Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington Headquarters

This application is for anybody who is interested in an ongoing volunteer role with one of our programs. Typically, people commit to serving ~4 hours a week for 6 months to a year. You then would have the option to sign up for another year or to take a step back. These roles require screening and your attendance at an orientation.

If you are not interested in serving on a weekly basis (or want to get started right away), please feel free to check out our Volunteer Calendar to see individual opportunities where you can simply "sign up and show up" right away!

Or, if you spoke to someone who works at Catholic Charities about volunteering for a specific program or doing a specific internship but don't see that option in the list, complete this application.  There is a place in the application where you can tell us who you talked to and what you hope to do.

Either way, if you complete this application, we will give you a call to talk through the roles that are available!

Community Companions Classroom Volunteer

The Community Companions Program was established in 1989 as an after-school program for children and young adults with Developmental Disabilities. The program has since expanded to serve children with autism and has grown to include school-respite days and summer camp programs. The program, located in Rockville, Maryland, has the capacity to support 30 children who reside in Montgomery County, Maryland. Licensed by the Maryland Child Care Administration, it is one of the few quality childcare programs for children with disabilities in Montgomery County. The program strives to help children develop in the areas of communication, functional living, and gross and fine motor, recreational/leisure, self-help, and social behavioral skills. These skills are addressed in a safe, fun, and age-appropriate environment through activities that include cooking, computer activities, outings to various community locations, various board games, a variety of sports equipment and much more. The program also participates in community integration activities with community-based groups within Montgomery County.

Volunteer Impact:

• The volunteer will work with one or two students that are not engaged in the large group activity.
• This work will provide diversity in teaching techniques for our participants, which may help staff discover other options for keeping participants engaged in activities.
• Participants will benefit from spending time with a volunteer that is willing to work with them and engage in an interactive activity that they may enjoy.
• This is also an opportunity to discover additional skills that students may have or be able to improve.
• This will also relieve stress from the student by allowing them a choice to be engaged in something different within reason. ·
• The volunteer’s impact may be evaluated based on participation of students, student reactions, staff feedback, and feedback from parents when appropriate.

Duties & Responsibilities: ·

• Facilitate/teach/deliver/organize activity and distribute supplies.
• Volunteer will be responsible for setup and clean up for activity within reason. 
• Enjoy time with the student. ·
• Play! 

Qualifications

• Must have a CJIS background check. ·
• Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. 
• Must speak and read English.
• Some Spanish is a plus.
• Patient and Energetic
• Able to sit or stand while working with students

Desired Skills, Experience & Characteristics: ·

• Desire to work with children
• Able to follow printed directions
• Experience working with children or people with developmental disabilities

Volunteer Benefits

• Volunteer can gain work experience in a licensed childcare facility.
• Leadership skills 
• Facilitator experience
• Learn more about the early childhood profession 
• Experience working with students with developmental disabilities.

Support

• Staff will be present and available for support or assistance of any kind.

Time Commitment

•  Minimum of 1-2 hours per week
• In order for the children to become comfortable with the volunteer to work one-to-one they must have a consistent presence. Must be available at least once per week for a 1-2 hour session.

Location

• Address: 1010 Grandin Ave, Rockville, MD 20851 
• Parking is available
• Metro accessible: Rockville Station is ~20 minute walk from our building
• Building is at the intersection of Grandin Ave & Woodburn Ave.
• Parking lot is located on Woodburn.
• There is an entrance on Woodburn and on Grandin which are both accessible but will require a code to enter. Chosen volunteers will receive the code after their first visit.

Next Steps:  

• Complete the application at the green button to the right  

• Have a brief, informal Get to Know You conversation with Catholic Charities Volunteer Office staff member
• Talk with the staff liaison for this role to match mutual expectations 

• Complete the required screening, e.g., criminal history check (not disqualifying) 

• Attend volunteer orientation 

• Schedule your service