The Naomi Project, a free, confidential, interfaith program sponsored by the Virginia Council of Churches, needs volunteers who will be trained to serve as mentors to disadvantaged pregnant women and new mothers. Spanish-speaking volunteers are especially needed. Call Pilar Jones at 703-860-2633 or naomiproject@hotmail.com.
Volunteers needed for the upcoming 2006 Fall Festival-Celebrate Virginia Today; celebrating all that Virginia has to offer with Virginia-made food and beverages, arts and crafts, classes how to do, make or cook, music and strolling entertainers, door prizes and maybe even a min-festival of VIrginia-made films. Call Diane Cruz at 703-790-0123 at the McLean Community Center.
Volunteers-mark your calendars for the McLean Day 2006 Volunteer Orientation set. Middle or high school student in need of community service hours can earn hours. Orientation is scheduled for Wednesday, April 5 from 4-5 p.m. Both sessions will be held at the Old Firehouse Teen Center, 1440 Chain Bridge Rd. Brings your friends and sign up for a position that suits you. McLean Day is scheduled for Saturday, May 20. Call the McLean Comunity Center at 703-790-0123. On
CrisisLink, the greater Washington region's only 24-hour, seven-day-a-week crisis, suicide and trauma prevention, intervention and response hotline, is seeking volunteers to take calls and respond directly to individuals in need on a suicide and crisis hotline. Prospective volunteers must be at least 18 years old. Training starts April 22. Visit www.crisislink.org and complete the online application. Call 703-527-6016.
The Shepherd's Center in Vienna is the recipient of a $5,000 grant, to be used for outreach programs, from the Giving Circle of HOPE. The Giving Circle provides funds and assistance to people in need in Northern Virginia. They award grants, ranging from $2,000 to $5,000, to agencies “seeking to promote the self-sufficiency and well-being of Northern Virginians in need.”
At the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce offices, the Giving Circle honored the 12 Northern Virginia agencies receiving grants. Over 100 grant recipients, their board members, Giving Circle members, and guests attended the event.
The Shepherd’s Center plans to use the grant money to meet the needs of aging Northern Virginians through seminars, educational programs, and services to foster independent living. Contact The Shepherd’s Center at 703-281-0538.
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.