In this section you will find organizations that provide volunteers to help families who have a disabled family member or adults with mental retardation by being friends or by helping them with activities of daily living.

Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board Volunteer Program. A part-time volunteer coordinator administers the Volunteer Program. To request an application or further information on any of the programs listed below, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator at 703-324-4404.

Be a Friend Program. The program matches adults with mental retardation with community volunteers for one-on-one friendship opportunities. Volunteer screening includes an interview, reference checks, a police background check, and driving history record check. Participants are asked to make a one-year commitment and often continue their friendship beyond the year. They may get together with each other once a week or once a month, depending on their availability. Learning appropriate friendship skills is often a goal of individuals requesting a volunteer through the program. Support in this area may include attending a friendship skills training, individual coaching, and coaching at program social events.
Short-term Residential Opportunities for Groups and Individuals. Individuals or groups may apply to assist a residential program, under the supervision of residential staff. Volunteers may assist staff in providing recreational activities on the weekend or work with residents on a specific project, activity or craft.
Sibshops. Sibshops are for kids who have a brother or sister with special health or developmental needs. The program is sponsored by the Early Intervention Office of Fairfax/Falls Church. For more information, please contact Carmen Sanchez at 319-0621.
Prevention and Early Intervention Volunteers and Interns. Our prevention and early intervention office at Joseph Willard Health Center in Fairfax uses volunteers and interns in a variety of ways. Anyone interested in volunteering in the area of prevention and early intervention will be referred by the Volunteer Coordinator to the appropriate staff person at the Health Center.