[Archived] Alexandria Community Services Board Seeking Volunteers

City Press Release


	For Immediate Release	For More Information, Contact
	November 20, 2007 PIO# 285-07/ajb	Andrea Blackford, Communications Officer, at 703.519.3489

Alexandria Community Services Board Seeking Volunteers

The Alexandria Community Services Board is in need of volunteers to serve in the following positions:

Sheltered Homes of Alexandria (SHA) Board Members: The SHA purchases and renovates properties, then leases them to the City for use in mental health, mental retardation and substance abuse treatment programs. Properties include group homes and supported living residences. These programs provide shelter and care for approximately 200 persons with disabilities each year. The Board meets one evening each quarter at 7 p.m.

Child Care and Activity Providers: Volunteers are needed to provide care and activities for children while their mothers are participating in support groups. The support groups help mothers to strengthen their recovery from substance dependency and enhance their parenting and life skills. One group meets every Tuesday from 6 to 7 p.m. and a second group meets on Wednesdays (biweekly) from 6 to 7 p.m. Snacks, activities and craft supplies will be provided. Typically, there are five children ranging from ages 4 to 10 who require care. Their parents meet in an adjacent room.

Friendly Visitors: Friendly Visitors plan one-on-one outings and activities with residents of Alexandria group homes for adults with intellectual disabilities. This volunteer activity requires approximately two hours per week.

Local Human Rights Committee Members: Members review policies, complaints, program rules and behavior plans for the Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse. The Committee makes recommendations about procedures that affect the human rights of consumers. Meetings are held 10 times each year, on the third Wednesday of the month, at 7 p.m. The Committee is seeking a health care provider to become a member; an additional member (with no specific background requirement) is also needed.

Representative Payees: Payees receive Social Security checks and pay bills for persons with an intellectual disability or mental illness. A separate bank account is opened with automatic deposit and there are few monthly transactions. The duties require two hours per month, per account.

By giving a small amount of time, volunteers can meet a tremendous need in the community. For more information about these volunteer opportunities, please contact Jennifer Cohen Cordero at jennifer.cohen-cordero@alexandriava.gov or 703.838.4455, x 161.

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