by Tanya Erway, Recruitment Manager, Volunteer Solutions
(Posted 2020 September)
Volunteer Solutions explains the differences and needs of various service-related organizations in the Fairfax area. This is not a complete list – just the ones most asked about by Golden Gazette readers.
Volunteer Solutions is a program within the Fairfax County’s Area Agency on Aging and Department of Family Services (DFS). Its mission is to improve the lives of older adults, adults with disabilities and family caregivers. Volunteers provide supportive services to DFS clients and participants of senior centers and adult day healthcare centers. There are various volunteer tasks, including but not limited to: driving/leadership for Meals on Wheels, helping with errands, grocery shopping, accompanying people to medical appointments, social visiting (in person or virtually), cleaning/decluttering, leading activities, and providing front desk support at senior centers and adult day healthcare centers. Volunteer Solutions often partners with Volunteer Fairfax and Retired Senior Volunteer Program-Northern Virginia (RSVP-NV) to meet community needs. Please note, there are current volunteer role restrictions in place during the pandemic. Learn more about Volunteer Solutions, email or call 703-324-5406, TTY 711.
Volunteer Fairfax is a private, non-profit which mobilizes people and resources to meet regional community needs of people of all ages. Through a variety of programs, special events, and activities, Volunteer Fairfax strengthens the capacity of local nonprofits, connects for-profit resources to community needs, matches volunteers to meaningful service, supports government programs and hosts family-friendly volunteer opportunities. There are various options for individuals or groups who are looking to find the volunteer opportunity that is right for them. Learn more about Volunteer Fairfax.
RSVP-Northern Virginia is the region’s largest volunteer network for people age 55 and better. Its mission is to mobilize the skills and experience of its volunteers to help meet community needs in Fairfax County, Falls Church, City of Fairfax, Arlington County, and the City of Alexandria. RSVP-NV is a program of the Corporation for National and Community Service. The program is sponsored by Volunteer Fairfax, in partnership with Volunteer Arlington and Volunteer Alexandria. Volunteers choose how, where, and how often they want to serve. The program also offers monthly group service projects where volunteers can connect. Learn more about RSVP-Northern Virginia.
GrandInvolve has partnered with Fairfax County Public Schools since 2014 to place older adult volunteers in Title I classrooms. The switch to distance learning has prompted them to pivot their program to virtual tutoring. If you are interested in virtual volunteer opportunities, learn more about GrandInvolve or email.
Mount Vernon At Home is a non-profit organization serving older adults in the Mount Vernon and Alexandria areas of Fairfax County. They need volunteers for grocery shopping, minor home repairs/assistance, and computer and technical support. Licensed and insured drivers (who own cars) are especially needed to transport people to medical and other appointments. Mount Vernon at Home supplies necessary personal protective equipment if needed and reimburses/provide donation receipt for mileage. Schedules are flexible. Email or call 703-303-4060 for more information.
PRS, Inc. provides behavioral health, crisis intervention and suicide prevention services. Clinical staff provide telehealth and in-person behavioral health services (as needed). Other staff members and volunteers respond to crisis calls and text messages around the clock. They help the helpers with stress relief kits, which may include coloring books and colored pencils, stress balls, journals, nonperishable snacks, cards with messages of hope, etc. Kits can be mailed or dropped off at PRS (10455 White Granite Drive, Suite 400, Oakton, 22124) Tuesday-Thursday between 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Items can also be donated via their Amazon Wish List. Learn more about PRS, Inc..
Be a virtual advocate. Share PRS' wish list items, volunteer opportunities and/or hotline and text line numbers with your social community. Send an email to receive a social media toolkit or to get the Amazon Wish List link.
A medical appointment or trip to the pharmacy is a challenge if you no longer drive. Consider becoming a volunteer driver or office assistant/ride-scheduler through one of these non-profit organizations:
Herndon Village Network 703-375-9439
Mount Vernon at Home 703-303-4060
Reston Community Center 703-390-6198
This article is part of the Golden Gazette monthly newsletter which covers a variety of topics and community news concerning older adults and caregivers in Fairfax County. Are you new to the Golden Gazette? Don’t miss out on future newsletters! Subscribe to get the electronic or free printed version mailed to you. Have a suggestion for a topic? Share it in an email or call 703-324-GOLD (4653).