<lst>Know something that should be included in our Volunteers listing? Fax a brief write-up to 703-917-0991 or call Lea Mae Rice at 703-917-6459.
Volunteer Fairfax will award over 75 volunteers from across Fairfax County at its Fairfax County Volunteer Service Awards ceremony Thursday, April 20, 8 a.m., at the McLean Hilton. Nominees include Susan Harsel, Chris Hegemann, Cathy Kerby, David Kuckenbecker and Margaret Trent. The ceremony includes an address by Elaine Rodgers, president of the United Service Organization of Washington, D.C. $35. To purchase a ticket, visit www.volunteerfairfax.org or call 703-246-3460.
Project Sticker Shock. A program sponsored by the Virginia Alcohol and Beverage Control (VAABC) brings police, youth and parents together to visit retail establishments and place stickers on cases of beer and alco-pops to prevent adults from purchasing alcoholic beverages for underage drinkers. Meet in the lobby of Hayfield Secondary School Saturday, April 22 at 12 p.m. The event ends at 3 p.m. Young people from Lee, Hayfield, Edison and South County area schools needed.
The Fairfax County Creating Assets, Savings and Hope (CASH) program celebrated the efforts of nearly 100 volunteer tax preparers Monday, April 17 at the Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax. Since mid-January, nearly 600 returns had been filed throughout Fairfax County. Volunteers helped residents with incomes of less than $38,000 prepare their taxes and helped maximize their tax refunds. Contact Tom Meagher at 703-324-5139, TTY 711, or tom.meagher@fairfaxcounty.gov or Meredith Eisenberg at 703-324-5194, TTY 711. Visit the Office of Partnerships Web page at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/partnerships.
The Wolf Trap Opera Company seeks pet free housing situations for this summer’s group of performers May 20-August 20. Singers are typically between 25 and 35-years-old. Hosts must supply a private bedroom and bath with access to kitchen and laundry facilities. Non-smoking and pet-free environments close to Wolf Trap are preferred. Company members are responsible for their own food, telephone expenses and transportation. To volunteer to host an opera company member, e-mail wtoc@wolftrap.org.
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. Students from France, Germany, Thailand, Japan, Russia, China, Switzerland, Denmark and Italy await homes for the 2006-2007 school year. 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.
Tutors needed in United Community Ministries’ Journey’s Program for a GED student who is currently working part-time and would like to apply to Northern Virginia Community College’s health profession program after obtaining her GED. For more information, contact Teresa Quinn at 703-768-7106 x318.
United Community Ministries is looking for a computer tutor who enjoys interacting with senior citizens to teach computer classes one day or evening a week for two hours. A small stipend is available for this volunteer position. For more information contact Jacque Lester at 703-768-7106 x339.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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. Call 703-698-3447, stop by the store at 6416 Springfield Plaza or visit www.inova.org.
CHAMPS seeks mentors, volunteers who provide children of prisoners in Northern Virginia with friendship, recreational activities and constructive example. Contact Ellen Klene at 703-533-3302 ext. 107 or eklene@cmhs.org.
The Nurturing Parenting Program, offered by Fairfax County’s Department of Family Services with volunteer support from local community organizations, businesses and faith-based groups, provides parenting classes to promote the strengthening of families and the prevention of child abuse and neglect. The program is currently seeking additional community support to continue and expand these highly successful classes throughout the county. Community volunteers support the program by preparing dinners for participating families, helping with child care, or assisting with facilitation of groups. Call 703-324-7745, (TTY: 703-222-9452) or e-mail at kslone@fairfaxcounty.gov. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/service/dfs/factsheets/NurturingParenting.htm.
The Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court seeks volunteers in the following capacities:
* Assist crime victims of juvenile offenders. Volunteers will notify victims of future hearings, inform victims of their legal rights and provide emotional support. There is a minimum commitment of a one, four-hour shift a week, between 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., as well as a consistent work week for six months. All volunteers must undergo a criminal background check by law. Call 703-246-2697 or e-mail sharon.harrington@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Childhelp USA Children's Center of Virginia seeks volunteers for the advocacy center in Fairfax. Volunteer Mentors provide a positive influence in the lives of children who are at-risk. Good Touch/Bad Touch Volunteer Teachers will instruct elementary school children about sexual and physical abuse, prevention skills and personal body safety rules. Children's Activities Leaders provide supervision and comfort to children in the playroom while receiving various services at the center. Administrative and Intern Volunteers assist the various Directors with many exciting special projects. Training is provided. Call Cheryl Ray at 703-208-1549.
Volunteer ESOL instructors are needed for the fall adult ESOL session at the Church of the Good Shepherd, 9350 Braddock Road, Burke. Contact Aden Riggin at 703-323-5400 ext. 124, or call the parish office at 703-323-5400.
Odyssey Healthcare, a hospice provider, seeks volunteers in the Northern Virginia community to visit and/or assist terminally ill patients and their families during their end of life journey. Opportunities open to those who have compassion, desire to help one to two hours a week, share with a patient or their family, assist with office support or help with bereavement care. Training is provided. Call Carol Morrison at 703-821-9200.
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. Contact Cecelia Vergaretti at 703-768-7106 x326.
Volunteer Emergency Families For Children (VEFC) is looking for people willing to help children in crisis. VEFC trains and supports volunteers who open their homes and provide short- term emergency shelter to local children that have been victims of abuse, neglect or abandonment. E-mail MMiller@VEFC.org.
Inova Fairfax Hospital/Inova Fairfax Hospital for Children offers various opportunities for volunteer service. Some volunteers have contact with patients and staff; others interact primarily with patients' families and other hospital visitors; still others provide clerical support in hospital offices. Some volunteers work offsite, such as those who staff our Treasure Trove consignment/thrift stores. The Inova Heart and Vascular Institute will offer still more volunteer choices. For more or to apply, call Volunteer Services, 703-698-3447, or visit www.inova.org.
The ESL and Immigrant Ministries needs volunteers to teach English as a second language to adult immigrants in 18 locations in Northern Virginia. Free training for volunteers is provided in August and September. Classes begin in September. Both daytime and evening classes are offered. Consult www.eslim.org for full information about the program, including class schedules, locations and a volunteer application form or call 703-271-8341 ext. 3 and leave a message.