Volunteer Opportunities in Anne Arundel County

Many volunteer positions are available through the Anne Arundel County Volunteer Center. If you do not see an opportunity below that fits your needs, contact the Volunteer Center at ask.aacvc@outlook.com or 410-897-9207. Check our Website: www.aacvc.org. A few current volunteer opportunities are listed below.

AMVETS

AMVETS is one of the nation’s leading veteran’s service organizations by providing legislative initiatives that give individual assistance in attaining earned benefits from VA and protecting veterans’ benefits on the national scale. AMVETS also has programs to assist a array of veterans’ issues including AMVETS Career Centers to veterans seeking employment after the military. Intern will take in a non-profit atmosphere, specifically a 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(19). Intern will gain knowledge and skills in Sequel database building, and would be primarily responsible to Membership Director for variety of data entry requirements primarily in support of AMVETS’ membership database. For more information contact: Lisa Huepenbecker at lisah@amvets.org or 301-683-4066.

Anne Arundel Community Concert Association

This nonprofit, established in 1951, is part of a network of neighborhood community concert associations throughout the United States. It is run by volunteers who are dedicated to presenting a wide variety of high caliber artists catering to a diverse range of audience tastes at affordable prices. All concerts are held at Severna Park High School and continue through May. New volunteers are welcome and may call 443-688-6460 or 410-647-4881 for more information. Web site: http://www.annearundelconcerts.50megs.com/

Anne Arundel County Department of Aging and Disabilities

The Foster Grandparent Program at the AA Co. Dept. of Aging and Disabilities seeks new volunteers for 2015. Foster Grandparent Program volunteers dedicate 20-40 hours each week, offering emotional support to child victims of abuse and neglect, tutoring children who lag behind in reading and counting, mentoring troubled teenagers and young mothers, and caring for premature infants and children with physical disabilities and severe illnesses. Besides having an ability to love children, Foster Grandparent volunteers must be 55 years of age, pass a physical exam and background check, and receive an annual income of less than $22,980 (single person) or $31,020 (household) from Social Security, SSI, Pensions, etc. In return, Foster Grandparent volunteers receive an hourly stipend, a free physical examination upon entering the program, free transportation to their work sites (or mileage reimbursement), paid monthly trainings and workshops, and invitations to social and recognition events. For more information, please contact the Foster Grandparent Program at 410-222-4464.

Arthritis Foundation

The Mid-Atlantic Region serves Maryland, Delaware, DC, Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina by making the public knowledgeable about arthritis and the importance of appropriate treatment and by helping people take personal control of their arthritis through self-help classes, warm water and land exercise programs and support and education groups. For more information about programs and volunteer opportunities, call 1-800-365-3811 or email Chloe Mogel, Volunteer Coordinator at cmogel@arthritis.org. See website:http://www.arthritis.org/.

Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation and Parks

Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation and Parks is accepting applications for youth who have completed 6th grade up to 16 years old. Apply for one of the unique Youth Summer Volunteer Programs. There are three programs to choose from; be a Volunteer Summer Serve and learn leadership skills, participate in team building activities and support the inclusive-adaptive Mayo Beach Day Camp where you will forge ever lasting friendships and learn how compassion can empower people. Apply to be a Counselor in Training(CIT) support Recreation and Parks staff in one of several Summer Fun Center locations throughout the County. This program is perfect for those youth that show initiative and are self-starters. Are you interested in spending your time outdoors? Apply for the Youth Conservation Corps at Lake Waterford Park. This environmentally focused camp will offer an opportunity for youth to learn about park conservation, travel to regional county park locations for service projects and will receive enrichment programs from the National Park Service and the Magothy River Association. Applications are due by 4:30 pm May 8th. Apply now...space is limited! Contact: Ryan Stewart rpstew99@aacounty.orgor call 410-222-7313 x3554. Also see website: www.aacounty.org/RecParks/volunteer/index.cfm.

Cats R Us, Inc.

This nonprofit feral cat rescue group operates two small shelters in the Annapolis and Arnold areas. The main focus is TNR (Trap, Neuter and Return). The shelter in Arnold is a “TNR” shelter, in which stray and feral cats already living outdoors are humanely trapped, then evaluated, vaccinated, sterilized, and eartipped for identification by veterinarians. This is a NO KILL facility and these cats will stay with CRU as long as it takes for them to find their forever home. Qualified foster volunteers are needed to provide foster homes. Volunteers, age 8 and older, are needed to assist with cleaning the shelters, to attend adoption shows at PetSmart in Annapolis, to make cat/kitten home deliveries, or to sit and spend time with wonderful cats. An adult should accompany volunteers younger than age 16. Training will be provided for shelter and adoption workers. Parental consent forms are required. Low cost spay/neuter clinics are held Mondays at Save-a-Life in Linthicum. For information, contact 410-263-1719 or MsKittyMeow3@juno.com. See website:www.CatsRUs.petfinder.com.

Opportunity Builders Inc.

This nonprofit provides vocational training and employment services to adults with developmental disabilities. Volunteer Instructor Aides, minimum age 18, assist clients with staying on-task to meet production quotas and help them to learn appropriate work skills and techniques. Volunteers who can commit to coming to the Millersville facility, once a week for at least 3 months are preferred. Volunteers, individuals and groups, also conduct job interviews, teach computer classes, assist with special events, painting and maintenance projects, serve on an OBI committee, and more. Contact Megan Orzechowski at morzechowki@obiworks.org or 410-787-0700. Website: www.obiworks.org. Event for which extra volunteers may be needed:

· 6–10 PM, Sat., Feb. 7, 2015, 17th Annual Mardi Gras Fundraiser:Volunteers, attendees and sponsors are being sought for the seventeenth Annual Mardi Gras on Feb. 7, 2015, truly a community event and OBI’s largest fundraiser. Volunteers are also needed on Feb. 6 from 3–8 PM to help with setup and on Feb. 8 from 11 AM–2 PM for clean-up. For the Mardi Gras Celebration, the warehouse is decorated to resemble Bourbon Street. It is a great “street” party with live music, food, entertainment, casino games, bingo, and a silent and live auction. Mardi Gras is an event full of merriment, laughter, joy and truly an evening not to be missed. Visit the website to register or offer sponsorship support at www.obiworks.org or to volunteer, contact Megan Orzechowski, Director of Development, at 410.787.0700 ormorzechowski@obiworks.org. Volunteers may also sign up on the Volunteer Center website at: www.aacvc.org/OpportunityCalendar

Volunteer Maryland

Volunteer Maryland and the Rural Maryland Council are offering an info session from 2–4 PM, Wed., Jan. 28, 2015, at Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis, where agencies utilizing volunteers can learn about how both organizations can help you build capacity and better serve your mission. Along with information, there will be plenty of time to network and ask questions. Contact Kerry Ose, Outreach Manager, Volunteer Maryland, for more information and to register at 410-767-6231or 410-333-7010 and kerry.ose@maryland.gov. Also see website at www.volunteermaryland.org.

»PHOTO: Compo, from Cats R Us/Petfinder website