Volunteer Opportunities in Crofton and Nearby

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.

• Annapolis Police Department Law Enforcement Exploring Program — Law Enforcement Exploring is a worksite-based program for young men and women who have completed the eighth grade and are 14 years of age, or are 15 years of age but have not yet reached their 21st birthday. The program helps youth to gain insight into a variety of police activities. Participants learn what police officers do, and receive hands-on training in a variety of police activities; in addition, they learn leadership skills, and can earn community service hours and have opportunities for college scholarships. For more information, contact Officer Jennifer Card: jcard@annapolis.gov ,410-268-9000 ext. 7310, or Joe Hudson: jehudson@annapolis.gov, 410-858-0759.
• AA County Dept. of Aging & Disabilities Senior Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) — Medicare is the health insurance for 44 million Americans. Yet most people are intimidated by Medicare and think Medicare is too complex and confusing. Many people with Medicare need an advocate to help them understand their Medicare benefits. Are you interested in learning about Medicare? Do you want to help other people with their Medicare-related issues? The SHIP program trains volunteers on Medicare; these volunteers then assist others in the community with Medicare-related issues. SHIP counselors help people select Part D drug plans, and understand their options for Medigap or Medicare Advantage Plans. Because the information provided by SHIP counselors must remain unbiased, insurance agents will not be considered for SHIP volunteer positions. Contact SHIP at the AA County Dept. of Aging and Disabilities at 410-222-4464 ex 3080 or Amy Rubino at AGAMRU00@aacounty.org for more information and to volunteer.

• Moveable Feast — This nonprofit prepares and delivers meals to clients who are homebound with HIV/AIDS. Volunteers, as young as 16 (15 & under w/adult) are needed to deliver meals Mon.– Fri. between 9 am–1 pm. Meal delivery takes about 1 hour and drivers have flexibility in setting their schedules. Volunteers are asked to deliver once a week. There are also numerous other opportunities such as kitchen assistants, bakers, gardeners, and more. Contact Mellisa Colimore, Moveable Feast’s Volunteer Manager, at mcolimore@mfeast.org or (410) 327-3420 ext. 31. See www.mfeast.org.

• May 2-3, 2015, Ride for the Feast 2015 Fundraiser — A variety of volunteers are needed for this event encompassing two days and 140 miles of road biking from Ocean City to Moveable Feast headquarters in east Baltimore, MD. Crew members are needed for events and support leading up to the event, as well as on the days of the ride. The later include assisting at overnight stop areas, working pit stops, support and gear drivers (SAG), repair technicians, medical team, and helping at the closing ceremony in Baltimore. Riders will be riding through Anne Arundel County on that Sunday, May 3th, where support will be needed. For more information about Ride for the Feast volunteer opportunities, contact Mellisa Colimore, Moveable Feast’s Volunteer Manager, at mcolimore@mfeast.org or (410) 327-3420 ext. 31. See website atwww.mfeast.org/001_ride_for_the_feast.

• Anne Arundel County Literacy Council — Volunteer tutors are needed for combating adult illiteracy; after completing training, you make your own schedule and locations with your assigned student or you can tutor at local detention centers. For information contact the office at 410-269-4419 orprogramdirector@aaclc.org. Hours are flexible and most work can be done at home. See website: www.icanread.org.

• Homeless Resource Day, March 28, 2015 — A large number of volunteers are being sought for Anne Arundel County’s 8th Annual Homeless Resource Day, Saturday, March 28, 2015 at Annapolis High School 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This is a “one-day, one stop” opportunity for individuals and families experiencing homelessness to access benefits, medical care, substance abuse resources and mental health counseling as well as a variety of social services which can ultimately lead to housing and self-sufficiency. Also needed are donations of cash and NEW items: socks, underwear, backpacks, personal hygiene items (toothpaste, toothbrush, etc.), disposable wipes, and hand sanitizers (all in trial or travel sizes). Last year there were more than 600 homeless present. See www.aacounty.org/homelessresource for more information and to sign up or contact Justin Bieler, at 410-269-4462 orjustin.bieler@maryland.gov.

• Sarah’s House — Sarah’s House is a supportive housing program for homeless women, children, and men in Anne Arundel County providing case management, childcare, transportation and employment services at Ft. Meade. Volunteer orientations are offered periodically at Sarah’s House. Volunteers can work directly with guests or behind the scenes. There are a variety of volunteer opportunities for individuals, families, businesses and groups of all faiths and ages. Especially needed are volunteers for childcare while parents attend training classes and to help with tutoring children with their homework during the school year. Please RSVP to Bruce Clopein at 410-519-5085, or bclopein@catholiccharities-md.org. Visit www.cc-md.org/sarahs-house/ for volunteer opportunities and donation wish lists. Extra volunteers are needed for the following:

Volunteer Center For Anne Arundel County

Nonprofit Leadership Development Courses: The following courses are given on the Arnold Campus of Anne Arundel Community College in partnership with the Volunteer Center for Anne Arundel County. For more information about registration or about any noncredit course call the college at 410-777-2325 or see website: www.aacc.edu./coned.

• Course CMD-374, Planning a Volunteer Program, 6:00-9:30 pm, Tues., Feb. 24 2015: Discuss how to conduct needs assessments. Explore the vision, mission and purpose of volunteer programs. Learn how to write position descriptions and budgets. CEUs are awarded. Registration of $32 includes $7 fee.
• Course CMD 375, Recruiting & Placing Volunteers, 6:00-9:30 pm, Tues., Mar. 10, 2015: Discover how to sell the benefits and explain the features of volunteer positions. Learn how to match volunteers and positions. CEUs awarded, Registration of $32 includes $7 fee.

-- Opportunities and descriptions courtesy of the Anne Arundel County Volunteer Center. Photo via Anne Arundel County Literacy Council website.