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.
Burke Centre Festival, which is Saturday, Sept. 9 and Sunday, Sept.10, has the following opportunities. All volunteers who work at least a two-hour shift will receive one chance to enter drawings for iPods, mercant gift cards, and more. Four-hour shifts earn two chances, and so on. Volunteers do not need to be present to win. For more information, contact Nancy Sherman at 703-978-2928 ext. 24 or e-mail nancys@burke centre.org.
* Volunteers are needed to work at least one two-hour shift leading up to or during the festival. Volunteers will get one chance to enter in the volunteer-only drawings for iPods, merchant gift cards and other prizes. Many two-hour shifts are available on Saturday, Sept. 9 and Sunday, Sept. 10.
* Clusters and community groups are needed to run games, such as football or basketball tosses, putt-putt, etc. during the festival. All material for the games is provided except for the prizes. All profits would go the group. Applications are now available.
Volunteer for Change, a volunteer program sponsored by Volunteer Fairfax, offers many weekend and weekday evening projects meant to fit adults' busy schedules. A one-time orientation, held Sunday, Sept. 10 from 2-3 p.m. and Wednesday, Sept. 13 from 6:30-7:30 p.m., is required. To register or for more information, contact Ann Dolye at 703-246-3460, ext. 2, or at adoyle@volunteerfairfax.org.
The Northern Virginia Association for Volunteer Administration offers “How to Capture Your Audience in 15 Minutes! (or less…)", a Volunteer Management training workshop to improve presentation skills. The workshop will be held Thursday, Sept. 21 from 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. at the Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, in conference rooms 2 and 3. The training is free to members, non-members $10 at the door. All are encouraged to stay for lunch and network in the cafeteria, brown bag lunches welcome. Register by Friday, Sept. 13 to Susan Stolpe at susan.stolpe@restoninterfaith.org or 571-323-9569.
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.
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.
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 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.