The Volunteer Learning Program is looking for volunteer tutors to work one-on-one with adult learners who are working on the GED, high school diploma, or attempting to improve reading, writing or math skills. Tutors are needed for both day and evening tutoring one-on-one if the public libraries or in small classroom settings. A training session is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 21, from 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in Fairfax City. Fairfax County Public Schools, the Fairfax County Juvenile Court and the Fairfax County Public Library System sponsor the Volunteer Learning Program. To register or for more information, call 703-246-2139 or e-mail VLP@fcps.edu.
Volunteer language interpreters are needed for the Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court to assist court staff and clients. Duties include facilitating communication between clients and court staff, translating court documents, interpreting at some court hearings and helping clients review their court orders. Fluency is required in both English and another language. A commitment to one weekly four-hour shift during business hours (8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) for at least six months is needed. Training is scheduled for Feb. 25, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, 4000 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax City. Applicants must be at least 21 years of age. For more information and an application, contact Gwen Robinson, volunteer services coordinator, at 703-246-2697, TTY 703-273-3713, or send e-mail to gwen.robinson@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Volunteers for Change offers a flexible calendar of weekend and weekday evening projects for adults. A one-time orientation at Volunteer Fairfax's office in central Fairfax is required.
Upcoming orientations are Sunday, Feb. 29, from 2-3 p.m., and Wednesday, March 3, from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
After orientation, volunteers can choose from any of the over 40 monthly community service projects throughout Northern Virginia. Projects include planting trees, bagging food for homeless families, tutoring adult ESL students, playing bingo with the disabled, special community wide events throughout the year and others. To register for the next orientation, contact Emily Swenson at 703-246-3460 or e-mail eswenson@volunteerfairfax.org. Visit www.volunteerfairfax.org.
Volunteer Fairfax has been mobilizing people and resources to meet regional community needs in Fairfax since 1975. To learn about volunteer opportunities in the area, visit www.volunteerfairfax.org or call 703-246-3460.
The Naomi Project, a free, confidential, interfaith program sponsored by the Virginia Council of Churches, is seeking volunteers in the Northern Virginia area. Volunteers will be trained to serve as mentors in a one-on-one relationship with an at-risk pregnant or newly parenting woman. The goals are to promote healthy pregnancies, foster good parenting skills and help clients plan for their futures. Spanish-speaking volunteers are especially needed. The next training session begins March 25. For more information, call Pilar Jones, training coordinator, at 703 860-2633, or visit http://naomiproject.homestead.com.
Fairfax Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) accepts applications for potential volunteers to assist individuals through the court system. Bilingual volunteers are especially needed. Call 703-273-3526. Visit www.casafairfax.org.
Ecumenical Community Helping Others (ECHO), which provides free food, clothing, household items and financial assistance to needy persons in Burke and Springfield, wants to expand its hours of operation to better serve its clients' needs. Adult volunteers who can work from 12-3 p.m. are needed to sort donations. ECHO also needs adult volunteers to work during regular morning hours, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. For more information, call 703-569-9160 during regular morning hours and ask for Pat.
Inova VNA Home Health is recruiting volunteers to act as friendly visitors to provide companionship to lonely, homebound patients. Volunteers are asked to spend one to two hours per week talking with a patient, running errands and doing odd jobs. Visiting can be done either during the day, in the evening or on the weekend as the volunteer's schedule allows. Training will be provided. Contact Marion Hart or Adele Jenney at 703-916-2885.
Inova VNA Home Health is recruiting office volunteers to assist in their various offices. Volunteers perform a variety of tasks. Two or three hour weekday shifts are requested. Training will be provided. Contact Marion Hart or Adele Jenney at 703-916-2885.
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.
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-on-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 visit www.durablemedical.com.
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.
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 ranging in age from newborn to 5 years old. The program takes place in Fairfax, on Lee Highway and Gallows Road. The play group meets on Mondays, 12:30-3 p.m., and Wednesdays, 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.
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.
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 Child care Providers are needed to provide child care for 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.
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.
Inova Fairfax Hospital Auxiliary needs volunteers for its Treasure Trove consignment/thrift store in Springfield Plaza. Proceeds from all three of the Auxiliary's Treasure Trove stores go to Inova Fairfax Hospital and Inova Fairfax Hospital for Children to help support the not-for-profit hospitals' programs and services. Flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, are available in retail positions, for which training will also be provided. For more information, call 703-698-3447, stop by the store at 6416 Springfield Plaza or visit the Inova Fairfax Hospital Web site at www.inova.org and click on "How Can I Help?"
The Fairfax Virginia Corps of the Salvation Army has Angel Trees in Tysons Corner and at BJs in Fair Lakes Mall. People who wish to give gifts to those who otherwise would not receive a gift this season can choose a name from those hanging on the tree, shop for the gift requested and bring them back to the tree, unwrapped. For more information, call 703-385-8700, Ext. 11.
A volunteer receptionist is needed to work with the chief deputy clerk of the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. A minimum commitment of two, four-hour shifts per week, Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., for a six-month period is needed. Applicants must be at least 21 years of age.
Volunteers are also needed to meet with families after court hearings. Applicants must be able to communicate effectively with a wide variety of people. Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply. A six-month commitment is needed.
For more information about these positions, or to request an application, contact Gwen Robinson at 703-246-2697, TTY 273-3713, or by e-mail at gwen.robinson@fairfaxcounty.gov.
United Community Ministries' New You Mentors provide one-on-one friendship, emotional support and modeling of positive work ethics to program participants. Mentors provide participants with useful tools to assist them in their job search and help participants use their strengths to reach their desired results. One, two-hour training session and 10 weekly sessions will take place on Monday evenings, from 7-9 p.m. Provide up to 10 weeks follow-up with client. Interested persons should contact Cecelia Vergaretti at 703-768-7106 x326.
Drivers are needed to transport food to United Community Ministries' clients who are disabled or ill and are unable to make it to the Food Closet. Each volunteer would have to commit to one hour per week for at least a three-month period. Interested persons should contact Cecelia Vergaretti at 703-768-7106 x326.
United Community Ministries needs volunteers to assist families and individuals to improve the quality of their lives in a manner that builds self-esteem and fosters the ability to function at the highest level of their capability. The volunteer provides child care during weekly group meetings as well as models good manners and positive family interaction during both dinner and playtime. Weekly meetings are Thursday evenings, 6:30-8:30 p.m., at Belleview Baptist Church. Interested persons should contact Cecelia Vergaretti at 703-768-7106 Ext. 326.
United Community Ministries needs tutors to give one-on-one tutoring in areas of poor performance to school-age children who are tested as not performing at grade level. Schedules are worked out between volunteer tutor and student/student's family. UCM recommends Sherwood Hall Library because tutors can reserve study rooms. Interested persons should contact Cecelia Vergaretti at 703-768-7106 Ext. 326.
United Community Ministries needs a volunteer receptionist for afternoon hours (1:30-5 p.m.) at UCM's Main Office at 7511 Fordson Road. There is a critical need for help on Monday and Friday afternoons. Training provided. Interested persons should contact Cecelia Vergaretti at 703-768-7106 Ext. 326.
Haven of Northern Virginia is looking for volunteers. Haven offers support, compassion, information and resources to the bereaved and seriously ill. Haven provides initial training for new volunteers. Trained volunteers can choose from responding to telephone calls, providing one-on-one or group emotional support, outreach and education, and/or conduct community presentations. Call Haven at 703-820-4232 or e-mail info@havenofnova.org.
Our Neighbors Child provides toys and clothing for families in the area who 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. The organization is in its 12th year and once again is looking for groups or individuals that would "adopt" the clothing needs of local families for the holiday season. Those interested in helping may contact Tracy McInturff at GMFamily1@aol.com or 703-222-6669 or Holly Cameron at hollycamer@msn.com.
United Community Ministries' Saturday tutoring program needs a driver every Saturday from October to June to pick up children and take them home. UCM can provide the vehicle. To volunteer or for more information, call Cecelia Vergaretti at 703-768-7106, ext. 326.
Project SUCCESS is seeking donations for items to put into transition bags for children who are moving from home into the foster care system without notice. The transition bags are canvas bags filled with items for girls and boys ages newborn to 18. All donated items must be new. Items such as soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste, school supplies, paperback books, key chains, pajamas, underwear and socks, small stuffed animals and toiletries will help make the transition easier for all. These bags will are filled and given to the Fairfax County Family Services Adoption and Foster Care programs. Individuals who would like to make donations or have collected items for this effort should call Mary Wolf at 703-425-6240. TTY 703-222-9693.
Adult volunteers are needed at Heatherwood Retirement Community in Burke for evening and weekend outings with residents. Commitment of one to two hours per month is requested. Call Jan at 703-425-1698.
United Community Ministries needs tutors to work with elementary age children. Spanish is helpful but not required. Spanish speaking volunteers are needed to help adult Hispanic clients with resume writing. Contact: Sue Kelley, volunteer program manager at United Community Ministries, 703-768-7106, ext. 326. For more information, visit www.ucmagency.org.
Help preschool children with motor skills, music or art activities. Join United Community Ministries' qualified team of teachers in meeting the early childhood needs of young children at UCM's Bryant Early Learning Center. Morning and afternoon volunteers are sought. Contact: Cecelia Vergaretti, Volunteer Program Manager, 703-768-7106, ext. 326.
Volunteer English instructors are needed to teach Adult English as a Second Language with Hogar Hispano of Catholic Charities. Training provided, no second language required. Classes meet evenings and weekends and begin in September throughout Northern Virginia. Call for information at 703-534-9805, Ext. 222 or visit www.ccda.net/hogar_hispano.html.
Regular, weekly volunteers are needed at United Community Ministries' Back Porch Thrift Store, especially Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Contact: Cecelia Vergaretti, Volunteer Program Manager, 703-768-7106, ext. 326.
United Community Ministries is seeking donations of the following items: all types of foods, juices, diapers in all sizes, formulas such as Enfamil with Iron, feminine hygiene products, single-pack applesauce, all products that can be eaten out of packages without storage or cooking, toothbrushes and toothpaste, combs and brushes, small shampoos, cereal, bus tokens for basic-needs clients, gas station vouchers with designated amounts on them for basic-needs clients. Help UCM by donating any of the above items. Donations can be made through a church or community organization or drop off donations at 7511 Fordson Road, Alexandria, Monday-Friday, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. UCM can schedule pickups for donations of food by churches or other organizations. Contact Cecelia Vergaretti, 703-768-7106, ext. 326.
HCV is seeking adults to work one-on-one with sixth through eighth grade Hispanic students throughout the school year. Mentors help students with school work and offer friendship and advice. Volunteer with "Alianza Escolar" and help change a child's life. Contact Margarita Kay at 703-671-5666, Ext. 136, or e-mail Education_hcv@yahoo.com.
Fairfax County Foster Care and Adoption Program is seeking homes for children in need. In addition to free training, foster parents may receive monthly financial assistance for the expenses of the child in their care. Call 703-324-7639 to help.