February  2015 
In This Issue
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Calendar of Opportunities 
Video Spotlights
Make a Difference
MAD Video
Make a difference highlights the contributions of stellar County volunteers and organizations that contribute positively to Montgomery County.

Watch this Awesome Video
Montgomery County Volunteer Center Video
Montgomery County Volunteer Center Video

Thank you to Montgomery County Media for Producing this fabulous video for the Volunteer Center!
The Montgomery County Volunteer Center is part of the Office of Community Partnerships. For more information on the Office of Community Partnerships and to sign up for the Partnerships Newsletter, please CLICK HERE.
In the News

Montgomery Serves Awards

Nominations Are NOW Open!

 

It's time to start thinking about the amazing volunteers you will nominate for the Montgomery Serves Awards. The Volunteer Center is preparing for this exciting annual event which will take place on Monday, April 27, 2015, at Imagination Stage in Bethesda.     

The Volunteer Center is now accepting nominations for this year's awardees in the following categories:

  • Neal Potter Path of Achievement Award (lifetime service by residents 60 or better)  
  • Youth Achievement Award (extraordinary volunteerism by residents 18 and under)
  • Corporate Award (outstanding volunteerism by a corporation)
  • Community Service Award (extraordinary volunteerism by an individual or group)
Deadline for Nominations: Friday, February 27

Montgomery County Made MLK Day of Service a Day ON.   

Thank You Volunteers!

Monday, January 19, 2015  

 


 
Montgomery County celebrated another successful Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service. Volunteers participated in service projects at four large service locations: Bethesda North Marriott Conference Center, Silver Spring Civic Center, International Cultural Center, and Seneca Creek Community Church.

 

Volunteers crocheted blankets for Warm Up America, assembled over 3,000 bag lunches for area shelters and soup kitchens with Trader Joe's and Safeway, prepared  Meals on Wheels Snow Day boxes, constructed 120 fleece scarves and blankets for Montgomery Hospice, designed hundreds of Valentine's Day cards for seniors, made paracord bracelets for Operation Gratitude, and so much more!

 

29,500 lbs. of non-perishable food items were collected at 10 Montgomery County Giant locations and 4 service locations for Manna Food Center.

 

Thanks to all the hard work from volunteers like you, Montgomery County was able to touch the lives of so many and truly made this a day ON, not a day off.

 

To View the 2015 MLK Days of Service
Photo Gallery, CLICK HERE

 

  

Spotlights of the Month
Agency: Junior Achievement

Junior Achievement of Greater Washington is built on the pillars of financial literacy, entrepreneurship and workforce readiness.  Their optimal goal is to give  young people the knowledge and skills needed to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices. JA volunteers make a connection between what students learn in school and how it can be applied in the real world.

 

Junior Achievement is looking for individuals and/or groups to teach financial literacy programs in MCPS. Volunteers can either visit the classroom once a week for five weeks or participate in a "JA in a Day" event which takes place over a half school day. The "JA in a Day" program allows groups of volunteers to impact students together in one high-impact half day and it is a great opportunity to get a larger group of volunteers together. Training, curriculum and support is provided by JA Staff throughout the volunteering experience.

 

Here is a quote from one of JA's volunteers:   

 

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience as a Junior Achievement volunteer. It is extremely fulfilling to know that my engagement with the students through the educational lessons is having a positive impact on their perspective about community, business, and economics. Nothing beats the feeling of appreciation I receive each time I enter the classroom to host a JA session and the students overwhelm me with their excitement about the program. I know my participation and the program is making a tremendous difference."

 

To sign up for a class and learn more about group opportunities, please contact Amanda Parsley at [email protected] or call 301-838-0471.

 

 


Volunteer: Sonia Leon 
 

Sonia Leon -  A Lifetime of Dedication 

 

Sonia Leon has been a leader and a participant in community service organizations throughout her life. In 2014, she committed most of her volunteer time to the RSVP/AARP Tax-Aide Program for Montgomery County. The program provided free tax preparation services to over 4,400 clients.

 

Sonia managed the Scheduling Office and supported 30 volunteers who scheduled appointments at 21 locations. She recruited and trained volunteer schedulers, secured needed equipment and supplies, effectively oversaw the daily operation of the office, and resolved a continuous stream of wide-ranging issues from the tax preparation sites and the public. 

 

Through Sonia's perseverance, she brought the operation of the Scheduling Office into the 21st century, and the schedulers now use a computer-based system to record the appointments. The extensive hours spent on the Tax-Aide Program were in addition to Sonia's job at Holiday Park Senior Center and her other volunteer activities including at the Music Center at Strathmore and Arena Stage. Sonia has also served as member and chair of the Montgomery County Mental Health Advisory Council and served on the State's Judicial Commission.

 

Sonia is a founding member and was secretary of the National Conference of Puerto Rican Women and president of the Puerto Rican American Women's League. She has been a volunteer at the Blue Ribbon Fundraising Panel for the Migrant Clinicians Network and the Rural Health Committee of the University of South Carolina.

 

Other Newsworthy Events

In Celebration of Black History Month

Girl Being Sold at Auction - A Mural by Vaughn Holsey

 

February is Black History Month and we celebrate by highlighting one of Montgomery County's many historical treasures, the Sandy Spring Slave Museum & African Art Gallery, Inc.

 

This museum and art gallery are staffed 100% by volunteers and focus on the heritage of Blacks from their origin through the Middle passage, the salvation provided by the Underground Railroad, the struggle for civil rights, and their accomplishments in the United States and African Diaspora.

 

Set on a one-acre site in historic Sandy Spring, the historic location  features a cross-section of a Slaving Clipper Ship, the Log Cabin, the Arts Pavilion and the Great Hall. It also features two pieces of public art imported from Kumasi, Ghana.

 

They currently have a need for museum hosts and site clean up. For detailed Information about these volunteer opportunities, Click Here.


 

Bone Builders Need

 

Volunteers are needed to lead free Bone Builders exercise classes at locations in Chevy Chase, Germantown, Rockville, Silver Spring, and Takoma Park.

 

The one-hour daytime classes, led by trained volunteers, are held twice a week and are designed to prevent and slow the development of osteoporosis. Regular participants can help increase their bone density naturally through the classes, an effective option for those who may not wish to use anti-osteoporosis medications. Each session is based on bone density research and includes balance and weight training.

Among other activities, volunteers will demonstrate the exercises, encourage and assist participants, and ensure a safe environment.

 

Volunteer leaders receive two full days of free training, as well as periodic refresher classes, ongoing support and supervision by master trainers. The next two-day trainings are scheduled for Friday, February 20th and Friday, March 13th  from 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM at the Potomac United Methodist Church, 10300 Falls Rd., Potomac.

 

Bone Builders is sponsored by Montgomery County's RSVP Program and Aging and Disability Services, part of the Department of Health and Human Services. For more information, Click Here .

 

 If you have questions or want to register for the training, contact the Bone Builders Program at 240-773-8268 or email [email protected].

 

Bone Builders in the News! Read this great article in the Potomac Almanac .


 


 
Resource Center Volunteers Needed for Office of Consumer Protection

 

The Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) is recruiting volunteers for their new  OCP Resource Center.  They are looking for volunteers to respond to consumers by providing general information, collecting basic information, and providing referrals when appropriate. Volunteer staff will partner with OCP investigators on a daily bases to provide consumers with advice and other resource center services.

 

OCP is recruiting for the following schedules: 

  •  Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday, 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM; and
  • Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday, 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM

The volunteers will need the following skills: 

  • Volunteers must have an excellent phone manner.
  • Position requires experience/familiarity with computers.
  • Ability to maintain organized work environment.
  • Possess commitment to team environment.

For more information about the resource center and other OCP positions, CLICK HERE.


 

Historical Society Needs Volunteers  
 

 

The Montgomery County Historical Society welcomes Amanda M. Elliott, their brand new Education and Outreach Coordinator.

Amanda is responsible for volunteer management and seeks volunteers for a variety of opportunities. In particular, the Historical Society needs docents and library volunteers.  Additionally, they need 50 volunteers to serve as judges for Montgomery County History Day on Saturday, March 14, 2015.  For details, Click Here

 

Amanda would love to hear from you! Contact her at 

301-340-2825 or [email protected] 

 

Featured Volunteer Opportunities
calendar icon
Below are just a few of the opportunities listed on the Volunteer Center's website.  Check the Calendar of Events for more opportunities.
SSL Icon

Denotes opportunities that are approved to provide MCPS Student Service Learning  (SSL) Hours.

Many are still great opportunities for adults too! 

One-Time Opportunities

February 5, 12, and 19 - Plant What? Prune Where? Dig How Far? - U.S. National Arboretum. The U.S. National Arboretum invites all current and prospective volunteers to attend the Volunteer Gardener Training. The class is taught by the professional staff of the U.S. National Arboretum. Class topics include: Botany, Pruning, Plant Identification, Weed Removal, Soils, Integrated Pest Management, Tour of the U.S. National Arboretum. The four week training will take place every Thursday in February starting February 5, 2015. Each class will run from 8:45 AM-1:30 PM. At the end of the training, volunteers will select in which gardens they would like to volunteer and are asked to commit to 4 hours of service per week for a yearlong commitment. Contact: Tanya Zastrow at [email protected] or 202-245-4563.

 

SSL Icon February 7 - 2015 NOAA Open House - NOAA. NOAA is looking for eager high school students who are looking to help out at their event in various duties throughout the day such as; assisting at staff at tables and booths, stamping passports, directing guests, crowd control, assisting at photo booths, etc. There will be a mandatory training overview starting promptly at 8:30 AM on February 7th and your day will end at 4:30 PM which includes time for lunch and time to complete your SSL form. Contact: Laura Gutierrez at [email protected] or 301-427-8452.

 

SSL IconFebruary 7 - Aaron's Army Tutoring - Hope Restored Inc. Hope Restored Inc. is looking for good candidates to become tutors. If you are 15 years of age or older with excellent academics records and have an interest in working with children and/youth or peers please contact us today! Adult Volunteers accepted. Contact: Chandra Thames at [email protected] or 301-587-1490.

 

SSL IconFebruary 7 - ArtAbility Teen Mentor Volunteers - Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture.

ArtAbility is a collaborative multi-genre arts experience designed for middle school students on the autism spectrum. Student participants explore drama, movement, music, puppetry and visual arts, and learn new forms of self-expression, while developing communication and socialization skills. Looking for mentors to serve as role models and facilitate social/communication connections between participants. While mentors do not perform or teach, they may help in designing and/or implementing specific accommodations that will allow a student to participate more fully and be an engaged member of the ensemble. Teen Mentor volunteers are required to attend a one day-long training session, Saturday, February 7, 2015, plus one additional date and ropes course activity which is to be determined. Contact: Meredith Forster at [email protected] or 301-634-2223.

SSL IconFebruary 8 - Bowling Buddies - Jewish Foundation for Group Homes. Area middle and high school students join the residents of Jewish Foundation for Group Homes for an afternoon of bowling one Sunday a month throughout the school year. The Jewish Foundation for Group Homes' residents are adults with intellectual and in some cases also physical disabilities. Volunteers are expected to help the residents bowl by reminding them when it is their turn, walking them up to the lane, and helping them throw/roll the ball if necessary. Contact: Linda Yitzchak at [email protected] or 240-283-6022.

 

SSL IconFebruary 8 - Mid Year Play Day at the Community Center!  - City of Takoma Park. Join Takoma Plays and the Takoma Park Recreation Department for an afternoon of fun indoor play. The volunteers will help get materials ready for children's program. The volunteers will also help set up for the program, participate as helpers in the programs and then help clean up. Contact: John Webster at [email protected] or 301-891-7225.

 

February 14 - CSS Annual Arts Showcase - Community Support Services, Inc. The Community Support Services support individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. They host an Annual Arts Showcase which is quickly approaching and looking for volunteers. The program includes an art sale, flower sale, theater program, baking contest and reception. The theme this year is "Love Me Do." Volunteers are needed to help set up for the show on SATURDAY, Feb 14. We will be framing art work and transforming the gymnasium for the performances the following day. Someone will be on site at noon, and will stay until it is complete. Contact: Ashley Chatneuff at [email protected] or 301-926-2300.

 

SSL IconFebruary 17 - South Lake Elementary School Family Market Day South Lake Elementary School in collaboration with the Capital Area Food Bank and other community partners will offer a Community Engagement opportunity. A component of the opportunity will include a Family Market Day for families. Market Day volunteers will assist with the following tasks: market set-up and breakdown, welcoming families, assist with traffic flow within building, replenish food during the Market Day, and assist with transporting grocery bags to family's car. Contact: Trevor Liburd at [email protected]g or 301-840-7141.

 

SSL Icon February 28 - A Day at Kenilworth Gardens! - Friends of Kenilworth Gardens -  Come join us outside working on trails, picking up trash, and removing invasive English ivy and honeysuckle. Perfect activity for Individuals and groups of all ages. Fun for families, too! Contact: Tina O'Connell at [email protected] or 202-494-0456.

 

Ongoing Opportunities

Graphic Artists - CareerCatchers. The CareerCatchers' seek assistance from a graphic artist in designing and producing a small brochure. Much of the text has been written and laid-out in a Word document. Work can be done off-site. Graphic arts and design skills; good computer skills and knowledge of appropriate software. We expect the volunteer to have their own computer and appropriate software. Contact: Ronnie Haber at [email protected] or 703-585-1630.

 

SSL IconRespite Care Program for Special Needs Children - F.A.C.E.'s Place Respite Care Center. The F.A.C.E.'s Place Respite Care Program runs every second Saturday from 10:00 am- 2:00 pm. We offer a fun-filled environment personalized to meet the needs of children and teenagers with autism and other developmental & intellectual differences. Volunteers will be paired with 1 child and your role throughout the day is to simply interact with them, encourage them to participate, and help guide them from one activity to the next. Please dress comfortably. Adults and teenagers, age 15 and up, are welcome to volunteer. No experience is required. Contact: Shante H.S at [email protected] or 240-833-8981.

 

 SSL Icon Clerical Assistant - Housing Initiative Partnership. HIP seeks volunteers to assist with filing, data entry, and preparation for our foreclosure prevention classes and counseling sessions. Volunteers work directly with Housing Counselors and Intake Specialists who assist homeowners facing foreclosure. HIP has a wonderfully skilled and warm counseling staff. Volunteers will gain both insight into the mortgage industry and an appreciation for how a non-profit can make a positive difference in the every day lives Montgomery County residents. Contact Claudia Medina at [email protected] or 301-916-5946.

 

SSL Icon Costume Shop Helper - Washington Revels. The Washington Revels is looking for a volunteer who is available on Thursdays between noon and 5pm to help out in our costume shop by labeling costume pieces with the help of our Costumier. You will be handwriting labels so we would prefer that you have neat handwriting. You should also be a good listener and follow directions well. Contact: Christine Alexander at [email protected] or 301-587-3835.

 

Adoption Ambassador - Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center. Adoption Ambassadors are responsible for advocating adoptable dog(s) at the shelter and showcasing them in surrounding areas to attract potential adopters. Volunteers must attend orientation and training(s). Minimum time commitment is 8 hours a month per 6 months. Contact: Taleah Parker at [email protected] or 240-773-5650.

 

Animal Transporters - Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center. Animal Transporters are responsible for transporting animals to local rescue organizations in the State of Maryland in their personal vehicles. Volunteers must attend orientation and training(s). Minimum time commitment is 8 hours a month per 6 months. Contact: Taleah Parker at [email protected] or 240-773-5650.

 

Marketing Support - Fairytale Brides On A Shoestring Boutique, Inc. Join a fantastic Volunteer Staff at Fairytale Brides on a Shoestring.  Assist in the administrative duties associated with planning, initiating, and implementing a comprehensive marketing program including public relations, advertising, and research. Assist with the coordination of publicity through the preparation of brochures, flyers, posters, videos and other media sources such as Facebook, Google +, and other social media sites. Perform a variety of clerical assistant tasks such as office organization, responding to telephone, etc. Perform other related duties as needed. Contact: Donna Vaccarezza at [email protected] or 301-742-9623.
  
Montgomery County Volunteer Center - Office of Community Partnerships [email protected] | http://www.montgomeryserves.org
12900 Middlebrook Road
Suite 1600
Germantown, MD 20874
 240-777-2600