Have a few hours to volunteer and make a difference in someone’s life?

Some of our immediate volunteer needs include (as of February, 2008):

Front Desk Receptionist (Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday's 9:00 a.m. - Noon)

Provide support to the staff, provide data on in-coming direct assistance clients, answer incoming phone calls and greet visitors.

Food Pantry (Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - Noon)

Stocking shelves, assembling food bags for clients, breaking down bulk food items in to family-sized portions, etc.

Bryant Early Learning Center (BEL)

Volunteers to help with the infants and toddlers Monday - Friday.  Flexible times.  You may pick the age group you wish to work with.  A criminal background check and TB test is required.

'New You'  Workshop Mentors:

Six week program held at the Workforce Development Office on Richmond Hwy. Days and times vary.  This programs objectives is to provide an atmosphere to participants that people care about them and will assist those who ask and indicate  a desire to do better to set goals and to take steps to reach those desired goals and to instill in participants a sense of hope and regeneration through and “I CAN” attitude when encountering obstacles and to help participants recognize the many aspects of looking for a job and to teach them to use their strengths to achieve the desired results. To provide participants with useful tools to assist them in their job search through teaching about: appearance, communication and interviewing skills, interpersonal skills and relationships, attitude and self-determination and household budgeting.  To volunteer as a mentor contact Betsy Damitz 703-768-7106, ext. 328.  To sign up to take the class contact Kristine Sanchez 703-360-9088, ext. 105      

Dates still available for Transitional Life Skills dinners:

UCM is seeking small volunteer groups to provide a pre-prepared dinner and be ready to serve by 6:30p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month, and stay to share that dinner with families that participate in these meetings.  Besides providing a well-balanced meal, your participation sends a message about community to these families who lack contact with the community as a whole. There are approximately 30 participants at these meetings, including children.  On average UCM has been spending approximately $80-100 per meeting to feed these families.  Volunteer groups would be asked to pick up this expense.  Tax donation slips available. Need volunteers to assist with UCM staff on child care activities while parents involved in meeting after dinner.  Meeting ends at 8:30p.m. Contact Betsy Damitz 703-768-7106, ext. 328 to find out available dates.  

Basic Needs Counselor Volunteer provides one on one assistance with UCM clients. The focus of a Basic Needs Counselor is to offer concrete emergency assistance of food and toiletries, clothing, including one-time loans for rent, mortgage, utilities, dental care, medicines for uninsured clients, furniture and household items from the Back Porch Thrift Store, transportation assistance.  Clients also receive crisis information and referral services to UCM Workforce Development Center, legal clinic, negotiation with landlords and utility companies and appropriate referrals to community resources.  Positions available Monday and Wednesday 9a.m. until 12p.m. and Thursday 9a.m. until 5p.m..  May volunteer for one or more days if you so desire.  Contact Betsy Damitz, Volunteer Services Coordinator 703-768-7106, ext. 328 or betsy.damitz@ucmagency.org   

Volunteer opportunities available throughout the year:

• Tutor grade school children
• Basic Needs Counselor assisting with client needs
• Front Desk Intake Receptionist
• Child Care Aide at UCM's Bryant Early Learning Center (TB test required and must be 18 years of age or older and pass a background check)
• Conduct Back-to-School Supplies Drive (August)
• Coordinate a Food Drive, assist in the Food Pantry, prepare food bags for the homeless or help with the Sunday Share Food Program
• Prepare, serve and share a meal with Transitional Life Skills clients or assist with childcare
• Coordinate a "Fresh Beginnings Closet" Drive
• Host an event such as a "Theme" dinner, concert, fashion show, movie night, book or plant sales event or other events to benefit UCM
• Purchase and pack basic baby supplies into diaper bags for the Healthy Families Program
• Assist as an aide at the Back Porch Thrift Store
• Conduct a Help-the-Homeless mini-walk (October/November)
• Collect holiday toys, books, gloves, hats and other gifts for the Holiday Program
• Holiday Gift room escorts and sorters (December)
• Donate your low value Metro cards - UCM exchanges these cards for bus tokens for clients
• Donate used ink jet and laser printer cartridges and cell phones
• Many other volunteer opportunities available