Mentor a child or parent with Fairfax County's Department of Family Services BeFriend mentoring programs. Enjoy one-on-one activities with a child or adult. The children being mentored have varied and fun monthly group activities. On-going support makes the mentoring experience a positive one. The next training for prospective mentors is on Saturday, May 6, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. in Falls Church. Mentors must be at least 21 years of age. Contact Chuck Berlin at 703-324-7874 or e-mail charles.berlin@fairfaxcounty.gov or contact Ann Rieger by phone 703-324-7072 or e-mail ann.rieger@fairfaxcounty.gov.
The busy and vibrant regional office of the second largest hospice in the United States, Odyssey HealthCare, is looking for volunteers to serve in a variety of positions, both in the office and with patients. Needed are men and women who are 18 or older, dependable and have good communication skills. Volunteer positions require a commitment of one to four hours a week, depending on the job. There are many needs that can be met through creativity and dedication. The most valuable thing a hospice volunteer does is donate time. Odyssey HealthCare values the work of our volunteers and offers on-going educational support programs throughout the year, to assist in becoming the best volunteer. Call 703-821-9200 and speak to Carol, Volunteer Coordinator, to request an application form.
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Washington, D.C., specifically the Northern Virginia house, needs volunteers who can be daytime volunteers from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. or 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Visit www.rmhc.greaterdc.org. Contact John J. Golden, House Operations Manager by mail or visiting at 3312 Gallows Road Falls Church, VA 22042, or call 703-698-7080 ext. 211 or by e-mail at johnrmhc@vacoxmail.com.
Nominations are being accepted for Fairfax County’s Barbara Varon Volunteer Award, which recognizes a county resident whose dedication to improving the community through volunteer service honors the memory of Barbara Varon, former chair of the Fairfax County Electoral Board. Nominations must be received by June 16. To qualify for the award, nominees must: live in Fairfax County, demonstrate an appreciation for the diversity of the community’s population, exhibit patriotism, show evidence of having a positive effect on the community and be known for encouraging others to do the same. Applications are available at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/oep/barbaravaron.pdf, or by calling the Office of Equity Programs at 703-324-2207, TTY 703-222-5494. Applications must include, in 200 words or less, the nominee’s qualifications, the unique nature of the volunteerism, how and what was accomplished and the length of time served in each volunteer activity. Nominations should also include the resident’s name, address and phone number. The award will be presented in October. For more information regarding this award, contact William A. Spencer, director, Office of Equity Programs, at 703-324-2207, TTY 703-222-5494, or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/oep/barbaravaron.pdf.
Exchange Students. The ASPECT Foundation is looking for families to host a foreign exchange student for the upcoming school year. The students come from all over the world for the chance to experience life in the U.S.A. while attending high school. These students have their own health insurance and spending money. Host families provide the student with room and board. Call 703-433-0362 for more information.
Fairfax Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) is recruiting community-minded citizens from diverse backgrounds to volunteer as advocates for children whose families have been cited for abuse and neglect by the Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. The role of a CASA is to investigate a child’s situation and to advocate for what is in the best interest of the child in court. All CASA volunteers undergo training to prepare them for this role and no prior experience in child welfare is required. We especially in need of male and bilingual volunteers. To learn more about this volunteer opportunity, visit www.casafairfax.org or call or e-mail the Fairfax CASA’s Recruitment & Training Manager at 703-273-3526 or staff@casafairfax.org.
The Fairfax MOW group needs a volunteer to serve as treasurer. The Eastern Fairfax Meals on Wheels (MOW) group needs volunteers for two leadership positions: treasurer and assistant treasurer. These leadership positions are responsible for the finances of their MOW group, including monthly reports to the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging. Additionally, the group has immediate need of volunteers to deliver meals, Monday-Friday, to senior adults in the following areas: Annandale, Baileys Crossroads, Falls Church, Manchester Lakes, Centreville/Chantilly, Fairfax, Tysons, Herndon/Reston and Little River Glen. The job involves picking up meals at specified sites between 10:30 a.m.- 12 p.m., and delivering the meals to seniors by 1 p.m. Volunteer drivers can choose to deliver meals on a daily, weekly, bi-weekly, monthly or substitute basis.
For more information on MOW volunteer opportunities, call the Fairfax AAA Volunteer Intake Line at 703-324-5406 or e-mail melanie.mitchell@fairfaxcounty.gov.
HAVEN of Northern Virginia, a nonsectarian, nonprofit, all-volunteer organization, needs volunteers to provide emotional support to the bereaved, the seriously ill, the dying and their families and friends. Haven will have orientations for prospective volunteers during the month of February and will present a 30-hour training course in March. To register for orientation, call HAVEN at 703-941-7000 or e-mail havenofnova@verizon.net.
Volunteers are needed for day and evening hours to work one-to-one with adult learners in public libraries or adult learning centers. Additional opportunities are available working with adolescents in alternative school settings. The Volunteer Learning Program (VLP) trains tutors, assesses learners, and provides materials with follow-up support. For more information about volunteer opportunities and upcoming training dates, please call 703-246-2139 or e-mail VLP@fcps.edu.
With the help of Kidsave, children, ages 7 to 15, living in orphanages in Colombia, Russia and Kazakhstan, will travel to the U.S., live with host families for six weeks, and attend day camp. This program aims to increase the awareness of the plight of orphaned children and gives these children the chance to meet families who can change their lives. Over the past six years, more than 90 percent of the children have been adopted by families they met while in the U.S. for their summer camp experience. Those interested in making a difference in these children's lives should come to the May 14 orientation meeting from 2-4 p.m. at Arlington Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy St., Arlington. Visit www.kidsave.org or call the Kidsave Volunteer Coordinator, Alla Kamins with questions at 571-243-1897 or e-mail her at alla@global.t-bird.edu.
FACETS has a wide range of volunteer opportunities available for fall and winter 2005. Opportunities range from driving to office work to translation. E-mail volunteer@facetscares.org or sdattilo@facetscares.org, or call 703-352-3268.
CrisisLink, a crisis, suicide and trauma prevention, intervention and response hotline, seeks volunteers to take calls and respond directly to individuals in need. Training provides the necessary skills to give referrals and to help callers in crisis. Volunteers must attend 43 hours of intensive training, and are required to make a one year commitment upon completion. Flexible hours are available. Visit www.crisislink.org or call 703-516-6770.
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.
Volunteers are needed to meet with families after hearings at the Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. Under the supervision of court staff, volunteers meet with clients to clarify court orders, sign probation rules and provide information regarding program referrals. 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 and an application, contact Sharon Harrington at 703-246-2697, TTY 703-273-3713.
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. 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.
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 noon-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. Call 703-569-9160 during regular morning hours and ask for Pat.
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. Applicants must be at least 21 years of age. For more information and an application, contact Sharon Harrington, volunteer services coordinator, at 703-246-2697, TTY 703-273-3713, or send e-mail to sharon.harrington@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Inova VNA Home Health is recruiting volunteers to act as friendly visitors to provide companionship to lonely, homebound patients in Alexandria location only. 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 the Alexandria office. 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. Contact Sandi Qualley, HACA's executive director, at 703-352-7641.
World Heritage is seeking families, couples or single parents (with or without children at home), who are interested in hosting a high-school-aged foreign exchange student. Call 1-800-888-9040 or visit www.world-heritage.org.
Sunrise Assisted Living in Fairfax is looking to integrate the community into its home. Anyone ages 14 or older is welcome. Valid toward school community service hours. Call 703-691-0046.
Family practice physicians and nurses (RNs, LPNs, CPNs, nurse practitioners), active or retired, are needed as volunteers in the primary care clinic at NOVA's Medical Education Campus located near Springfield Mall. Hours and days vary. Call Ronda Wright at 703-822-6607 for details.
Volunteers are needed at the Lamb Center at Fairfax Circle, an organization that serves the homeless, Monday-Friday, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; and on Saturday, from 9 a.m. to noon. Call 703-267-6801.
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. 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. 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 Center of Multicultural Human Services in Burke seeks volunteers to help a student with organizing and studying in several school subjects, especially physics. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and volunteer at least two hours a week. Call Ellen Klene at 703-533-3302, ext. 107.
Fairfax County Police Department is seeking volunteers who are interested in becoming Auxiliary Police Officers. APOs are trained to perform a variety of operational support and administrative duties, which include patrol, traffic control, security of prisoners, communications, desk assignments, fingerprinting, crime prevention and special events. To be considered applicants must live in Northern Virginia and be at least 21 years of age. Applicants must be in good health and without a criminal record or history of drug use, and not be an applicant for police officer in any jurisdiction. To apply, obtain a brochure or additional information about the Fairfax County Auxiliary Police Unit, call 703-280-0576.
The Fairfax County Health Department, as part of the Virginia Medical Reserve Corps, launches a volunteer recruitment campaign as part of National Preparedness Month. Medical Reserve Corps volunteers are needed to support public health response activities during times of emergency. For more information or to register, visit www.vamrc.org.
The Inova Heart and Vascular Institute is seeking volunteers to help patients and visitors as well as hospital staff. To learn more about volunteering at the Inova Heart and Vascular Institute or to apply, please call Volunteer Services at 703-776-3447 or visit www.inova.org, and click on How Can I Help?