<lst>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.