The world is hugged by the faithful arms of volunteers. -Terri Guillemets
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Video Spotlights
Montgomery Serves Awards...In The News
Yolanda Vazquez talks with Molly Callaway, Director, Montgomery County Volunteer Center. They discuss the Montgomery Serves Awards that will take place Monday, April 27th at 6:30pm at Imagination Stage in Bethesda, Maryland.

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 Inspiring 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!
Volunteer Appreciation as part of National Consumer Protection Week
From left to right - John Creel, Eve Dempsher, Bruce Birchman, Leonard Malamud, Jo-Ann Harrison, Debbie Gann, and Melida Somarriba

 

  As part of National Consumer Protection Week 2015, Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) Director Eric Friedman presented his dedicated volunteers with a certificate of appreciation in recognition and appreciation of outstanding service.


 "We are fortunate to have such a committed and experienced group of volunteers helping Montgomery County residents."

          Eric Friedman, Director

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                                    April 2015
Celebrate Earth Day 2015 
Earth Day is April 22!

 

The Montgomery County Volunteer Center is promoting environmentally focused projects during the entire month of April as a time for volunteers to get engaged in Earth Day.  Earth Day is April 22nd but the celebration of Mother Earth goes on all month long! Get your hands dirty to keep our community clean!

 

 

 

Check out the following Earth Day themed opportunities happening throughout April.

 

SATURDAY, APRIL 4TH & 11TH

  • WSSC Earth Month Clean-up - Join WSSC as a volunteer to help clean up the watershed along the Patuxent River, the longest river in Maryland and one of WSSC's major sources of drinking water. Volunteers wear boots, long sleeves and pants and bring a reusable water bottle. WSSC will provide the gloves, bags and vests. 

 

MONDAY - FRIDAY, APRIL 6TH - 10TH

  • Spring Break at the UMD Campus Arboretum - High School students are invited to volunteer at the UMD College Park campus during the MCPS spring break. Work is outside. Volunteer one or more days. Great SSL opportunity!

 

SATURDAY, APRIL 11TH

  • Potomac River Watershed Cleanup - Help cleanup the C&O Canal National Historical Park of trash and debris on Saturday, April 11 from 9 AM - noon, rain or shine.

 

SATURDAY, APRIL 18TH

  • Clean Up Day - April 18-Earth Day 2015 - Main Street Takoma's annual spring Clean-Up Day is on again this month and organizers are calling for volunteers to help make the city sparkle. 

     

  • Rock Creek Trail Cleanup Pre-Earth Day 2015- Join the Montgomery County Road Runners Club in cleaning the Rock Creek Trail and the Matthew Henson Trail from 9 AM - noon as part of our traditional celebration of Earth Day.  


SUNDAY, APRIL 19TH

  • Takoma Park Earth Day Event-Earth Day 2015 - Join Old Takoma Business Association to celebrate Earth Day in Takoma Park! The 2015 Earth Day celebration is filled with green solution vendors, a native plant sale, music, family fun and more! 


SATURDAY, APRIL 25TH

SUNDAY, APRIL 26TH

  • Rockville Science Day 2015 - Earth Day 2015 - The Rockville Consortium for Science sponsors Rockville Science Day every year with the support of the City of Rockville, the Rockville Science Center, and Montgomery College. 

2015 Montgomery Serves Awards

And the WINNERS Are...

 

Montgomery Serves Awards ceremony honors those who have made an extraordinary impact in Montgomery County through community
service and volunteerism.  We  are excited to announce our winners and invite you to join us in celebrating these amazing people on Monday, April 27th at Imagination Stage in Bethesda.

And now, without further ado, the 2015 winners are...

  • Youth: Yidong Hu
  • Business: Washington Gas
  • Community - Individual: Darren Duvall  
  • Community - Group: Potomac Valley Alumnae of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority

Neal Potter Path of Achievement Award winners (60+ years old with a lifetime of service) were selected by the Montgomery County Commission on Aging.

  • Jean Brady
  • Karin Wilson

The County Executive will also present three County residents with the Roscoe R. Nix Distinguished Community Leadership Award.  The honorees are community leaders, change agents and role models.  They have made extraordinary contributions to Montgomery County over the course of their lives.

  • Jennie Forehand
  • Inez Zeigler McAbee
  • Tom Perez

This ceremony is organized by the Montgomery County Volunteer Center in collaboration with the Corporate Volunteer Council of Montgomery County and is sponsored by the Fund for Montgomery. 

 

Click here to find out more about this event and to see pictures and award recipients from last year.

 

Join us in celebrating these amazing people on Monday, April 27th at Imagination Stage in Bethesda. The event is free but reservations are required as seating is limited.

 

Please register NOW!

 

We hope you will join us Monday, April 27th.      

 
April 12th is the Start of Volunteer Week.  Celebrate and Volunteer!

 

Since 1974, U.S. presidents have proclaimed one week in April as National Volunteer Week as a time to honor and recognize the millions of individuals who dedicate their time and talent to help others.  Montgomery County Volunteer Center would like to take this time to thank and congratulate  to all who volunteer for your significant role in creating a culture of service in Montgomery County.  

 

Here at the Volunteer Center, we greatly appreciate our own incredible volunteers: Michelle Birnbaum, Miriam Granados, Beth Isen, Deborah Missal, Dorothy Nelson, Jeanette Pang, Ann Reiss, and Matt Rice.

 

In honor of National Volunteer Week, commit to volunteering by engaging in countless acts of kindness and generosity, and giving your time or individual skills to an organization or cause that needs your support. Browse all the wonderful organizations looking for volunteers in our area.  

 
Spring Cleaning with a Purpose: Support Interfaith Clothing Center   

 

Spring cleaning is a timeless tradition of throwing out the old and making room for the new, so why not spring clean with a purpose?  

 

The Interfaith Clothing Center has used up all of their "extras" that they had stored away in the warehouse, and need the support of the community to help fill it up again. They need lightly used Men's, Women's and Children's clothing that are in season.


Organizing a drive could be a great activity for clubs, congregations, youth groups, soccer teams and corporate groups. By being conscious of the quality of the donated items, you will help provide their clients with the best possible merchandise. Please be mindful as you donate, and think: "Would you give this to your own neighbor?" Questions?  Call (301) 424-3796.
 

 
 
County Seeks Volunteers to Work with Victims of Sexual Assault: Interviews
Currently Being Held

 

Volunteers are needed to assist sexual assault victims and their families through the Victim Assistance and Sexual Assault Program (VASAP) of the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services. Interviews are currently being conducted for an April 2015 training session. VASAP outreach volunteers donated more than 10,000 hours in 2013 serving victims of sexual assault in Montgomery County.

 

Volunteers provide 24-hour crisis counseling and companion services at Montgomery County hospitals and police stations for victims of rape and sexual assault. Bilingual volunteers are encouraged to apply.

 

All potential volunteers must attend a training program, which covers crisis intervention skills and the specialized knowledge of the emotional, medical and legal issues that victims face. Volunteers must commit to serve for one year, in an on-call capacity, for one 12-hour shift or two six-hour shifts per week. All volunteers must be at least 21 years of age, Montgomery County residents, have a valid driver's license and immediate access to transportation.

 

For more information or to arrange an interview, call the Montgomery County Victim Assistance and Sexual Assault Program at  (240) 777-1355 or go to the VASAP Webpage.

 

Become a Long Term Care Ombudsman

 

Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services is seeking individuals interested in helping to enhance the quality of life for nursing home residents as long-term care advocates.   

    

Volunteers will be assigned to make regular visits to residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities at convenient locations throughout Montgomery County.  Ombudsmen representatives work to promote the highest quality of life for residents in nursing home settings.

 

This volunteer opportunity requires flexible daytime hours during the work week and creativity in developing problem solving strategies. It is an advanced level of commitment and requires the ability to work autonomously with support and guidance.   Training and on-going technical assistance are provided by experienced professionals.

 

The intensive orientation program for volunteer candidates is a comprehensive training focused on promoting resident rights in nursing home and assisted living systems. Using advocacy skills and applicable laws, volunteers will work to resolve complaints.

 

Volunteer Orientation: The orientation will be held during the week of Monday, April 6th through Friday, April 10th at Holiday Park Senior Center in Wheaton. The course meets daily from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM and full attendance is required. Class size is limited and pre-registration is required.

 

To learn more, call (240) 777-3369 or hhsltcombudsman@montgomerycountymd.gov .

 
Spotlights of the Month
Agency: The City of Takoma Park Recreation Department

 

 "I really enjoy volunteering with the City of Takoma Park. They not only provide opportunities to get my SSL hours, but they provide me with meaningful opportunities." - Ramani Wilson

 

The City of Takoma Park Recreation Department's mission is to strengthen our community through providing recreation programs, services (broadly defined) and facilities to city residents that emphasize a healthy lifestyle, physical well-being, personal development, citizen involvement, integration of differing cultural and economic communities, and fun.

 

The volunteer opportunities with City of Takoma Park Recreation Department are to assist with their special events such as the annual Egg Hunt, Celebrate Takoma, Monster Bash, and other Recreational programs as needed. We need volunteers with weekday, weeknight, weekend availabilities, who can provide excellent customer service to our customers and can help with the programs.

 

The benefits of volunteering with the City of Takoma Park Recreation Department will give them a sense of community, diversity and fun. The minimum age is 12 years.

 

For more opportunities, click HERE.  


 

 

Volunteer: Mid Atlantic Federal Credit Union 

  

Mid-Atlantic Federal Credit Union (MAFCU) is deeply committed to community service and engagement.  MAFCU volunteers assisted Manna Food Center in distributing food to those experiencing hunger in the community. These volunteers supported needs related to Manna's core food distribution program including packing boxes for daily distribution, sorting rescued produce and helping clients as they picked up their food.  The staff at MAFCU dedicated more than 450 hours throughout 2013.

 

 Read More about Our Volunteer Spotlight.

 
Other Newsworthy Events
Senior Connection Hosts Volunteer Training

 new logo mar 2015

The Senior Connection has immediate openings for volunteers to provide essential services to Montgomery County seniors.  Available service opportunities include driving senior adults to medical appointments and assisting with grocery shopping.

 

Learn about all the flexible volunteering opportunities with the Senior Connection at the Volunteer Open House on Wednesday, April 1, 2015 from 9:30 -11:00 AM at the Holiday Park Senior Center located at 3950 Ferrara Drive in Silver Spring.   

 

Training sessions for new volunteer drivers and grocery shoppers are scheduled for the following:

  • Wednesday, April 8th from 10 AM - noon at the Jewish Council for the Aging, 12320 Parklawn Drive, Rockville, MD
  • Wednesday, April 22nd from 7:00 - 8:30 PM at the Holiday Park Senior Center, 3950 Ferrara Drive, Silver Spring, MD

For more information and to RSVP, contact Mary Murphy at mary.murphy@seniorconnectionmc.org or at (301) 942-1049. 

 
Featured Volunteer Opportunities
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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

April 1 - May 12 - PR for the 2015 Olney Days Celebration - Greater Olney Civic Association. The Greater Olney Civic Association wants to begin to advertise the upcoming annual celebration of Olney Days, May 16th-17th. This is a weekend-long community event that celebrates the Olney community. This opportunity involves posting signs and schedules of events advertising the event at intersections and in stores around the greater Olney area, beginning in April through May 12th, approximately. Contact: Jackie Benn at relaybenns@verizon.net or (301) 260-9483.

 

SSL Icon  April 3 - Annual Egg Hunt, Meadowside Nature Center - Parks Department, M-NCPPC. Looking for a fun event to volunteer with during Spring Break? Meadowside Nature Center is having their annual Egg Hunt, with a focus on nature and spring time. Volunteers (Age 14+) will help with crafts, hiding eggs, and making sure our family guests are having a fun and educational time. Contact: Lynn Vismara at lynn.vismara@montgomeryparks.org or (301) 495-2504.

 

SSL Icon  April 4 - Annual Egg Hunt Volunteers Needed! - City Of Takoma Park. Volunteers are needed to assist with the City of Takoma Park's Annual Egg Hunt program. Volunteer responsibilities include running various games and activities, food distribution, and set up/break down of event. Contact: Michael Kurland at michaelk@takomaparkmd.gov or (301) 891-7285.

 

SSL Icon  April 4 - Easter Family Outreach Event - Journey's Crossing. Journey's Crossing is hosting a FREE event designed to engage families in a great outdoor fun and active experience. They will provide egg-hunts, games, bounce house, face paint, pictures with the Easter bunny and snacks. The event will be hosted at Seneca Valley High School on April 4th, from 1 - 4 PM. On the day of the event (April 4th), volunteers arrive at 9 AM. 
Contact: Scott Velasquez at scott.velasquez@journeyscrossing.org or (301) 963-9250 x 104.

 

SSL Icon April 4 and 5 - MCMF Annual Food Drive 2015 - Montgomery County Muslim Foundation - MCMF. Join the Montgomery County Muslim Foundation and help with their annual food drive for the needy throughout the month of April! A major part of the annual food collection efforts is through their partnership with Giant Foods. MCMF need volunteers to help staff their collection drives at Giant Food stores throughout the County on April 4 and April 5, 2015. Shifts at each site will be 10 AM - noon; noon - 2 PM; 2 - 4 PM. Contact: Amjad Humayun at  mcmfmd@gmail.com or call (301) 760-7447.

 

SSL Icon  April 6 - Spring Break - Artist Assistants Needed - City Of Gaithersburg - Arts & Special Events. Work as an assistant to teaching artist, encourage and motivate campers as they create projects, learn to draw and have fun with art. Artist Assistants will help with set-up and clean-up of projects and assist the artist. Contact: Sheila Bouley at sbouley@gaithersburgmd.gov.

 

SSL Icon April 11 - Maryvale Stream Cleanup Earth Day 2015 - City Of Rockville. Celebrate Earth Month and the Annual Potomac River Watershed Cleanup by attending the stream cleanup at Maryvale Park (812 First Street) from 10 AM to noon on Saturday, April 11th. Environment Commission members will greet you at the gazebo and gloves and bags will be provided. Student Service Learning hours are available for student volunteers. Contact: Environmental Management Division at environment@rockvillemd.gov or (240) 314-8877.

 

SSL Icon April 11 and 25 - Trail Volunteer Workdays in Montgomery Parks - Parks Department, M-NCPPC. Help the Parks Department build and maintain part of their 140+ miles of natural surface trails in Montgomery Parks. The work includes building new trail, repairing erosion issues and bridge construction. The minimum age to volunteer by yourself is 15, but youths 13 & 14 years old can volunteer if accompanied by an adult. Contact: Jim Corcoran at jim.corcoran@montgomeryparks.org or (301) 650-4395.

 

SSL IconApril 14 - Greencastle Elementary School Market Day Volunteer Opportunity - Greencastle Elementary School, in collaboration with the Capital Area Food Bank and other community partners, will offer a Community Engagement opportunity.  Family Market Day volunteers will assist with market set-up and breakdown, welcoming families, etc. Contact: Marchelle LeBlanc at Marchelle_Leblanc@mcpsmd.org or (301) 595-2940.

 

April 18 - Podcasting Workshop - The International Cultural Center. The International Cultural Center is organizing a workshop series for Montgomery County High School students to learn how to use digital media skills to foster public awareness on important issues affecting youth, such as cyber civility. In the first workshop, students will produce a podcast episode in order to raise awareness of cyber security. Students will develop an informative and engaging episode that will inform their peer networks of potential threats associated with online activity and how to protect themselves against online predators and other individuals with harmful objectives. Contact: Samia Haque at samia@theicc.net or (240) 396-5350.


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April 18 and 19 - Volunteers needed for Cambodian New Year's Event - Cambodian Buddhist Society Cultural Committee. This event showcases Cambodian dances and music. There are assorted support tasks to help keep the festivities manageable Contact: Annong Phann at cbscg.org@gmail.com or (240) 620-5304.

 

SSL Icon April 25 - Help at our Healthy Kids Day! - YMCA - Silver Spring. The YMCA Silver Spring will join more than 1,500 YMCAs nationwide for the Annual YMCA Healthy Kids Day Saturday, April 25th. This is an opportunity for kids and parents to make a "play date." We need volunteers to help with all activities during this very special event, including face painting, games, arts and crafts, sports, helping vendors during the event, helping with set up and tear down. Contact: Keith McGirt at keith.mcgirt@ymcadc.org or (301) 585-2120 x 2507.

 

SSL Icon April 25 - Help with Ben's Run! - Ben's Gift, Inc./Ben's Run

Help guide runners/walkers and cheer them on at this annual neighborhood run in Silver Spring to raise funds for pediatric cancer research. No experience necessary! Contact: Clare Goldfogle at clare@bensrun.org or (301) 602-7288.
Ongoing Opportunities
 

Photographer Needed to Take Pictures of Children and Families - Equipment Connections for Children. The Equipment Connections for Children is looking for a photographer to take pictures of children with disabilities who receive equipment from our organization to tell the story about the need and the difficulty behind obtaining the right piece of adaptive equipment for a child with a disability. The photographs will also tell the story of the joy that the equipment brings the family when they receive the right piece of equipment that helps the child be mobile and more independent. Contact: Claire Wong at claire@equipforchildren.org or (301) 540-8805.

 

SSL Icon Zumba Class Assistant - God Glorified Church Of God In Christ. We are seeking volunteers who love fitness. Volunteers will assist with registration, promotion, setup and breakdown of our weekly community Zumba class. Contact: Storm Innis at cogicsports@yahoo.com.

 

Dance Teacher for Seniors - Lakeview House.

Lakeview House is looking for a volunteer to lead dance classes/workshops for our senior residents. They are open to working with your schedule and look forward to strengthening our community through dance! Contact: Anne Buckley at resslkvw@sheltergrp.com or (301) 469-9375.

Recreational Aide for Seniors - Seniors - HOC-Housing Opportunities Commission. Do you have entertainment talents? Can you sing or dance? Would you like to show off your decorating skills? Your talents could benefit our senior group! Come help facilitate fun activities with community social gatherings, home decor updates or simply help with moving furniture. HOC's senior residents thank you for your offer to volunteer! Contact: Jean McCloskey at jean.mccloskey@hocmc.org or (301) 926-9703.

 
Montgomery County Volunteer Center - Office of Community Partnerships volunteer@montgomerycountymd.gov | http://www.montgomeryserves.org
12900 Middlebrook Road
Suite 1600
Germantown, MD 20874
 (240) 777-2600

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