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.
The Naomi Project needs volunteers to serve as mentors to disadvantaged pregnant women and new mothers. Mentors will help clients learn about good health during pregnancy, locate needed information, services and equipment, provide positive reinforcement, model sound parenting skills, and will support clients as they plan for stable futures. The next training session for volunteers is Saturday, Sept. 30, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Falls Church Presbyterian Church, 225 E. Broad St. For more information, contact Pilar Jones at 703-860-2633 or visit www.naomiproject.org.
Adoption Services Information Agency has a free information meeting for those considering international adoption Tuesday, Aug. 22 from 7-9 p.m. at their Virginia office, 6800 Versar Drive, Suite 312, Springfield. Steps of the internation adoption process, available program options and fees and timelines will be dicussed. Space is limited, to register, call 888-904-2229 or e-mail info@asia-adopt.org.
Trail volunteers are needed for the Meadowood Recreation Area in Mason Neck. Volunteers will help with trail maintenance and construction activities including pruning, brush cutting, grading, landscaping and construction. Volunteers are needed on a regular basis for trail work days and maintenance activities. Contact Jeff McCusker, outdoor recreation planner at 703-339-3463 or jeff_mccusker@blm.gov.
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.
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 are 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.
Crisislink, the greater Washington region's only 24/7 crisis, suicide and trauma prevention, intervention & response hotline, seeks volunteers to take calls and respond directly to individuals in need on a suicide and crisis hotline. Visit www.crisislink.org and complete the online application or call 703-527-4077 to volunteer.
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 by Sept. 11. 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.
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 sessions 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.
Volunteer language interpreters are needed for the Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court to assist court staff and clients. Criminal background check required. 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 are not able to walk and cannot use a manual wheelchair. Call 1-800-749-8778 or visit www.durablemedical.com.
The EF Foundation for Foreign Study needs host families for foreign exchange students for 2006-07 in Arlington and Fairfax County high schools. Host families provide room, board, and a caring environment. EF selects students from Europe, Asia, and Latin America. They are fully insured, speak English and bring their own spending money. Contact local coordinator Ruth Roush at home 703-751-0165, cell 703-626-5005, or ruthnnva@comcast.net. Visit www.effoundation.org.
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.
Volunteer Court Assistant is needed to perform a variety of responsibilities for the Fairfax County General District Court. Duties include responding to public inquiries and maintaining accurate statistics and performance logs. For more information, contact Deborah Harrison, Volunteer Coordinator at 703-246-4760.
Fairfax Area Agency on Aging Volunteer Home Services for Seniors is seeking volunteers to assist seniors who live in the Falls Church, Alexandria, Annandale, Reston, Springfield and McLean areas. A variety of services are needed ranging from transportation to doctor appointments to grocery shopping. Volunteers who speak Sign Language and Spanish are also needed. Contact the AAA Volunteer Intake Line at 703-324-5406.
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?
CHAMPS seeks mentors, volunteers who provide the children of Northern Virginia prisoners 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. All volunteers must undergo a criminal background check by law. Call 703-246-2697 or e-mail sharon.harrington@fairfaxcounty.gov.
* 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.
* Meet with families after the hearings. Under the supervision of the court staff, volunteers meet with clients to clarify court orders, sign probation rules and provide information regarding program referrals. Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply. A six-month commitment is needed.
* Interview defendants and assist in processing paperwork to determine eligibility for court-appointed attorneys. Training is provided by the court clerk's office.
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. Volunteer Teachers/Publix Speakers will instruct elementary, middle and high school children about internet safety. Team Volunteers bring comfort to families by helping the Blessing team with mini home makeovers. Children's and Activities Leaders provide supervision to children in the playroom while receiving various services at the center or in court. Training 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.
Terra Lingua seeks volunteers to host English-speaking foreign exchange students ages 15-18 from France, Germany, South Korea, Russia and Taiwan for the upcoming 5-month semester or 10-month school year programs. Students have own spending money and health insurance and are able to share rooms as long as they have their own beds. To host a student, visit www.TerraLinguaUSA.org, or call toll free at 1-877-520-2522 or e-mail TerraLinguaInfo@yahoo.com.
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 information 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.
The Fairfax County Dept. of Community and Recreation Services seeks adult role models, field trip chaperones and volunteers to coordinate and lead special events. Commitment ranges from a few hours a month to a few hours a day. Call 703-324-TEEN (TTY 711) or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/rec.
The Fairfax Area Agency on Aging seeks bilingual (Korean/English) volunteers to offer telephone assistance to Korean-speaking older adults who need resources and services. Familiarity with the Internet is also needed. Ongoing training and support will be provided. To learn more about resources for seniors in Fairfax County, visit the county’s Web site at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/seniors. Call Michelle Monk at 703-324-7647 (TTY 711) or e-mail michelle.monk@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Language Access Coordinator seeks bilingual speakers of foreign languages for the Fairfax County Office of County Executive to serve as volunteer verifiers of translated government documents. After training, interviewing and testing, volunteers can review for accuracy the many documents that are routinely translated for public distribution. To qualify, participants must have e-mail access, as most of this work can be done from home, and a good command of written English and be able to speak the appropriate language. Contact Angie Carrera at 703-324-2531 or by e-mail at angie.carrera@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Project SUCCESS is seeking donations for items to put into transition bags for children who are moving from their homes 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 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.
United Community Ministries needs volunteers and donations in several areas. These include:
* Tutors to work with elementary-school aged 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. Visit www.ucmagency.org.
* 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. 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.
* Drivers 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.
* Tutors for the 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.
* 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.
Volunteer English instructors are still 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 703-534-9805, Ext. 222 or visit www.ccda.net/hogar_hispano.html.
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 Gretchen at 703-671-5666, or e-mail Education_hcv@yahoo.com.
The Healthy Families Fairfax Advisory Council is seeking an experienced professional in communications or marketing to serve as a consultant on a voluntary basis. The council’s mission is to educate residents of the community, service providers and policymakers about the Healthy Families Fairfax program. Trained professionals and paraprofessionals provide in-home support services to first-time parents who, because of family history or experience, are at risk of abusing or neglecting their child. Contact Juone Darko at 703-324-7922; TTY 703-222-9452, or juone.darko@fairfaxcounty.gov.
The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) is seeking volunteers to serve as front desk associates at the Fairfax County Employee Fitness Center, located at 12000 Government Center Parkway in Fairfax. Volunteers greet the public, answer phone calls and assist visitors to the facility. Volunteers must be able to complete front desk service training and be at least 18 years of age. Volunteers who work four hours per week receive free use of limited facilities at any of the Park Authority’s nine RECenters. A one-year commitment is preferred. Call 703-324-8569 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/volunteer.htm.
The Angels of Mercy Program is asking Scout, school and church groups to collect new or used CDs and DVDs for its program supporting wounded military at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and at hospitals in Iraq. Call Marian at 703-938-8930 or visit www.mcleanpost270.org/oifoef.
Heatherwood Retirement in Burke is looking for high school or college students for volunteer hours. Contact Anthony at 703-425-1698.
Fairfax Area Agency on Aging's Meals on Wheels (MOW) program is opening a new delivery route for seniors who live in the Centreville/Chantilly area. The additional delivery route needs leadership volunteers to serve as group treasurer, group coordinator and driver coordinator. Also, more volunteer drivers are needed to deliver meals during the week to senior adults who live in this area. The job involves picking up meals between 10:30 a.m. and 12 p.m. and delivering the meals to seniors by 1 p.m. Drivers can choose to deliver meals on a daily, weekly, biweekly, monthly or substitute basis. Job descriptions are available for all volunteer positions. Volunteers are also needed to deliver meals to seniors who live in the following areas: Springfield, Vienna, McLean, Annandale, Falls Church, Baileys Crossroads, Tysons, Reston, Herndon and Little River Glen. For more information, please call the Fairfax AAA Volunteer Intake Line at 703-324-5406 or e-mail melanie.mitchell@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Tuesday’s Children, a national nonprofit organization that provides services to 9/11 families, is currently recruiting adults in the Burke/Fairfax Station to serve as positive role models for kids ages 6-16 who lost a parent on Sept. 11, 2001. Tuesday’s Children provides a wide-range of services, including mentoring, advocacy for children, next-step life skills and leadership training for adults. Mentors must be 18 years of age and agree to a one-year commitment. Call 202-558-5120 or e-mail brooke@tuesdayschildren.org.
The City of Fairfax Senior Center needs seniors to volunteer for a new program in development, "Senior to Senior," a hotline for seniors to provide information about free resources that are available. Volunteers are needed to work the phones for two-hour shifts. Call 703-359-2487.
ESL and Immigrant Ministries, a non-profit organization that teaches English as a second language classes in Northern Virginia, is looking for volunteers and students for the fall semester. Training is provided and classes begin in September. To download an application visit www.eslim.org or call 703-841-0292 for more information.
Guitars not Guns is seeking volunteers to help the organization establish a program in the Springfield/Annandale area. Classes will consist of eight weekly sessions, about 90 minutes long, with eight-10 students per class. The program is tentatively looking at holding the first level 1 class the week of Monday, September 18. The class would finish by Sunday, Nov. 12. Volunteer positions available include: class monitor, someone to be responsible for an eight week class session; teachers, to teach the guitar lessons; teacher assistants to help the teacher during class; program chairperson to develop a plan and incentives for the students; fundraising chairperson; business liaison chairperson to contact local businesses to find corporate sponsors; facilities chaiperson to find places where classes can be taught; and a partners chairperson who can find other youth organizations for Guitars not Guns to work with.
The annual VolunteerFest, a region-wide day of community service produced by Volunteer Fairfax, will be held Saturday, Oct. 28. Fairfax County nonprofits and government agencies are invited to submit project proposals and participate in this event. To submit a project proposal, visit www.volunteerfairfax.org and follow to link to VolunteerFest. For more information, contact Erin Whyte at ewhyte@volunteerfairfax.org or (703) 246-3460, ext. 7.
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.
The Northern Virginia Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program needs volunteer advocates to promote the quality of life and care for people living in long-term care facilities. Volunteers are assigned to a specific local nursing home or assisted-living facility to meet one-on-one with residents. Apply now for the training scheduled for Sept. 26, 27 and Oct. 6. For further information or an application, call 703-324-5435 or TTY: 703-449-1186 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/LTCOmbudsman.
Fairfax County’s Department of Family Services seeks volunteers for its BeFriend mentoring programs. Mentors work with either children or parents, participating in one-on-one activities. The program is in special need of male and African American mentors. The next training session for prospective mentors is Saturday, September 30, from 8:45 a.m.-4 p.m. in Falls Church. Mentors must be at least 21 years old. Contact Chuck Berlin at 703-324-7874 for more information.