We've recently launched our new volunteer database, Volgistics! This software will allow our volunteers to access our monthly schedules, update your personal profile, and track your hours! Sign-up today!

• To apply, click here
• To view volunteer opportunities, click here
• To log in, click the image or here

Your feedback on this system is highly desired. As a new system, we are hopeful, YOU, our volunteers, can help us tailor it to meet your needs and to address those areas you most desire to provide your talent and effort towards.
Please let us know how to make this new system better by sending an email to Jasmin, our volunteer coordinator.

Volunteer Newsletters! You will need a PDF viewer () to open the newsletter. Click to view the recent newsletters:

• June 2008 Volunteer Newsletter
• July 2008 Volunteer Newsletter

Mark your calendars to attend an upcoming Volunteer Orientation. ALL NEW VOLUNTEERS MUST ATTEND! Orientation is held on the 2nd Tuesday of every month. The next sessions are:

• VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION SESSIONS:
• Tuesday, July 8^th, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, August 12^th, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.
• Tuesday, September 9^th, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, October 14^th, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Please contact our Director of Volunteers, Jasmin Witcher at JasminWitcher@carpentersshelter.org for more information.

The agenda:

History of Carpenter's

Program Description

Tour of Shelter

Client Rules & Regulations

Volunteer Job Descriptions & Impact

Scenarios

Volunteer Application Packets

Volunteer Needs:

HYPOTHERMIA VOLUNTEERS: Our Winter Shelter is open from November through April to house additional people overnight during the colder months. Volunteers help to set up the additional beds, assist with intakes, and process the required paperwork. Every evening from 6:45pm - 8:30pm.

CHILDREN'S PROGRAMS: As a part of Carpenter's Children's Program, volunteers read with the children, play games, open the playroom, and facilitate craft activities every evening. During the school year, volunteers participate as tutors for all grade levels and subjects. Tutors are especially needed at this time! On Saturdays, different groups take children on outings.

JOB MENTORING: These professionals assist residents with resumes, employment applications, job search skills and mock interviews. This group meets Saturdays from 9:00am - 11:00am. There is also potential to serve as a “back-up” for this group during the week in the evening.

DAVID'S PLACE VOLUNTEERS: David's Place is a daytime drop-in center which is a safe respite from the street for those people that cannot or do not choose to use a shelter. Volunteers assist the program director in delivering services to members, which includes membership intakes, laundry services, coffee and snack set-up, answering phones, and monitoring member activities. Flexible day hours.

SPECIAL SKILLS VOLUNTEERS: We also rely on individuals to teach adult literacy, ESL classes and basic computer classes. We depend on the professional community for pro bono work in the areas of accounting, law, medicine, and carpentry.

FRONT DESK VOLUNTEER: Answer phones, greet visitors and have fun! Great for retirees or people with flexible work schedules. Four hour shifts every day of the week from 9:00am to 9:00pm

Volunteer Grants
Did you know that many employers give grants to the shelter if you volunteer here? Check with your Human Resources Department and see if your company does this and let us know!
Some companies we know about:

• Corporate Executive Board
• The Advisory Board Company
• National Journal
• Exxon Mobil
• Booz Hamilton
• Freddie Mac
• Fannie Mae
• Washington Post
• Wachovia
• IBM

Interested in learning more?
Contact Sarah Coats, Operations Manager (703-548-7500, SarahCoats@carpentersshelter.org)