Volunteers are needed to teach life skills to inmates through Opportunities, Alternatives, and Resources of Fairfax County, Inc. (OAR) at the Loudoun County Work Release Center on Monday evenings. Interested individuals need not be a teacher to apply. Call Fran Furman, volunteer coordinator, at 703-246-3055.
Loudoun County's Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) is seeking volunteers to join its program. RSVP provides a wide range of opportunities for individuals, age 55 and over, to utilize their experience and skills in the community. The benefits provided for a RSVP volunteer include insurance coverage for accidental, personal liability, and excess automobile liability; quarterly newsletters providing information, news, and new volunteer opportunities; invitations to special events, and special recognition for volunteerism. To request an information packet and enrollment form, contact the RSVP office at 703-777-0505.
World Heritage, a non-profit student exchange program, is currently seeking a local community representative to provide high school exchange students with program support. The ideal candidate should enjoy fostering international friendships, be community minded, and enjoy working with teenagers. Community representatives screen potential host families, meet with local high schools, and provide support counseling for host families and students. World Heritage also provides international opportunities for families to host a student and for an American teen to become an exchange student. If interested, call Tammie at 1-800-888-9040 or visit www.world-heritage.org.
Loudoun Families for Children (LFC) needs volunteers. LFC is a non-profit, volunteer organization that provides temporary homes for children in crisis and mentoring for children. LFC is in need of families in Loudoun County to provide a safe and nurturing home for children in need and mentors to serve as a positive role model. LFC is currently registering adults for an upcoming training session in April. Interested volunteers should contact Kim Burk at 703-771-9505 or kburk@burkinc.com.
The Junior Woman's Club of Loudoun (JWCL), a volunteer community service organization for women, will be hosting its second annual Fairy Tale Closet. The Fairy Tale Closet sets up a "boutique" for high school girls to pick out a dress and prom related accessories, free of charge. The club is collecting donations of new or gently worn formal dresses, shoes, purses, jewelry and unopened cosmetics now through March 13 at the following locations: Fitness First - Leesburg; Gold's Gym - Ashburn; Sterling Park Cleaners - Sterling Park Shopping Center; and Valley Chiropractic & Sports Center - Purcellville (weekdays only). Collected items will be distributed, free of charge, during the Fairy Tale Closet event on Mar. 27 at the Hampton Inn in Leesburg. All teen girls are welcome to attend. JWCL members will staff the event. All efforts will be made to keep the identities of the girls confidential. For more information or to arrange a pick up time, contact JWCL at 703-669-6500 or loudounjrs@yahoo.com.
Loudoun Citizens for Social Justice/LAWS (Loudoun Abused Women's Shelter) a 501(c)(3) non-profit domestic and sexual violence center will soon offer its spring session of training for potential volunteers. The 30-hour intensive training includes sessions on definitions, resources and effective ways to support victims and survivors in their recovery. Volunteers will receive a certificate of completion from the certified training program. For registration information, please call Tammi Slovinsky at 703-771-9020.
Good Shepherd Alliance, Inc. (GSA), an organization providing shelter to the homeless, is in need of lawyers with nonprofit experience and mentors for single men, women and families. The services of local electricians, painters, plumbers, carpenters, roofers, car mechanics and landscapers are needed to restore living spaces, vehicles and outdoor shelter areas. Software engineers and technicians are also needed to establish and maintain computer workstations at all shelter facilities. Physicians, dentists and counselors support residents living in crisis situations and many volunteers are needed to help at the Good Shepherd Alliance Thrift Store. To learn more about the Good Shepherd Alliance, contact executive director John Brothers at 703-433-2631 or visit www.loudounhomeless.org.
Volunteers are needed to deliver home-delivered meals and to assist in the Cafe at the Loudoun County Senior Center, 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling. Anyone interested in volunteering for a couple of hours one day a week or once or twice a month, contact Beth Mills at 703-430-2397.
Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum is seeking interested teens and adults to volunteer by becoming a tour guide. Training is provided. Hours are flexible. The farm is located at Claude Moore Park in Sterling. Call Janis Golden at 703-421-5322.
The Northern Virginia Family Service seeks foster families for abused and neglected children. African-American families are particularly needed. Help is needed in both full-time and short-term programs. Training, support and financial compensation will be provided. For more information about the Northern Virginia Family Service call 703-533-9727 or smcallister@nvfs.org.