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Intake Account
Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities
Angel's Watch Shelter Volunteers
VOLUNTEERING AT ANGEL’S WATCH SHELTER
Angel’s Watch Shelter provides women and families who are fleeing domestic violence or experiencing homelessness with safe and secure emergency housing, daily living necessities, comprehensive case management, and one-on-one assistance in securing new homes. Angel’s Watch seeks to foster an atmosphere of hope in which possibilities for new beginnings are seen and realized. The work of volunteers is essential to this mission.
Volunteering at Angel’s Watch Shelter offers an opportunity to:
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Contribute to the Angel’s Watch culture of caring.
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Support the residents’ sense of being by offering a calm and structured environment.
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Gain insight into the challenges faced by people living on the margins of independence.
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Be part of a highly functional team.
Angel’s Watch Shelter seeks volunteers who are:
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Cheerful, outgoing, and optimistic, and have a calm demeanor.
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Compassionate and understanding of people experiencing homelessness.
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Able to see and value the dignity of every person.
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Able to recognize people and remember names.
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Able to juggle multiple tasks at once.
Angel’s Watch Shelter volunteers are required to:
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Be at least 18 years old.
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Demonstrate the personal and technical skills required for the particular position.
Support for Angel’s Watch Shelter volunteers includes:
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A staff mentor and onsite training.
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Participation in the Catholic Charities Volunteer Orientation.
Time, duration, and location of service commitments:
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Are based on the requirements of each volunteer position.
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Occur partially or completely on-site at Angel’s Watch Shelter.
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Allow for flexibility, when possible, to accommodate volunteers’ schedules.
Current Volunteer Opportunities:
Volunteers will help with one or more of the following activities:
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Welcome Team Volunteers are the first welcoming faces at Angel’s Watch Shelter. They greet residents and vendors at the front desk, liaison with and support other volunteers, help with projects and activities, and engage daily with residents.
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Angel’s Watch Turnover Team Volunteers help welcome incoming families by working together to clean and lovingly prepare the Family Rooms that will be these families’ temporary homes.
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New Home Team Volunteers help Angel’s Watch residents search for and move into stable and secure new homes. Under the direction of a case manager, volunteers work with each client individually to locate a new home that meets the client’s needs.
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Special Project Volunteers collaborate with the Program Director to plan and implement events and activities that bolster community engagement. Volunteer activities are determined by the current needs and interests of the community and available resources.
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
Community Companions' Classroom Volunteer
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
Community Companions Support Volunteer
Community Companions Support Volunteer
The Community Companions 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.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Collect demographic information and required documents from clients
- Assist with outreach into the community
- Coordinate schedules and communicate with volunteers and parents
- Support Community Companions staff by processing client intake calls, inputting data, and other administrative tasks
Qualifications:
- Basic computer skills (Office 365)
- Communication skills
- Available to volunteer in-person
Desired Skills, Experience & Characteristics:
- Passionate about helping others
- Adaptable & Flexible
- Patient
Volunteer Benefits:
- Volunteers will make a difference to the community and gain work experience while being part of a diverse and professional team
- Volunteers will develop professional skills
Support:
- Community Companions Volunteers are provided on-site supervision and training by the staff members with whom they work.
Time Commitment:
- 8-10 hours per week- Between 10AM and 6PM
- Two days a week- Between Monday and Friday
Location:
- Community Companions is looking for volunteers to serve at their Rockville site. (1010 Grandin Ave, Rockville, MD 20851)
- Parking lot onsite as well as street parking available. Walking Distance from Rockville Metro Station
Management Plan:
- Pamela Bennett, Program Manager
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
Community & Employment Outreach Volunteer
Community & Employment Outreach Volunteer
This volunteer in this position works with our employment program to help find jobs that are available to people who recently immigrated to the US. Obtaining reliable and consistent employment can change the trajectory of a family's life. By reaching out to businesses to encourage them to collaborate with us on hiring our program graduates, this volunteer provides connections that can help build the lives of future generations.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with the staff of the SCC to plan outreach
- Call businesses to identify potential job openings
Qualifications:
- Minimum age of 18
- Access to a Laptop Computer
- Spanish speaker preferred
Desired Skills, Experience & Characteristics:
- Good verbal skills
- Willpower to keep going when it’s tough
- Resilience, Focus, and Friendliness
- Workable computer skills
Time Commitment:
- Volunteers must commit to 4-6 hours per week for either 6-months or 1-year
Location:
- Spanish Catholic Center (DC) 1618 Monroe St NW
- The closest Metro stop is Columbia Heights Metro station with a 13 m13-minutek
- Once exiting the Columbia heights metro station, go north on 14th street for 3 blocks, then take a left and walk on Monroe Street, once you pass the intersection, our building will be on the left.
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
Home Organizer Volunteer- COMPASS Program
Friend of COMPASS – Home Organizer Volunteer
Description of the Volunteer Position:
The Home Organizer Volunteer will help seniors who have lived in their homes for over 40 years. This volunteer will make a lasting impact by assisting seniors in organizing, sorting, and creating a safer, more comfortable living space in their own homes. All seniors are members of the COMPASS program, a mobile case management program serving DC residents over the age of 18 years old.
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Duties & Responsibilities:
Volunteers will:
- Assist seniors in sorting and organizing their belongings in their own homes.
- Assist seniors with posting saleable items on various reselling websites.
- Provide compassionate support throughout the process.
- Help create a safer and more manageable home environment for the seniors.
Qualifications:
Volunteers must:
- Be at least 21 years old.
- Live in the DC, Maryland, Virginia (DMV) area.
- Possess a professional home organizer certification (such as ASPO or NAPO) and/or at least 3 years of experience working with others to declutter living space .
- Know how to sell items via Facebook Market Place, Etsy, and other reselling websites.
- Be proficient in utilizing the Internet.
- Be able to assist with light physical tasks such as sorting and organizing.
- Be able to bend, stand for extended periods, and lift as much as 20 lbs. If assistance with heavier items is needed, it will be provided.
- Have basic English language proficiency.
- Be able to commit to a regular schedule for the duration of the process.
- Be able to drive.
Desired Skills, Experience & Characteristics:
Volunteers should:
- Be patient, respectful, and compassionate and have a positive attitude toward helping seniors.
- Be able to form supportive relationships with seniors.
- Have a strong desire to help others and make a meaningful impact in the lives of seniors.
- Be interested in gaining experience in social services and community engagement.
- Have a passion for giving back to the community and contributing to positive social change.
- Be interested in developing soft skills like empathy and communication while making a tangible difference.
Impact of Volunteers:
Volunteers will:
- Provide essential support to seniors who may feel overwhelmed by the process of decluttering after many years in their homes.
- Help create a safer and more organized living space in seniors’ homes.
- Help reduce seniors’ stress and improve their quality of life.
- Offer companionship, understanding, and a sense of empowerment to seniors, thus fostering a positive emotional and mental environment.
Benefit to Volunteers:
Volunteers will:
- Gain hands-on experience in providing support to seniors.
- Improve practical skills like sorting, decluttering, and home organizing.
- Learn valuable skills in organizing, communication, and problem-solving.
- Develop key interpersonal skills such as empathy, active listening, and patience,
- Expand their community networks by connecting with other volunteers, and community organizations.
- Be part of a collaborative, effective team committed to a shared vision.
- Increase their awareness of the needs and challenges of seniors, gain a deeper understanding of the aging population, and understand the importance of community support.
Support for Volunteers:
Volunteers will:
- Participate in a COMPASS-specific preparatory session with COMPASS staff.
- Meet with a COMPASS staff partner and the senior to be assisted to discuss the specific project and the senior’s vision for her home.
- Receive onsite support for the first three sessions.
- Receive weekly support from a COMPASS staff partner throughout the process.
- Engage in regular check-ins with and receive feedback from the senior throughout the process.
- Be encouraged to reflect on and share their experiences and observations regarding their contributions and areas needing improvement.
Time Commitment:
Volunteers must:
- Make a minimum commitment of 3 months and 2 projects, with a 6-month and 4-project commitment being preferred.
- Devote 2-3 hours per week on each project, with the exact schedule to be determined by mutual agreement between the volunteer, the senior, and the COMPASS staff.
Location:
Volunteers will:
- Work in-person in seniors’ homes.
- Assist seniors who live primarily in DC Wards 7 and 8.
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
Instructor of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
Instructor of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
Have you always wanted to teach? Do you have a passion for helping others succeed? Become an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Instructor and help to open opportunities and increase the confidence of adult non-English speakers. No prior teaching experience necessary!
Catholic Charities Immigrant Support Services system of integrated services uses a holistic approach to address our clients’ needs by providing wrap around social services, employment supportive services, and education and training programs in the communities of DC and Gaithersburg. As an ESOL Instructor, you will teach beginner to intermediate level English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses for adults based on Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) standards. Catholic Charities will provide you with training on how to deliver ESOL lessons and keep a record of student attendance.
We are looking for both in person and virtual teachers to start in September. As a volunteer, you will teach 2 to 4 days a week depending on your availability and in-person or virtually over Zoom. See the full list of skills, requirements, and characteristics below to get started and apply today!
The ESOL Instructor Volunteers will be responsible for:
- Teaching an existing curriculum on day-to-day English
- Preparing to deliver lessons from Step-Forward series
- Attending trainings
- Keeping records of student attendance
Desired Skills, Experience & Characteristics:
- Willingness to learn how to deliver lessons
- Able to connect with learners
- Basic understanding of Microsoft Office Suite and internet skills (e.g. Google, Zoom)
Qualifications:
- Willingness to work with the immigrant community
- fluent in English
- Willing to volunteer in person at a location in Montgomery County, MD
Volunteer Benefits:
- Improved communication skills and teaching abilities
- An opportunity to meet people from all walks of life
Support:
- Participate in Catholic Charities Volunteer Orientation
- Receive program-specific training at the SCC Gaithersburg office
- Receive training, supervision and support throughout the duration of session
- Have staff supervision onsite (for in person teachers) or virtually (for virtual teachers)
Time Commitment:
- Volunteers commit to teach classes 2 or 4 days a week for 12 weeks.
- 12-week sessions are conducted:
- January - March
- April - June
- July (5-week mini-session)
- September - December
- Volunteer training in ESOL instruction occurs in 2-hour sessions (6:30PM-8:30PM) for 2-days scheduled the week before the sessions begin.
Location & Schedule:
- virtually, Mondays - Thursdays, 6:30PM-8:30PM
- in-person, Mondays - Thursdays, 6:30PM-8:30PM @ St. Catherine Laboure Parish in Wheaton
- in-person, Saturdays, 9:30AM-12:30PM @ St Martin of Tours Parish in Gaithersburg
- in-person, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:30PM-8:30PM @ Gaithersburg Library
- Parking is available in front of the facilities
Next Steps:
- Complete the application at the green button to the right
- Talk with Catholic Charities staff member about the role to match expectations
- Complete the required screening: criminal history check (not disqualifying)
- Attend orientation
- Attend ESOL Instructor Training
- Schedule your service
Office Support Volunteer at SCC DC
Spanish Catholic Center Employment Services Volunteer
Description of the Volunteer Position:
The Spanish Catholic Center offers holistic services to immigrants from around the world. The multicultural staff members of the Center speak more than eight different languages and have experience working with individuals from more than 72 cultural contexts. The Center offers employment referrals and job readiness training programs to assist men and women from Hispanic countries with obtaining a job. The Employment Services Volunteers will support the Employment Specialists in DC and help clients submit their unemployment documentation online.
Duties & Responsibilities:
Volunteers will:
- Collect required documents from clients.
- Assist with outreach into the community.
- Support the Spanish Catholic Center staff by processing client intake calls, inputting data, and completing other administrative tasks.
Qualifications:
Volunteers must:
- Speak both Spanish and English
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have basic computer skills (Office 365).
- Have effective communication skills.
- Be available to volunteer in person.
Desired Skills, Experience & Characteristics:
Volunteers should be:
- Passionate about helping others.
- Adaptable and flexible.
- Patient.
Volunteer Benefits:
Volunteers will:
- Make a difference in the community.
- Gain work experience and develop professional skills.
- Be part of a diverse, effective, and professional team.
Support:
Volunteers will:
- Attend the virtual Catholic Charities DC Volunteer Orientation session.
- Receive on-site training from Spanish Catholic Center staff members.
- Be provided with on-site supervision by the staff members with whom they work.
Time Commitment:
- 8-10 hours per week, between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
- Two days a week, between Monday and Friday.
Location:
- Volunteers serve on-site at:
Spanish Catholic Center (Washington DC office)
1618 Monroe St., NW
Washington, DC 20020
- Street Parking is available.
- Walking Distance from Columbia Heights Metro Station.
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
Men’s Shelter Hospitality Volunteer
Men’s Shelter Hospitality Volunteer
Catholic Charities low-barrier shelters offer emergency housing to men over the age of 18. The Shelters are open from 5:00 PM to 9:00 AM and offer a hot dinner, access to case management, showers, and a bed each night.
Shelter Hospitality Volunteers will assist staff and greet the men as they enter the Shelter in the evenings. The presence of these volunteers affirms the dignity of the men who stay at the Shelter and enables the staff to move around the Shelter and help people get settled.
Activities of Shelter Hospitality volunteers at the direction of staff will:
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Greet the men who stay at the Shelter
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Serve dinner
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Distribute sheets
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Distribute mail
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Organize other volunteers to engage with the people for evening pastimes, such as board games, puzzles, drawing, seasonal crafts, etc.
Desired Skills, Experience & Characteristics:
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A warm smile
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Ability to operate in a hectic environment
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Ability to initiate activities and engage with people at the shelter
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Ability to provide a sense of accompaniment and support for the people at the shelter
Qualifications:
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Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age
Volunteer Benefits:
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Volunteers will gain a clearer understanding of homelessness in our community
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Volunteers will have an opportunity to meet new people from all walks of life
Support:
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Volunteers will participate in Catholic Charities Volunteer Orientation
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Volunteers will receive on-site training at their assigned shelter
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Volunteers will have on-site supervision from shelter staff
Time Commitment:
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Volunteers will serve for approximately 2 hours, once a week
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Volunteers will consistently serve on the same day of the week (e.g. every Monday)
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Volunteers can serve any evening of the week, between the hours of 5:00 PM and 9:00 PM
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Volunteers will serve for at least 6 months
Location:
Volunteers serve at one of the following locations:
New York Avenue Men’s Shelter 1355 New York Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002
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Street parking is available in the area and there is a parking lot is located at the MOM’s Organic Market 2 blocks from the shelter
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The Shelter is a 1.3 mile walk from the NoMa-Gallaudet U Metro Station (Red Line)
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The Shelter Is accessible by the E2 bus from Fort Totten and the D4 bus from Franklin Square
Adam’s Place Men’s Shelter, 2210 Adam’s Place NE, Washington DC 20018
801 E Men’s Shelter, 2700 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE Washington DC 20032
Staff Point of Contact
New York Ave Men’s Shelter – Larry Gooch, Yvette Day
Adam’s Place Men’s Shelter – Devenn Johnson, La Rue Bulluck
801 E Men’s Shelter – Paola Flores, Crystal Edmons
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
Spanish Catholic Center Gaithersburg Client Support Volunteer
Spanish Catholic Center Gaithersburg Client Support Volunteer
The Spanish Catholic Center offers holistic services to immigrants from around the world. The multicultural staff of the Center speak more than eight different languages and have experience working with individuals from more than 72 diverse cultural contexts. Spanish Catholic Center offers case management assistance to assist people from various countries with to obtain resources in their community.
The Client Support Volunteers will provide support to the Case Managers at service hubs in Montgomery County in Maryland while helping the clients in gaining access to resources within their community (SNAP, community referrals, rental relief, and immigration support).
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Assist with outreach into the community, especially during food distributions and outdoor community events.
- Support Spanish Catholic Center staff by processing client intake calls, inputting data, and other administrative tasks (Filing, providing gift cards, etc.)
- Assist in the gathering information on the needs of Case Management Program’s clients. Such as collecting required documents from clients.
- Work closely with finance manager and client representative when working at the based office.
- Implement and oversee client recruitment/outreach strategies that achieve intake and follow-up goals of the program.
- Volunteers could assist in outreaching, giving out flyers, intaking, and office work such as filing or making phone calls and making IDs for clients.
- Volunteers could assist with outreach into the community through which people would know the dates and times of when these events would take place.
- Volunteers can assist by making the events run smoother for both the administrative branch and in the events themselves.
- Update and maintain all outreach materials and weekly outreach list.
- Collaborate with job specialists, finance managers, case managers and other support staff to determine program needs in areas where volunteers can support.
Qualifications:
- Bilingual speaker (English, Spanish, Quechuan/ Guatemalan Indigenous, Afghan, Vietnamese, Chinese, French, Haitian Creole) and is adaptable to multiple situations.
- Ability to be effectively in collaboration with diverse groups of people.
- 18 years or older
- Good organization and time management
- Basic computer skills (Office 365)
- Customer Service/ Communication skills
- Willingness to travel to different sites
- Passion, idealism, positive Attitude, mission-driven and self-directed.
- Strong interpersonal skills, initiative to speak to clients who may be shy
- Available to volunteer in-person.
Desired Skills, Experience & Characteristics:
- Passionate about helping others
- Adaptable & Flexible
- Maintain consistent engagement during outreach outdoor events
- Be very patient
Volunteer Benefits:
- Volunteers will make a difference to the community and gain work experience while being part of a diverse and professional team
- Volunteers will develop professional skills
Support:
- Spanish Catholic Center Volunteers are provided on-site supervision and training by the staff members with whom they work.
Time Commitment:
- 4-hour shifts; Between 9AM and 5PM (Monday- Friday)
- Two Days a week
Location:
- Spanish Catholic Center Gaithersburg (201 E Diamond Ave, 3rd Floor) & other hubs and sites managed by Catholic Charities in Montgomery County & PG County
- Parking is available.
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
Summer Service for Adults in Formation for the Diaconate
Summer Service for Adults in Formation for the Diaconate
Students attending local Catholic seminaries or houses of study associated with their religious order and adults in religious formation are welcome to apply to Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington for one of the following types of placements:
- an undergraduate internship placement (~40 hours in a semester)
- an academic internship placement (~240 - 600 hours with clinical supervision in an academic year)
- a summer internship (~320 hours over 10 weeks, May-August)
- a special project placement for a graduate student or adult (~200 hours over, roughly a day a week for 9 months)
- a summer service placement of accompaniment (~40 hours service between May-August)
- perfect for aspirants and candidates for ordination to the diaconate
NOTE: If you are seeking 'sign up and show up' activities such as St Maria's Meals, Spanish Catholic Center Food Distribution, Catholic Charities Center Food Distribution, and SHARE Food Program activities, you may register for events on the CC DC Volunteer Calendar that suit their schedules.
Catholic Charities Program Served:
Examples of placements that are typically available to seminary students:
- Anchor Behavioral Health, 1001 Lawrence St NW: students welcome clients, assist in the Medication Clinic – 2 students
- This program provides behavioral health services to people who live on very limited resources. Seminarians perform a variety of duties, at the direction of the ABH staff they are assigned to, depending on their skills and abilities which may include welcoming people, reading documents to people, helping people complete forms, assisting the front office staff, etc.
- Spanish Catholic Center, 1618 Monroe St NW: students help with the food pantry and food distribution – 2 students
- This program provides a variety of services to people who are recent immigrants to the US and DC. Seminarians perform a variety of tasks, at the direction of SCC staff they are assigned to, depending on their skills and abilities which may include receiving donations, stocking shelves, distributing food, welcoming people, helping people to complete job applications, assisting front office staff, etc.
- New York Ave Men’s Shelter, 1355 New York Ave NW: students help serve dinner – 2 students
- This program provides low barrier, emergency overnight shelter to men. Seminarians perform a variety of tasks at the direction of the shelter staff which may include serving dinner, distributing mail, sheets, soap, welcoming and chatting with the men, playing bingo or other games, watching sports events
Examples of placements that may be available to adults in religious formation programs:
- Catholic Charities Volunteer Engagement Office, 924 G St NW Washington DC + various locations
- This program provides overall coordination of volunteer engagement across the Catholic Charities. Volunteers typically serve 1-day a week for at least 10 weeks. They undertake a special project using their skills and knowledge that will expose them to volunteer engagement practices and leave an improvement in our capacity to engage volunteers. For example, organizing a special project and documenting the steps so we can repeat it in the future, creating graphics for recruitment campaigns and special events we can use in the next year, developing a volunteer enrichment activity – such as a discernment tool or reflection and sharing session.
- New York Ave Men’s Shelter Ministry of Presence, 1355 New York Ave NW
- This program provides low barrier, emergency overnight shelter to men. Volunteers in religious formation visit the shelter one evening a week for 10 weeks. They will perform a variety of tasks at the direction of the shelter staff which may include serving dinner, distributing mail, sheets, soap, welcoming and chatting with the men, or offering spiritual comfort, offering prayer and Bible study, sing-along of hymns, or other activities such as playing bingo or other games, playing sports trivia while watching sports events.
- English as a Second Language Instructor, virtually or St Catherine Laboure Viers Mill Rd, Silver Spring, MD
- This program provides people learn to speak English using an established curriculum. Volunteers attend 2 training sessions then are paired with another volunteer to teach classes 2 evenings a week for 10 weeks.
- Mitigating Food Insecurity, various locations and schedules
- These programs provide individuals with prepared food or groceries or produce to mitigate food insecurity and food desserts. Volunteers will complete the volunteer orientation and sign up using the CC DC Volunteer Calendar for shifts that suit their schedule.
- Trafficking Victims Assistance Program, 1018 Monroe St NE Washington DC
- This program provides support to people escaping human trafficking. Interns who are offered a placement in this program typically speak at least some Spanish to interact with people accessing services. Non-Spanish speakers will do a variety of important behind-the-scenes tasks to strengthen operations and support the program staff.
- Other programs
- Interns may propose a placement that interest them. Please consult the “Get Help” section of Catholic Charities website for background information about our programs.
Impact of the volunteer:
Seminarians and adults in religious formation will perform tasks that expand and enhance the experiences of people accessing services at Catholic Charities locations.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Be present to the staff and people accessing services at the Catholic Charities location
- Carry out tasks assigned by the staff
- Seminarians and adults in religious formation may request feedback on their performance by drafting responses to the school’s / program’s form and requesting their staff liaison to review/edit and submit it.
Qualifications:
- Must be 18 years old or older
- Complete the screening requirements for the placement: application, ID, background check authorization, government ID check, and attend volunteer orientation.
- When completing the application, give particular attention to respond to the narrative questions: why you want a placement at Catholic Charities and what knowledge, skills, and abilities you bring to your service ministry. Your answers should be thoughtfully composed so the reader gets an impression of you.
- Adults-in-Formation may be required to demonstrate qualification for certain placements and or complete additional training and screening for certain roles.
Desired Skills, Experience & Characteristics:
- Open and friendly demeanor
- Eager to experience, perhaps, a new environment
- Value and appreciate the lived experiences of people present, which may be very different from your own
- Work well as a team member
- Speak Spanish, preferably
Volunteer Benefits:
Seminarians will gain experience:
- Providing ministry of accompaniment and presence to people accessing services at Catholic Charities
- Develop a sense of solidarity with people accessing services of Catholic Charities
- Carry out tasks to help CC DC staff to serve people
- Log hours in the volunteer management system
Adults in religious formation, in addition to the above, will gain experience:
- Relevant to their chosen ministry
- Gain insight and practical knowledge about how Catholic Charities meets needs of people in our community
- Develop networks of contacts to take into ministry
Support:
Seminarians and Adults in religious formation will be supervised by CC DC Staff member who will:
- Provide instruction re tasks to perform
- Answer questions
- Inform volunteers of the safety protocols
- Provide feedback to a volunteers' program by responding to a draft composed by the volunteer
- Approve service hours that are logged in the volunteer management system
Time Commitment:
- 2-8 hours a week
- Serve a minimum of 40 hours over the course of the semester/summer
- Typical schedules:
- Anchor Behavioral Health: M-F during business hours
- Spanish Catholic Center: TU, morning or evening
- New York Ave Men’s Shelter: M-SU, late afternoon/evening
Location:
- Students will serve at one of these locations:
- Anchor Behavioral Health, 1001 Lawrence St NE
- Spanish Catholic Center, 1618 Monroe St NW
- New York Ave Men’s Shelter, 1355 New York Ave NE
- Catholic Charities Volunteer Engagement Office, 924 G St NW Washington DC + various locations
- English as a Second Language Instructor, virtually or St Catherine Laboure Viers Mill Rd, Silver Spring, MD
- Trafficking Victims Assistance Program, 1018 Monroe St NE Washington DC
- Adults in Religious Formation placed to compete a special project may serve at any Catholic Charities location.
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
Women’s Shelter Hospitality Volunteer
Women’s Shelter Hospitality Volunteer
Catholic Charities low-barrier shelters offer emergency housing to women over the age of 18. The Shelters are open from 5:00 PM to 9:00 AM and offer a hot dinner, access to case management, showers, feminine toiletries, and a bed each night.
Women's Shelter Hospitality Volunteers will assist staff and greet the women as they enter the Shelter in the evenings. The presence of these volunteers affirms the dignity of the women who stay at the Shelter and enables the staff to move around the Shelter and help people get settled.
Activities of Shelter Hospitality volunteers at the direction of staff will:
- Greet the women who stay at the Shelter
- Serve dinner
- Distribute sheets
- Distribute mail
- Organize other volunteers to engage with the people for evening pastimes, such as board games, puzzles, drawing, seasonal crafts, etc.
Desired Skills, Experience & Characteristics:
- A warm smile
- Ability to operate in a hectic environment
- Ability to initiate activities and engage with people at the shelter
- Ability to provide a sense of accompaniment and support for the people at the shelter
Qualifications:
- Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age
Volunteer Benefits:
- Volunteers will gain a clearer understanding of homelessness in our community
- Volunteers will have an opportunity to meet new people from all walks of life
Support:
- Volunteers will participate in Catholic Charities Volunteer Orientation
- Volunteers will receive on-site training at their assigned shelter
- Volunteers will have on-site supervision from shelter staff
Time Commitment:
The Shelter Manger and the Volunteers will set up a mutually acceptable schedule that meets the following criteria:
- Volunteers will serve for approximately 2 hours, once a week
- Volunteers will consistently serve on the same day of the week (e.g. every Monday)
- Volunteers can serve any evening of the week, between the hours of 5:00 PM and 9:00 PM
- Volunteers will serve for at least 6 months
Location:
Volunteers serve at one of the following locations:
Harriet Tubman Women’s Shelter 1910 Massachusetts Ave NE Washington DC 20003
St Josephine Bakhita Women’s Shelter 6010 Georgia Ave NW Washington DC 20011
Staff Point of Contact
Kiesha Adams, Shelter Manager
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
Volunteer Office Welcome Team & Special Projects Support
The Volunteer Engagement Office welcomes people to help meet the mission of the agency by giving their time and talents to the people who come to us for help and hope.
Welcome Team volunteers will help prospective volunteers become engaged volunteers by staying touch with them, answering questions, and helping them complete the steps to become a volunteer. The Welcome Team will assist onboarding volunteers for ongoing roles and for internships. Volunteers in this role would also be welcome to assist in the planning and facilitation of our many special projects, especially leading up to Christmas.
Volunteers will be responsible for:
- Calling prospective volunteers to follow up on applications.
- Using the computer to send messages and emails.
- Using the volunteer database to update information.
- Learning about Catholic Charities programs and volunteer process to prepare to answer questions.
- Bringing Christmas cheer by helping prepare for the many activities that occur throughout the Christmas Season
- Assisting with Volunteer Office's Caritas! event -- the annual agency-wide volunteer appreciation event
Desired Skills, Experience & Characteristics:
- Comfortable talking with people to provide information and encourage action (e.g., complete the application, attend an event, etc.).
- Effective writer and verbal communicator.
- Adapt planned activities to a dynamic environment -- things change quickly!
- Comfortable with ambiguous or partial information.
- Able to think on your feet, solve problems, find information.
- Enjoy interacting with people.
- Comfortable working with a team.
- Diligent about keeping team informed about status of projects using our system of notes and other tools (not just verbal and email updates).
- Comfortable representing Catholic Charities.
- Familiar with and able to talk about the principles engaging in service from the perspectives of Catholic Social Teaching, robust civic life in democracy, career development, enhancing one’s social life.
Qualifications:
- Competent using communications technologies: MS Office suite, Zoom, WordPress (a plus but not required).
- Have a computer with a video camera and earphones/earbuds you can use from home.
- Able to commit to a schedule that includes business hours and occasional evening or Saturday hours (Volunteer Open House and Volunteer Orientation).
Volunteer Benefits:
- Be part of a team that does fun, interesting and important work.
- Use and sharpen interpersonal skills.
- Use and sharpen technology skills.
- Bring Christmas cheer to the people we serve.
Support:
- Welcome Team volunteers will be supported by the volunteer engagement team
- Will receive training about Catholic Charities work and programs, the volunteer management database Better Impact and WordPress.
Time Commitment:
- 4 – 6 hours a week.
- Usually between 10:00am and 2:00pm during the week.
- 1 evening or weekend 2-hour shift a month (flexible).
Location:
- This role will be virtual with possibility for in person.
- Office is at 924 G St NW Washington DC 20001.
- Street parking is available but limited.
- Recommended travel via metro to Gallery Place or Metro Center stop.
- Building is the only 19th century stone building on the block!
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
I'm not sure what ongoing role, could someone talk me through my options?
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!
Either way, if you complete this application, we will give you a call to talk through the roles that are available!