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.
Odyssey HealthCare, a hospice provider in Northern Virginia, offers an orientation to hospice and hospice volunteering Wednesday, May 10 and Thursday, May 11, from 6-9 p.m., and on Saturday, May 20, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. To attend, call Carol, Volunteer Coordinator, at 703-821-9200. Food will be provided and transportation can be arranged if necessary.
The SemperComm Foundation will conduct its second annual Gala and Silent Auction on Thursday, May 11 at the Mandarin Oriental hotel in Washington, D.C. The SemperComm Foundation, a charitable non-profit organization based in Springfield, was founded to boost the morale of United States service members stationed at overseas remote bases. Sponsors have donated at various levels between $1,000 and $10,000 to raise money for SemperComm's
activities throughout the year.
Volunteers needed for 25th anniversary of the Celebrate Fairfax! Festival June 9-11. Northern Virginia's largest and most prestigious community-wide festival is looking for more than 1,200 volunteers to assist with live performances, provide exhibitor relations, information to patrons, support activities in the ExxonMobil Children's Ave., assist in the SciTech Center, and take/sell admission tickets at the front gates. JetBlue Volunteer Crew members receive free admission to the festival, a volunteer t-shirt, a snack, and beverage, as well as entry for door prizes such as two round trip tickets on JetBlue Airways. To volunteer, go to www.celebratefairfax.com and click on "Volunteer." Or volunteer coordinator Emily Swift at 703-324-5457 or Emily.Swift@FairfaxCounty.gov.
The Fairfax-Burke Shepherd's Center sponsors a Lunch 'N' Life luncheon Thursday, May 25 from 12-2 p.m., at St. Mark Coptic Orthodox Church, 11911 Braddock Road in Fairfax. For Fairfax/Burke residents 50-years-old and up. Juliet Eilperin, author and Washington Post staff writer, will speak about her experiences on Capitol Hill. Cost is $5. Seating is limited. For reservations call Lucy Schleibaum at 703-323-0345. Deadline is May 18 or when seating capacity is reached.
Organizers of the 2006 Godspeed Sail seek volunteers to help enhance the experience for visitors in each port of call. Volunteers are needed to assist and direct visitors, help stage managers and cast members, escort local community groups and tours, and staff the information booths. The Godspeed will dock in Alexandria from May 27-June 3. Admission to the Godspeed Sail and to the accompanying "Landing Party Festival" is free. Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age and should commit at least one full day or two half days to the effort. Volunteer applications may be completed online by visiting www.Americas400thAnniversary.com or by mailing a downloaded form to Lynn Smith, Volunteer Office, Historic Triangle Host Committee, 412 W. Francis St., William Byrd III Stable, Williamsburg, VA 23185. For more information, contact Smith at 757-220-7008.
Leadership Fairfax Inc., a nonprofit organization that develops current and rising leaders in Fairfax County, is seeking candidates for its two leadership programs: the Leadership Fairfax Signature program and the Emerging Leaders Institute program. The programs are open to individuals who live or work in Northern Virginia. The application deadline for the Leadership Fairfax Signature Program is June 15 and the application deadline for the Emerging Leaders Institute is July 15. Applications are available on LFI’s Web site or by calling the LFI office at 703-752-7555.
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.
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.
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 a native tongue. 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 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.
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. Visit www.ucmagency.org.
The Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court seeks volunteers to interview defendants and assist in processing paperwork to determine eligibility for court-appointed attorneys. Volunteers are needed to work one shift per week between 1-4 p.m., for at least six months. Training is provided by the court clerk’s office. Applicants must be at least 21 years of age and background checks are required. For more information or to request an application, contact Sharon Harrington at 703-246-2697, TTY 711 or by e-mail at sharon.harrington@fairfaxcounty.gov.
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.
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 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 supportive 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 Department of Family Services is currently recruiting volunteers for our BeFriend-A-Parent Program, which helps develop trusting mentor relationships with Family Services clients. Volunteers must be at least 21 years old. Training and staff support is provided. At least a six month commitment is required, with 4-6 hours a month is spent with the client. Contact Laurie Eytel at 703-324-7871 or leytel@fairfaxcounty.gov.
The Fairfax County Department of Family Services seeks volunteers for its BeFriend-A-Child program, which develops strong relationships with children in need. Volunteers must be at least 21 years old. Children referred are between 5-12 years of age. Careful screening, training and coaching are provided. One year commitment required, with four hours every other week spent with the child Contact Chuck Berlin at 703-324-7874 or charles.berlin@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.
The Fairfax Area Agency on Aging's Meals on Wheels program is in immediate need of volunteers to deliver meals weekdays to clients in the following areas: Annandale, Baileys Crossroads, Centreville/Chantilly, and Fairfax. The job involves picking up meals at specified sites between 10:30 a.m.-noon and ensuring that the meals are delivered to the clients, usually by 1 p.m. Drivers can choose to deliver meals weekly, bi-weekly, monthly or to substitute as needed. Call the Volunteer Intake Line at 703-324-5406, TTY 703-449-1186 or e-mail Christie.Elliott@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.