Experience the Student Program at Washington Hospital Center

The Washington Hospital Center, the District's largest hospital, has a volunteer program geared toward high school students wishing to earn community service hours. Volunteers can work in many different departments of the hospital, and receive complimentary meals and parking!

Note: Washington Hospital Center's Student Volunteer Program has many steps, including:

• an online application
• a reference from a teacher or employer
• a one-page typed summary/description of yourself
• an interview

All applicants must be at least 14 years old.

Click on this link to get started with your online application. If you have any questions, please come talk with Ms. Boehle-Silva in Programs.

Check out Georgetown University Hospital's Volunteer Program THIS Saturday!

The Georgetown University Hospital is offering its final Volunteer Open House event this Saturday, December 10. Volunteers can find out about Georgetown's programs and fill out an application on site!

As volunteers at GUH, students can:

• Assist employees, patients and visitors in inpatient and outpatient areas
• Provide clerical assistance in hospital administration offices
• Guide individuals through out the facility with the hospital's Wayfinding Program
• Use your creative and musical skills with in the Arts Humanities program
• Provide Pet Therapy through National Capital Therapy Dogs
• Participate in the Reach Out and Read Program

Note: Students must be at least 15 years old and ready to commit to at least 4 hours of community service a week for one year.

Ready to apply right now? Head to the High School Volunteer Page.

Become an Ambassador at Children's National Medical Center

If you're looking to gain experience by volunteering at a hospital over a long period of time, consider applying for the Dr. Bear's Ambassador Volunteer Program at Children's National Medical Center. This competitive volunteer program will look great on your college or work resume--and several of the volunteer sites are located in Anacostia at the hospital's satellite Children's centers.

To begin the process, read, print, and complete the volunteer information and application packet, which can be found here.

Note: This program has several requirements:

• Volunteers must be 15 years of age or older.
• Volunteers must commit to at least 70 hours of service for an entire year.
• Volunteers are not guaranteed admission to the location or program of their choice.
• Volunteers must complete a medical eligibility packet and an interview before beginning work. 

If you have any questions, or would like help in completing the application process, please talk to Ms. Boehle-Silva in Programs!

So Others Might Eat (SOME): Options, Options, Options!

SOME has served Washington, DC for more than 40 years, working to

• Feed and clothe DC’s homeless and poor 
• Treat ill, homeless people at their medical, dental and mental health programs
• Train people for jobs and house homeless families and single adults

Over the years, SOME has helped thousands of people get off the streets, transform their lives, and live independently.

SOME has over 10 different areas in need of volunteers, including:

 

Administrative 

Professional Services 

Elderly Services 

Tutoring Adults 

Tutoring Children 

Food Service 

Special Occasions 

Landscaping 

Activity Leaders 

Material Donations 

Opportunities for Children 

Long-term Volunteers

After you've looked over the many options on SOME's volunteer page, fill out their volunteer application (here).

Affordable Housing in the District: Sarah's Circle

Sarah's Circle is an affordable housing residence and Wellness Center in Adams Morgan that provides comprehensive programs and services for very low-income seniors.

Whether you are looking for a one-day volunteer opportunity for a group or to volunteer as an individual, Sarah's Circle can accommodate your schedule and your needs. Volunteer opportunities range from serving meals to providing landscaping and painting assistance to coordinating fun and lively activities and parties for the seniors.


For more information about volunteer opportunities and to discuss your specific needs, please call 202-332-1400 ext. 23 or email info@sarahscircle.org.

Follow Sarah’s Circle on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/sarahscircle 

Build Affordable Housing with DC Habitat for Humanity

Help Habitat for Humanity build clean, affordable, energy-efficient housing to DC residents.


There are several options for service, including: 

Construction
DC Habitat builds homes and they want your help! DC Habitat’s construction crew utilizes volunteers each Wednesday through Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., year-round. They welcome your participation whether you are an experienced builder or you don’t know a sixteen-penny nail from a spackling knife!

 
NOTE: Volunteers should only report to the construction site when they have received confirmation from DC Habitat staff (phone or email) that they are scheduled for the given date.

Office Volunteers
D.C. Habitat always needs volunteers who are willing to assist with administrative tasks in their office, such as helping with mailings, database updates and other organizational support.

Volunteer Committees
If you’re not really the hammer and nails type, consider joining one of the other volunteer groups: the Family Support Committee; the Environmental & Building Performance Commitee; or the DC Habitat Ambassadors

New volunteers must complete a short (25-30 minutes) online orientation, titled "Nuts and Bolts" before participating in any project. Find it here.

For more information, check out DC Habitat's volunteer page: http://www.dchabitat.org/gi_individual.html

Work with Children at Bright Beginnings

Students interested in working with children should check out Bright Beginnings, an organization that provides a safe, nurturing education environment for young children whose families are experiencing homelessness.

Volunteers can work in Bright Beginnings' classrooms a few hours, a half day or full day or can develop a specialized volunteer experience based on their skills (technology, fundraising, marketing, data analysis, art, music, etc.)

To get started, fill out an online volunteer application here.

Note: Volunteers must be 16 or older, and provide a background check and a negative TB-test in order to volunteer. Talk to Ms. Boehle-Silva if you have any questions!

Holiday Volunteer Opportunity at Bread for the City

Take some time in December to prepare holiday meals for those in need!

During the holidays (November and December), Bread for the City’s Food Pantries offer each of our clients a complete holiday meal, including a turkey and all the trimmings.  This year, we want to provide Holiday Helpings to more than 9,000 families.

Bread for the City needs extra help to make this happen, and can take small groups of 3-5 volunteers each weekday afternoon (excluding Fridays) during November and December. These volunteers help package the meals, sort and organize donations.  

Note that Bread for the City does not have volunteer opportunities on Christmas Eve or Day.

To sign up, email Volunteer Coordinator Anna Tahtamouni at atahtamouni@breadforthecity.org.

 Still not sure how you want to volunteer? Check out Bread for the City's volunteer page for a full list of opportunities: http://www.breadforthecity.org/get-involved/volunteer/

Serve Food to the Homeless at Loaves and Fishes

 Loaves and Fishes, a ministry of St. Stephen and the Incarnation Episcopal Church, has served lunch to the hungry and homeless on Saturdays, Sundays and federal holidays since 1968. Since most Washington food programs serve only on weekdays, the program offers a crucial service to its guests, some of whom travel across the city to be able to eat on the weekend. The program serves the Mt. Pleasant community in Washington, D.C. and is supported by a number of churches and volunteer organizations from around the D.C. metro area.

Volunteers help prepare and serve food at various locations on weekends and federal holidays.

To sign up for a volunteer session, click on the event descriptions on the Loaves and Fishes Calendar at http://www.loavesandfishesdc.org/calendar.

If you’d like to sign up to volunteer as a group, talk to Ms. Boehle-Silva in Programs and she can help you get ready.

Many Hands Make Light Work: Thrive DC

Over 6,000 people in Washington, DC face the night without knowing where they will sleep or what they will eat. Thrive DC makes sure that no one has to face homelessness alone or on an empty stomach. Each day, Thrive DC provides over 200 meals and supportive services to help homeless men and women end their homelessness and change their lives.

Thrive DC volunteers:

• Work in Thrive's Daily Bread/Daily Needs, preparing meals and distributing emergency supplies
• Provide assistance in the computer workshop
• Help individuals apply for jobs and prepare for interviews
• Work in the Links program, leading enrichment activities and teaching educational classes
• Assist with administrative and development tasks
• Lead special projects
• Offer a familiar face and kind word

To see all current volunteer opportunities, check out Thrive DC's handout here.

Students seeking to volunteer with Thrive DC must sign up for a volunteer orientation session here. 

You must also download and fill out the volunteer form (find it at the bottom of the volunteer page.

Help Clean up the Anacostia River with the Anacostia Watershed Society

The Anacostia Watershed Society has one ambition. They want the Anacostia River to be a clean and healthy place to live and visit once again. Help turn this dream into a reality by volunteering to clean up the Anacostia River and its waterways!

Students can volunteer by joining one of the AWS' scheduled river clean ups (see the link to the calendar at the bottom of this post) or by gathering a group of friends or TMA students to volunteer together! (If you're interested in volunteering as a group, talk to Ms. Boehle-Silva in Programs and she can help you get set up with the AWS.)

For more information, visit the AWS volunteer information page: http://www.anacostiaws.org/programs/stewardship/cleanups.

Keep informed about upcoming watershed clean ups and other volunteer opportunities by checking out the AWS event calendar regularly at http://www.anacostiaws.org/calendar

Join the High School Community Service Program at The EXTENSION Center

The EXTENSION Center of World Missions for Christ Ministries coordinates several volunteer programs throughout the District, including holiday baskets, tutoring/mentoring, summer camps, a book club, and many more.

Students interested in volunteering should download the Center's Community Service Form, available on their website (find it in the left hand column). You must have this form signed by your dean and bring it with you each time you volunteer. You should also email or call the Center to set up an appointment: extensioncenter@verizon.net or (202) 387-3082.

Accessible via the P6 Bus.

Work with Children at the Spanish Education Development (SED) Center

Hey, Spanish-speaking students! Looking for a way to practice your language skills? Like to work with children? Sounds like the Spanish Education Development Center (SED) is for you!

SED Center focuses on providing education to low-income families, particularly those with young children. Volunteers can read or play with children in the preschool and after school/weekend programs, mentor a child, or help SED spread the word about their programs.

Note: Spanish is not required, but is helpful. 

To begin volunteering, contact Doris Ruano at (202) 462-8848, or email her at dorisruano@sedcenter.com.

This site is accessible via the Green Line and 90 Bus.

Martha's Table: Volunteer to Help Fight Poverty

Martha's Table tackles DC-area poverty through short and long term solutions. Martha's Table's mission is to help at-risk children, youth, families and individuals in the community improve their lives by providing educational programs, food, clothing and enrichment opportunities.
They do this by providing tutoring and extracurricular programs for students and youth; preparing and serving meals to the homeless at various places around DC; and running a thrift store from clothing donations from the community.



Volunteers are usually able to assist in the following areas:

• Preparing Food - 7 days a week from 10 to 1 pm. Must be 9 years old or older.
• Working with children in the Day Care - 5 days a week from 9:30 to 1 pm.  Must be 14 years old or older.
• Tutoring and/or mentoring in the children and youth programs.  Must be 16 years old or older.
• Sorting clothes in Martha's Outfitters - Tuesday through Saturday from 9 to 3 pm.  Must be 16 years old or older.
• Staffing McKenna's Wagon, mobile soup kitchen - 7 days a week from 4:45 to 6:45 pm.  Must be 15 years old or older.
• Organize an event.

Note: Martha's Table has a specific program for students seeking to earn community service hours.

Contact their Volunteer Assistant at 202.328.6608 x 212 or email them at volunteer@marthastable.org to schedule a School Community Service appointment and Orientation.

Tutor with Growing Together

Growing Together is a non profit program that offers affordable tutoring to students from moderate and low income families in the Washington, DC area who need help to reach their full potential in reading, writing, language, and/or math at kindergarten through eighth grade levels.

Growing Together Tutoring has a location at Harriet Tubman Elementary, 3101 13th Street, NW. Tutoring sessions take place on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday with three one hour sessions between 2:30 and 5:30 p.m.

To sign up to tutor with Growing Together, click here. The volunteer sign-up form is at the bottom of the page.

Community Service Clubs: Green Club

Want to get outdoors once final time before the semester ends?

Good news! Green Club will have their final meeting of the semester Thursday, December 8th after school in Room 111 (Ms. Mabry's room).

Students will be able to work in the garden, plan activities for next semester, and discuss the success of the Farmer's Market!

Want to hear even better news? Green Club is one of three TMA clubs that helps you earn service hours. That's right! Every meeting that you attend you earn 1-2 service hours!

Whether you're an expert gardener or still trying to figure out the difference between a plant and a weed, come to the meeting next Thursday. All TMA students are welcome!

Questions? Contact Ms. Boehle-Silva, Ms. Fried, or Ms. Lee.

Tutoring and More at For Love of Children

For Love of Children is an organization that seeks to improve the literacy and math skills of DC students through tutoring, academic workshops, a Scholars Program, and their Outdoor Classroom. Work with elementary and middle school students as tutors, teaching and program assistants, and other support roles.

To see all of FLOC's volunteer opportunities, click on their volunteer page: (here).

Note: One of FLOC's sites is accessible via the A5 from the Anacostia Metro Station.

Volunteer at The Family Place

The Family Place DC provides services to families with young children in the Mt. Pleasant area. Students can volunteer at The Family Place's three different programs: Family Literacy, Family Wellness, and Family Stability. Each of these three programs has many different components, and students can contact The Family Place for more information: email them at info@thefamilyplacedc.org or look for their postings on Idealist.org and VolunteerMatch.org. You can also contact them at 202-265-0149.

Focus on Education: Crossway Community

Looking for new ways to approach and experience education? Challenge yourself to think outside the box by volunteering with Crossway Community!

Crossway Community is an organization focused on reducing poverty and creating social change through education.

In their own words: "We maintain a deep belief that every individual and family is capable of success when equipped with a set of educational, professional, and personal tools. Our programs are both evidence-based and need-based and assist our students in cultivating the skills necessary to succeed in today's economy and society."

Crossway Community has three different programs that students can volunteer with: the Family Leadership Academy, the Crossway Montessori Programs, and the Community Lifelong Learning Center.

At the Family Leadership Academy, young mothers are provided with the opportunity and the resources to reshape their lives and learn to be effective parents. While mothers are participating in the Family Leadership Academy, their children attend the Crossway Montessori Programs, where they are encouraged to become independent, creative, and able thinkers. The Community Lifelong Learning Center brings the community to Crossway's campus through a variety of recreational, cultural, and civic events, activating Crossway's mission to foster community, creativity, and learning for all families.

The core of all of Crossway's programs is the belief that education is the key to success, and that every family, regardless of income or other factors, deserves the opportunity to succeed.

To learn more about Crossway Community's volunteer opportunities, fill out the "Volunteer Form" on their website: find it here or contact them by phone at (301) 929-2505 or email them at http://crossway-community.org/support-us/volunteer.

Be sure to let them know that you're a high school student looking to earn community service hours!

Bring Your Pet With You: People-Animals-Love

People Animals Love (PAL) has a Pet Visit Program that allows volunteers and their pets to visit nursing homes, hospitals, libraries, and other places in need of TLC in the DC metropolitan area.

Note that PAL's Pet Visit Program has several requirements: 

• Pets and their owners must take a certification class (which costs $100).
• Volunteers must be 16 years old, or accompanied by an adult.
• Pets must be well-behaved, spayed, or neutered.
• Pets must also have a health certificate with a current rabies vaccination signed by a veterinarian.

 To begin volunteering, click here. This volunteer page will walk you through the steps to becoming a Pet Visit volunteer.

Circle of Hope: Therapeutic Riding Center

Did you know that you can use your community service hours to try out potential career paths and college majors? 

Interested in any of the following: physical therapy, occupational therapy, medicine, psychology, sociology, social work, athletic training, veterinary work,  non-profit development, fundraising, teaching, marketing, public relations, or event planning?

Apply to volunteer with Circle of Hope, an organization that uses riding or equine therapy to encourage the physical and mental development of children and adults with developmental, psychological, or physical disabilities.

Therapeutic riding was first introduced in the United States in the late 1960s. The approach utilizes instruction in horseback riding and horsemanship skills to assist children and adults with developmental, psychological, or physical disabilities.

To find out more, visit Circle of Hope's volunteer page (here).

Children of Mine Youth Center, Inc

Interested in working with kids?

Want to volunteer at a place close to TMA?

Check out Children of Mine!

Children of Mine Youth Center, Inc. is a volunteer-based after school program dedicated to providing a clean safe haven and loving environment for all youth across the Washington, DC Metropolitan area. From 2:30pm – 7:30pm, four days a week, the Center provides the children with clothes, food, tutoring, counseling, workshops, makes frequent trips to a local church farm, and takes part in field trips to Washington, DC’s cultural attractions.

Ready to start volunteering? See below for more info!

·    Call Ms. Hawkins at (202) 610-1055.  She can give you more information about updated service opportunities at Children of Mine.

·    Address: Children of Mine Youth Center

                                   2263 Mount View Place, SE
                                   Washington, DC 20020

·    Email Address: childrenofmine@verizon.net

Becoming a Regular Volunteer at DC Central Kitchen

Many students know that colleges look for community service hours when considering an applicant. But did you know that colleges increasingly look for students who've demonstrated a commitment to completing their community service hours at the same site over a long period of time?

But what if I don't want to do the same thing over and over again?

There are many service opportunities throughout the DC area that allow students to volunteer in many capacities at the same site. Students can gain experience in many different areas while still demonstrating to colleges that they are capable of making long-term commitments to a community organization. TMA's Community Service Guide will feature these organizations throughout the school year. (To find them, click on the long-term volunteering tab on the upper left hand side of the page).


DC Central Kitchen is one site that gives volunteers several programs to choose from!

DC Central Kitchen turns leftover food into millions of meals for thousands of at-risk individuals while offering nationally recognized culinary job training to once homeless and hungry adults.


 Their mission is to use food as a tool to strengthen bodies, empower minds, and build communities.

They provide breakfast, outreach, and counseling services to chronically homeless people living on the streets, recycle 3,000 pounds of food each day, converting it into 4,500 meals distributed to 100 shelters, transitional homes, and rehabilitation clinics throughout the DC area. These partner agencies then refer clients to DC Central Kitchen's Culinary Job Training program, where they receive the tools to start new careers.

They also employ their graduates in their full-service catering company or by placing them in full-time jobs at restaurants and hotels throughout the region. Today, DC Central Kitchen are expanding their operations, partnering with local farmers to procure fresh produce and begin new revenue-generating social enterprises.

DC Central Kitchen provides several different ways for volunteers to get meaningfully engaged in their work to combat hunger and create opportunity.

To see DC Central Kitchen's many volunteer opportunities, click on this link: http://www.dccentralkitchen.org/volunteer/

Community Service Clubs: Teen Action

Teen Action is a leadership program for TMA students who are interested in getting involved in their community and planning their own service activities. Teen Action members meet weekly with college students from American and George Washington Universities to learn leadership skills, explore the DC area, and plan community service activities for the school. Students earn community service hours for each club meeting they attend, as well as any group activities. Teen Action meets every Wednesday after school in Room 104.

Questions? Email Ms. Boehle-Silva at kboehle-silva@gmail.com or stop by the weekly meeting in Room 104.

Higher Achievement Seeking 11th and 12th Grade Tutoring Volunteers

Need to get your community service hours at a site near TMA? Check out Higher Achievement, a program that gives juniors and seniors the opportunity to tutor students at Savoy after school. Higher Achievement is now accepting applications for study hall aides. Click here to download an application today!

Questions? Email Christie Atlee, catlee@higherachievement.org or Ms. Boehle-Silva at kboehle-silva@tmapchs.org for more information.