimum age 18. Contact Julie Hahan at 703-569-0285.
Heartland Hospice in Fairfax is looking for caring and dedicated people with an interest in serving the terminally ill hospice patients and their families. Volunteers offer companionship to patients through friendly visits while others assist with clerical services in the Fairfax office. Training is provided. Contact the volunteer coordinator at 703-273-8693.
Project SUCCESS (Students Understanding Communities and Cherishing Every Student's Service) Teens, along with the Department of Community and Recreation Services' Therapeutic Recreation and Teen Centers and Community Centers, will do renovations at Northern Virginia Training Center (NVTC). NVTC is located at 9901 Braddock Road in Fairfax, and work is scheduled from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Adult professionals and laborers and those willing to give of their time are being sought to work with the teens and provide the necessary instruction and supervision. Volunteers must be 13 or older.
In addition, financial support and supplies are needed. The list of supplies includes, but is not limited to painting supplies, tools, plants, cleaning supplies, fish, aquarium supplies, hammers, nails, sanders, etc. If you are interested in volunteering and/or making a donation, contact Mary Wolf, Project SUCCESS coordinator, at 703-425-6240, or via e-mail at Mpwolf421@aol.com.
The Arts Council of Fairfax County is seeking individuals to serve on the advisory panel for 2002-03. The advisory panel is a key component in achieving the Arts Council's mission of creating an environment in which the arts can flourish in the county. The advisory panel, made up of 24 members — 14 arts members representing the arts community and 10 members-at-large representing residents not employed in the arts — reviews grant applications from Fairfax County arts organizations and makes funding recommendations to the Board of Directors of the Arts Council of Fairfax County.
The Arts Council is seeking one at-large member and one member each in crafts, dance, theater, video and vocal music. Members of the panel must be employed in one of these areas, either reside in Fairfax County or contribute by their vocation or other activities to the well being of the residents of the county and are appointed currently to two-year terms.
Individuals interested in serving should send a resume with cover letter expressing their interest to Toni W. McMahon, president/CEO of the Arts Council, by fax to 703-642-1773, by e-mail to tmcmahon@artsfairfax.org or by mail to 4022 Hummer Road, Annandale, VA 22003.
United Community Ministries, Inc. has the following volunteer needs for November 2002.:
Childcare aides. Help preschool children in small group time, with motor skills, music or art activities. Weekdays between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., age 14 up.
Food Pantry. Help feed the hungry by preparing food bags for daily distribution. Also sort and shelve foods. Weekdays. Minimum age 14.
Computer Tutors. Teach basic typing, Microsoft Word or Excel to individuals seeking to improve their job skills. 7-9 p.m., Monday-Thursday. Minimum age 18.
Thrift Store Aides. Assist with sorting, pricing and displaying of donated items. Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Minimum age 14.
Speakers Bureau. Sharpen speaking skills. Present prepared speech to churches, business other organizations.
Staff a UCM Table. On Nov. 24, UCM will be at the Barnes and Noble Bookstore, Potomac Yards. Volunteers hand out leaflets and ask shoppers to designate UCM with their purchase. Sign up for two-hour increments of time.
Holiday Volunteers. Sign up now to volunteer between Dec. 7 and 21. Help sort donations, bag food or escort parents through UCM's Gift Room to select gifts for their children.
Direct Assistance. There are a wide variety of opportunities that involve direct contact with the people that UCM serves. Choose from helping with shopping and transportation; food deliveries; housecleaning; childcare for parents to attend group meetings; tutor adults working toward GED or college entrance exams; help staff by making follow-up phone calls to parents of youth.
Call 703-768-7106, Ext. 326, to find out more about UCM's volunteer opportunities, or visit www.ucmagency.org.
The Joey Pizzano Memorial Fund Inc. Swimming and Water Safety Program needs volunteers to help teach children with development disabilities self-sufficiency and independence in the water. Children 6-17 learn about water safety and aquatics skills. The program is looking for anyone in the region willing to devote one and a half hours of their time on Saturdays, stand in a pool and have fun with children. The program is looking for high-school students, at least 13, and adults in the Northern Virginia area. The program begins Nov. 9 and ends March 29, 2003. To volunteer, call Serena Scott at 703-324-5214.
The Fairfax County Department of Family Services BeFriend-A-Parent mentoring program offers the opportunity to share knowledge and empathy with a parent who could use some help. Caring, change-focused volunteers build relationships with a Family Service client for a year or more, eight-10 hours a month spent with the client required. Special need for males and Hispanics, great opportunity for seniors and retirees. For more information, call Laurie Eytel, volunteer manager, Child Abuse Prevention Program, at 703-324-7871.
The Northern Virginia AIDS Ministry is looking for individuals or groups that are interested in providing child care for children whose parents are attending necessary medical or social service appointments. One to three volunteers are needed to provide care and play with groups of one to six children raging in age from newborn to 5 years. The program takes place in Fairfax, on Lee Highway and Gallows Road. The play group meets on Mondays from 12:30-3 p.m. and Wednesdays from 12-2:30 p.m. A flexible schedule is available, training is provided and an agency funded background check is required. For more information on this and other volunteer opportunities with NOVAM, contact Briana Jordan at 703-746-0440, Ext. 15.
Heartland Hospice serves terminally ill patients in the Northern Virginia area. It is looking for volunteers to assist patients and caregivers. No experience is required. Training will be provided. Those interested should call the volunteer coordinator at 703-273-8693.
Program Assistants are needed to help Fairfax Area Christian Emergency & Transitional Services (FACETS) program director and staff with projects such as filing, typing, doing research, making calls. in Fairfax. Preferably two days a week, three to four hours at a time, scheduled at volunteer's convenience. Location: Fairfax. Visit www.facetscares.org.
Lead Program Volunteers are needed in Fairfax to oversee and assist in the supervision of one of Fairfax Area Christian Emergency & Transitional Services (FACETS) after-school programs from September through June. Training and on-going consultation with staff supervisor provided. Visit www.facetscares.org.
School-Community Partner Tutors are needed in Fairfax to tutor a student during two, one and a half sessions each week throughout the 2002-03 academic year to implement a learning plan co-developed by the child’s teacher and tutor. Sessions can be scheduled after school, in the early evening or on Saturdays. Additional training and ongoing tutor support and consultation provided. Minimum age 21. Visit www.facetscares.org.
Boys' Group Co-Leaders are needed in Fairfax to facilitate a small group that focuses on empowerment and life skills development for 12- to 17-year-old boys on a day and time to be determined. Minimum age 21. Visit www.facetscares.org.
Youth Group Co-Leaders are needed to facilitate a group for 12 to 17 year olds on Wednesdays from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in Fairfax. Minimum age 21. Visit www.facetscares.org.
Child Tutors are needed to help children in grades K-3 complete homework assignments or engage them in other enrichment activities, such as educational computer games, word puzzles. Tentatively scheduled for Tuesday and/or Thursday, 4-5 p.m. in Fairfax. Minimum age 15. Visit www.facetscares.org.
Youth Tutors are needed to help youths in grades 4-8 complete homework assignments or engage in other enrichment activities, such as educational computer games, word puzzles. Tentatively scheduled for Monday or Wednesday, 4-5:15 p.m. in Fairfax. Minimum age 15. Visit www.facetscares.org.
Indoor Play Group Volunteers are needed in Fairfax to assist children 3-8 in developing literacy and social skills. Tentatively scheduled for Fridays, 4-5:15 p.m. Minimum age 15. Visit www.facetscares.org.
Ballet Assistant Instructor is needed to assist the ballet instructor of a class for girls 5-9 on Monday evenings from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in Fairfax. Minimum age 21. Visit www.facetscares.org.
RV Drivers are needed to transport social workers and nurses to local motels in Fairfax on Tuesday or Thursday from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Proof of good driving record, valid driver’s license and auto insurance required. Minimum age 21. Visit www.facetscares.org.
On-Call Childcare Providers are needed to provide child care in the Fairfax Area Christian Emergency & Transitional Services (FACETS) office while parents attend classes, go to appointments, meet with a social worker, etc. Minimum age 15. Weekdays or Saturday mornings in Fairfax. Visit www.facetscares.org.
Office Assistants are needed to welcome people to the Fairfax Area Christian Emergency & Transitional Services (FACETS) office in Fairfax, answer the phone, do light filing, assist with mass mailings, assemble packets, etc. Weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. for a minimum of three hours a week. Location: Fairfax. Visit www.facetscares.org.
On-Call Translators are needed at Fairfax Area Christian Emergency & Transitional Services (FACETS) to provide translation for Spanish-speaking clients during appointments and assist them in completing applications and other paperwork. Volunteers need to be bilingual. Weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., as needed in Fairfax. Minimum age 16. Visit www.facetscares.org.
The Hemophilia Association of the Capital Area (HACA), whose mission is to serve people affected by bleeding disorders, is seeking volunteers who are interested in serving on its board of directors. In support of HACA's mission and goals, volunteers would work on fund-raising, public relations, education, member services or general organization issues. For more information, contact Sandi Qualley, HACA's executive director, at 703-352-7641.
The Fairfax Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is now accepting applications to advocate for abused and neglected children in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. Currently, there is a desperate need for male and bilingual Spanish-speaking volunteers.
Volunteers gather the facts, conduct interviews with children, families and professionals; monitor Court compliance; attend Court hearings and prepare reports for the Court. Volunteers must be 21 or older, complete training and a commitment for one year is requested. Those with 10-15 hours available each month and who are interested in the well-being of youth, or have a desire to make a difference in the life of a child should apply. Call 703-273-3526 or visit CASA on-line at www.casafairfax.org for an application and an interview.
African-American volunteer mentors are needed for the BeFriend-A-Child program, through Fairfax County Department of Family Services. Male and female mentors of any race or culture are welcome. Mentors give several hours every other week, one-to-one to children in recreational or educational activities. For information, call Chuck Berlin at 703-324-7874 or e-mail cberli@co.fairfax.va.us or Ann Rieger at 703-324-7072, Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Services, Fairfax County Department of Family Services.
Miracle on Wheels provides Power Wheelchairs to non-ambulatory seniors usually at no expense and without a deposit. The wheelchairs are provided to seniors who aren't able to walk and cannot use a manual wheelchair. For more information, call 1-800-749-8778 or online at www.durablemedical.com.
The Selective Service System is seeking volunteers to serve on draft boards in Northern Virginia, which are maintained as an “insurance policy” should a national emergency ever require reinstatement of the draft. Prospective members can be either men or women, must be citizens of the United States, at least 18, and, if male, in compliance with Selective Service rules. Prospective members cannot be employed in law enforcement. In addition, one must not be eligible for military pension or have been convicted of a criminal offense. Candidates who meet the guidelines for appointment are nominated by the governor and appointed on behalf of the president of the United States by the director of Selective Service.
Local board members receive 12 hours of initial training after their appointments, followed by four hours of training conducted on an annual basis, on a weekday evening or weekend morning. They may serve up to 20 years. Call Capt. Brian Kim at 240-228-0476 or visit www.sss.gov under “Board Member Application.”
The Local Human Rights Committee (LHRC) of the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) is recruiting interested citizens for membership. The LHRC is a committee of community volunteers, representing the interests of individuals receiving mental health, mental retardation and substance abuse services in community programs operated by or affiliated with the CSB. The committee reviews and makes recommendations regarding human rights policies and regulations and assists in the formal resolution of human rights complaints.
Individuals currently receiving services directly from the CSB or from one of its affiliated private providers are encouraged to apply, as are family members of individuals receiving services. A state human rights advocate provides training for new members, and LHRC meetings take place monthly in the evenings. To find out more or to submit an application for consideration, contact Lara Larson at 703-324-7027.
Our Neighbor’s Child is a local organization that provides toys and clothing for area families that are having a difficult time. Fairfax County determines the families who have the greatest need, and then local volunteers work together to meet those needs. Our Neighbor’s Child is looking for groups or individuals that would "adopt" the clothing needs of local families for the holiday season. Those interested in helping this year are asked to contact Tracy McInturff at GMFamily1@aol.com or 703-222-6669 or Kathy Sposa at Sposafamily@aol.com.