Volunteer Opportunities

Hello Friends,

As volunteers, you are the very Heart & Soul of this community.

Volunteers at the Senior Center provide 65% of the labor required to run the Center and they give over 26,000 hours of service to the community. It is impossible to completely understand the enormity of this gift. The blessing is that those who give also receive. Clinical studies have shown that seniors who volunteer are happier, have an increased sense of well-being, enjoy broader social networks, and live longer!

To find your volunteer niche, call LaDelle Holland at 974-7756 or .

Sunday Afternoon  2:00 - 6:00 p. m. & Evening Shift Volunteers, 4:30 - 8:30 p.m.

You’re invited to join in the Sunday and "evening fun" at the Senior Center! Please consider volunteering as a Customer Service Rep at the Front Desk. Volunteer shifts are Sunday 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. or  Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays from 4:30 – 8:30 p.m. Contact Molly Anthony at 974-7756 or to learn more about these exciting volunteer positions.

Computer Skills = Volunteer Opportunities:

Share your skill! The Computer Lab is a valuable resource for members. They could use some volunteers who would like to help others learn more about computers. We have PC Help sessions scheduled and could schedule others with more help. Only basic computer skills are needed by those who would like to help. Contact Bruce Saunders 245-0605 or go to the Computer Club web page to learn more.

Marquee Messenger

Get the word out about what’s happening at the Senior Center! We are looking for one more volunteer to help change our marquee message at the corner of Pepsi and Greenbrier once a week. We’ll provide the message; you pull the letters and post them on the marquee. Flexible schedule can be arranged. Contact LaDelle Holland today.

Be Part of the Front Desk Experience

Are you able to leap over buildings, multi-task in the blink of any eye, and change directions quickly like a butterfly? Hey! You may qualify as a Front Desk volunteer; someone who is always in the front line of the Senior Center, meets and greets all members and visitors, answers the ever-ringing phones and knows exactly what is going on each day. Each volunteer is thoroughly trained for a 4-hour shift one day each week, either from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. or 12:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. In becoming a Front Desk volunteer or substitute, you also become part of a strong Front Desk team of over 20 volunteers.

The Front Desk Coordinator, Donna Blessing, is soliciting for a few good substitutes who can gradually learn the front desk process and at some point, be ready to step in as a full-fledged Front Desk volunteer. Time slots that volunteers are needed are: Monday mornings from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; Friday afternoons from 12:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.  Evenings shift volunteers are also needed for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 4:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. and on Sunday from 2:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.

Don’t be shy. Come by the front desk and introduce yourself to Donna Blessing, Front Desk Coordinator or LaDelle Holland, Coordinator of Volunteer Resources.

Host Volunteers:

 Outgoing, friendly, mobile volunteers are needed to greet visitors and members in our Lobby for this newly created volunteer position. Duties include escorting or directing guests to programs or classes, making coffee in the De Lawter Room, keeping the De Lawter Room looking spiffy, and just being a friendly, welcoming face as folks come into the Center. Openings for 2-1/2 hour shifts are available Sundays 2:00 – 6:00 p.m.; Mondays and Fridays 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays 8:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Peer Coaches:

We are looking for seniors who are interested in being trained as volunteer "peer coaches" to assist other seniors in making a successful transition into retirement. Peer coaches will help retiring seniors discover and explore possible directions for their retirement; or help set personal goals to create a fulfilling "next chapter" of their life; or find community projects to actively engage in. Whether you struggled with your transition from a career-focused life to retirement; or you successfully launched a second (or even third) career; or you simply find yourself actively engaged in your retirement through volunteering or other means, this may be a great new volunteer opportunity for you. A 16-hour training course will be required for all peer coach volunteers. Staff representatives  LaDelle Holland,  Coordinator of Volunteer Resources.

Special Event Assistant:

 Attention friendly, outgoing host or hostess with creative spark and computer skills. We would love to have you volunteer as our Special Event Assistant helping to plan, coordinate, and implement a variety of special events throughout the year at the Center. You’ll work with a caterer to plan menus. You’ll create flyers and postcards announcing events. And you’ll work side-by-side a staff member to host these events. Contact LaDelle Holland, Coordinator of Volunteer Resources, at 974-7756 to volunteer today.

Development Acknowledgement Coordinator:

If you like to thank people for their generosity and interest in the Center, please consider volunteering for one of the most important roles in the Development Office as our Development Acknowledgement Coordinator. You’ll handwrite thank you notes as well as create letters using the computer and mail merge function. This is a three-month, two-hour per week commitment. Contact Sarah Althoff, Deputy Director, at 974-7756 to learn more.

Do you enjoy using a computer to design print materials?

Are you creative? Do you enjoy using a computer to design print materials? Need flexibility in your volunteer commitment? We would like you to share your talent with us! We are seeking someone (or two) to create & design flyers for our upcoming programs as well as other marketing pieces such as event tickets. This may be for you! You may set your own schedule and may use your personal computer at home or one of ours here at the center. We will provide orientation and training. Please contact LaDelle Holland at 974-7756 or .

Pinkie Puppets & Peter the Bear:

 If you’re looking for fellowship as well as a chance to help children, you might consider joining the Pinkie Puppet volunteers. These senior volunteers meet at the Senior Center on Mondays from 9:00 – 11:30 a.m. in the Craft Room to work together to cut, sew, stuff, and package Pinkie Puppets and cloth bears for distribution at the UVa Hospital. This is a JABA/RSVP program. UVa provides all supplies to the group. Staff representative LaDelle Holland.

Hospice of the Piedmont Bearables Program:

Each Journeys Bearable is as unique and special as the child who receives it.

We are looking for additional volunteer seamstresses to help us make bears for children who have lost a significant person in their lives who was receiving hospice care. All materials are provided by Hospice. Construction of the bears is done year-round at your home. This is a very heartfelt way to make an impact on a child who is grieving. Staff representative LaDelle Holland.

MACAA Head Start Hats & Mittens:

Volunteers knit and crochet hats and mittens using donated yarn and needles/hooks for children ages 3-5 who are in the Head Start Program. Yarn, knitting needles, crochet hooks and patterns are all provided by donations at the Center. Knitting and crocheting is done year-round at your own home on your own schedule. Make five sets or make 50 sets – whatever you have the time and energy to contribute is greatly appreciated. Staff representative LaDelle Holland.

Yard Sale Volunteers: Get involved in our Fall Yard Sale to directly help support programming at the Senior Center! Volunteers help with set-up, watch the sale floor, cashier, bag purchases, carry out purchases plus more. It’s a great way to meet people, do some good work, and have fun.  Contact Ladelle Holland to sign up.

Lawn Care Crew Volunteers:Miss cutting the grass? Like making sure the Center looks its finest? Then we have the job for you! The Senior Center is currently seeking volunteers to be part of our lawn care crew. The team needs people to mow and trim working on a rotating schedule. We have a push mower and a string line trimmer on site. Interested in helping with this cosmetic, but necessary task? Contact Sarah at 974-7756 or .

American Red Cross Volunteer

The American Red Cross has an urgent need for a friendly and attentive volunteer who will meet, greet and converse with blood donors, and also serve refreshments in their canteen and schedule for the donor their next donation date. They have a regular time slot available every Friday from 8:00 am – 1:30 pm. Training is provided in how to greet the public. Contact Doug Horwitz at the Red Cross at 434-295-LIFE.

Meals on Wheels

Meals on Wheels is currently seeking volunteers who can deliver hot lunchtime meals to our homebound neighbors on a once a week basis. Volunteer Drivers should be available from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm on the weekday they choose to volunteer. Training is minimal and can included delivering with another driver until one feels comfortable with the route. Please call Meals on Wheels at 293-4364. Just one hour per week of your time can make a big difference in someone’s life.

Greer Elementary has a great opportunity for you to help a first grader learn to read. Volunteer today for the Book Buddies Program. No prior teaching experience necessary. Training is provided. All lesson plans are prepared for you in advance. The time commitment is 45 minutes two times a week for the school year. Contact John Cruickshank at 973-8371 ext. 133 or john-c@k12albemarle.org.

Have fun while enriching the lives of children! Volunteers come in for 2 or 3 hours a week – we provide parking, training, and free Museum passes. Front desk volunteers greet our visitors, sign up new members, answer the phone, and operate the cash register. Gallery volunteers help children explore and enjoy the exhibits. The Museum is located at the east end of the Downtown Mall, and we are open Tuesdays through Sundays. Please contact Margie Rein at 434-977-1025 or vol@ntelos.net if you are interested.

Piedmont Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) is looking for caring, motivated, and objective individuals who are committed to helping abused and neglected children. CASA volunteers conduct an independent investigation to understand the child's circumstances, report to the court, and monitor the case to assure the child receives needed services and remains safe. No legal background or special experience required. Training is provided. For more information, call Piedmont CASA at 971-7515 or email: pfpcasa@embarqmail.com.

Child Assault Prevention Program :

Child Assault Prevention Program (CAP) is a community based prevention program for children in kindergarten through fifth grade. Volunteer facilitators are needed to assist in role-plays in the elementary school classroom workshops. Facilitator training is scheduled for September at the office of SARA (Sexual Assault Resource Agency) in Charlottesville. School workshops begin in October. All volunteer facilitators will need their own transportation. A small stipend per workshop and mileage reimbursement will be paid. For more information, please contact Megan Malia or Nancy Wingate at the SARA office at 295-7273.

Charlottesville/Albemarle SPCA:

Charlottesville/Albemarle SPCA is looking for Volunteer Greeters and Data Entry Volunteers. If you love animals and would like to support the SPCA, this may just be the volunteer spot you’re looking for. Contact Pam Holden, Volunteer Coordinator, at 973-5959 ext. 245 to learn more.

Abundant Life Ministries:

Abundant Life Ministries is looking for patient, understanding, encouraging seniors to serve as volunteer tutors for students in grades 1 – 12. If you are interested in making a difference in a child’s life, contact Rebecca Goodwin at 970-2077 to learn how you can help.

Seminole Trail Volunteer Fire Department

Seminole Trail Volunteer Fire Department is looking for a volunteer with fundraising expertise (no bake sales!) to help us raise money for a new building. We now run nearly 2,500 calls a year compared with 211 when we started, and we have outgrown our building. The new facility would house both Fire and Rescue; therefore response time will be reduced considerably. If you think you can help, please contact Judy Rikken at 979-9960 or email her at: jrikken@earthlink.net.

JABA - Friends in School:

JABA is looking for kid-friendly volunteers to serve as Friends in Schools...Helping otherwise known as FISH. There are many volunteer positions to choose from: Greeter, ESL Tutor, Storyteller, Reading Partner, Gardener, Speaker, Lunch Buddy, Class Assistant, Office Assistant or Library Helper. If you’re interested in volunteering or just want to learn more about the FISH program, contact Tom Gillette at 817-5245 or Patricia Hudson at 817-5229. Be a positive influence on children in our area schools today!

Albemarle County TRIAD

Albemarle County TRIAD is seeking senior volunteers. The primary goals of TRIAD are to reduce the criminal victimization of older citizens and enhance the delivery of law enforcement services to the senior population utilizing the Sheriffs Department, the Police Department and senior leadership. If you are interested in joining this newly formed board contact LaDelle Holland at 974-7756.

Habitat for Humanity is seeking volunteers for the midweek crew

Habitat for Humanity is seeking volunteers for the midweek crew that works Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. The summer hours are 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. You can volunteer as frequently as you wish. Midweek crew members are involved in a variety of tasks--plumbing, wiring, building porches, framing the house, etc. No experience is necessary; all are welcome to participate. Interested people should contact Jesse Straight at 293-9066.

Habitat for Humanity is seeking Office volunteers

Habitat for Humanity seeks Office Volunteers to work three and one-half hour shifts once a week. Assets include some computer and organizational skills, good phone voice, common sense and a smile. Ask for Laurie at 434-293-9066.

Volunteers are needed at the Habitat Store to staff the volunteer positions

Looking for a way to make a difference in your community?

The Habitat Store needs volunteers to help with customer service and processing donations.

The Store sells new and used building materials donated by the local community.
All proceeds go towards the construction of Habitat for Humanity homes in the
Charlottesville area.

Our volunteers are integral to the Store's success and we offer a fun, friendly work
environment.

Contact Carla at 293-6331 or E-Mail Carla for more info.
 

Cashier: This position handles sales transactions, answers the phone, and provides general assistance to customers. You should have strong math and customer service skills, a belief in the Store's mission and a desire to brighten peoples' day.

Sales Associate: This position greets customers as they arrive, directs them around the store and answers questions about our inventory. You should have strong math and customer service skills, a general knowledge of building materials and the ability to lift 25-50 lbs. on a consistent basis.

Recycling Coordinator: This position organizes and transports the Store's recycling (mostly cardboard) to the McIntire Recycling Center once a week. You should have an understanding of the recycle process and be at least 21 years old with a clean driving record.

Thomas Jefferson Center for the Protection of Free Expression

Thomas Jefferson Center for the Protection of Free Expression request a volunteer team (2-3 people) to clean the chalkboard wall two – three times per year. The cleaning involves spraying the chalkboard with a hose while others brush of any chalk not removed by the water. The use of the monument has exceeded their expectations and requires cleaning twice per week! Please contact Josh Wheeler at 295-4784 or jjw@tjcenter.org.

Enrichment Alliance of Virginia

Mentors and other volunteers are needed to assist with an after school enrichment program that meets at Summit House on Rugby Rd. in Charlottesville. This program is inclusive, which means we strive to provide reasonable accommodations for children with special needs. Your support will help us meet this goal. Mentors will assist with pairs of children on Monday afternoons from 3:00 to 5.30. At least one child in each pair will have some disabilities and will need support to have a successful experience in enrichment programs. Mentors will be trained to assist children with activities that are hard for them, such as cutting, and to help them stay focused and on task. As our program expands, mentors may also assist children in other after school programs. Mentors need to be patient and good with children, especially children with special needs such as attention deficit disorder and severe learning disabilities. Mentors may commit to one or more five to six week sessions. The first session begins November 20th. If you have professional experiences directly related to special needs children, such as special education, speech, occupational therapy, or psychology, there may be other opportunities as well as mentoring. Please call Mary Anna Dunn at (434) 823-9100. For more information, visit our website: www.enrichva.org/ and click on Project Access and Enrichment Place links.

Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society

The Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society is in need of reception desk volunteers, Spirit Walk guides, and a head costumer for the Spirit Walk. Interested volunteers should contact us at 434-296-1492. We are located at 200 2nd St. NE, right across the street from a bus stop. We also validate parking for 2hrs at the Water St. garage.
 

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