Volunteering

A Wider Circle is a volunteer-based organization, and we welcome your help once a week, once a month, or once in a while. Every day a person volunteers here translates into one more family having the opportunity to create stability and independence.

View our 2011 Calendar of Events to see how you can get involved every month of the year!

If you have ideas for yourself or for a group, please let us know. You can reach us with questions or to schedule a volunteer activity at volunteer@awidercircle.org or 301.608.3504. View our volunteer information sheet and waiver form.

The following list contains some of the many ways you can help:

1. Neighbor-to-Neighbor Program
2. Well Mother, Well Baby Program
3. Administrative Support
4. Health Professionals Network
5. Neighborhood Liaison

1. Neighbor-to-Neighbor Program

Our Neighbor-to-Neighbor brings the Washington, DC metropolitan region together in an effort to provide basic need items (e.g. beds, dressers, cribs, etc.) for people transitioning out of shelters, living in neglected neighborhoods, or who are victims of crime or disasters. Neighbor-to-Neighbor volunteers can drive trucks, move furniture, assist clients in selecting items, and/or organize our storage facility.

When: Monday through Saturday from 9:45am-5pm and on Sundays from 12pm-4pm. Half Shifts Available.

Where: Meet at A Wider Circle's Center for Community Service, 9159C Brookville Rd, Silver Spring MD 20910.

As a complement to our furniture distribution program - and in response to growing requests for support from those we serve - we are collecting The Essentials: healthy non-perishable food, personal care items, and non-toxic cleaning supplies. This is a great project for SSL hours, scout troops, families, religious groups, schools and more!

2. Well Mother, Well Baby Program

The Well Mother, Well Baby Program is a comprehensive educational outreach program that prepares young, low-income mothers for ahealthy pregnancy. Participants attend weekly courses on topics such as financial planning, stress management, parenting skills, prenatal yoga, and nutrition. At the end of the workshop series, we host a baby shower that provides basic needs items for participants and their child, free of charge. Volunteers teach classes, serve as “Mentor Moms,” or help obtain new cribs, strollers, diapers, and other baby items.

When: Various weekdays during the school year.

Where: Local high schools and community centers.

3. Administrative Support

As we grow, we need organizational and administrative support in the main office. Volunteers help prepare mailings, manage phone calls,and provide general support.

When: Weekdays between 9:00am and 6:00pm and Saturdays from 10:00am – 4:00pm.

Where: A Wider Circle's Center for Community Service, 9159C Brookville Rd, Silver Spring MD 20910.

4. Health Professionals Network

The Health Professionals Network (HPN) is a broad network of health professionals in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.  Professionals partner with participating schools and shelters to provide activities or workshops on a variety of topics (e.g., yoga, nutrition, self-esteem, financial planning). Volunteers teach their specialty topics to students and residents through activities, workshops, and other forums.

When: Times and dates vary, and volunteers can commit to once a week, once a month, or once in a while.

Where: Schools and shelters throughout the region.

5. Neighborhood Liaison

We believe that it is important in growing our services to create relationships with our neighbors throughout the region. Neighborhoodliaisons help A Wider Circle arrange events like furniture collections or host potluck fundraisers in their own neighborhoods.  Neighborhood liaisons can host their own furniture or home goods drives to collect items such as dressers, beds, dish sets, etc.

When: Dependent on your schedule.

Where: In your own neighborhood