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Volunteering

Serving as a volunteer at Pathway Homes

Volunteering at Pathway Homes is for people who want to:

• Make a difference in the lives of adults with mental illness in the Fairfax community.
• Help people with disabilities realize their full potential and feel good about themselves.
• Contribute time and skills to a worthy organization.
• Broaden life experiences and resumes.

Potential volunteers from all backgrounds and experiences are welcome to contribute their time to Pathways' mission of support and housing for adults with mental illness. Several specific needs are listed below. Those interested in these specific needs as well as those with interests that are not included are invited to contact the Volunteer Coordinator, Abigail Denecke, by e-mail or at 703/876-0390 x 539. Length of commitment and hours are flexible and can be arranged around your schedule. Orientation and free parking are provided.

To ensure that volunteering at Pathway Homes is the best possible experience for each individual, there are several steps each volunteer is asked to take:

• Complete a Volunteer Application, which includes two Volunteer Reference Forms.
• Submit results of a current TB test documenting your negative status. (Call the Virginia Health Department at 703/246-7100 for a TB testing location near you.)
• Have an interview with the Volunteer Coordinator to discuss volunteer options.
• Meet with the Pathways staff member who will supervise your volunteer work.
• Be formally oriented to Pathway Homes, including a criminal background check.
• For youth under the age of 18, a Consent for Minor to Volunteer Form
must also be signed.

Groups planning a single day of work at one of Pathways' homes, should fill out a Volunteer Application and contact the Volunteer Coordinator, Abigail Denecke, to make special arrangements.

Completed forms may be faxed to 703/876-0394 or mailed to:

All the forms referenced on this page can be downloaded using Acrobat Reader which is available for no cost at: http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep.html

Pathway Homes offers Volunteer Opportunities in the following areas:

Arts and Crafts Teacher

Pathway Homes is seeking a creative and patient person who enjoys handcrafts and artistic projects to teach residents of a 36-person assisted living facility in the Fair Oaks area or a group home in Fairfax.

Beauty Aid

Pathway Homes is seeking an individual (or group) who enjoys working closely with others to provide hair cuts, manicures and pedicures, facials, shaves and other one-on-one services to residents of a 36-person assisted living facility in the Fair Oaks area. No professional license is required, but personal experience and interest.

Bridge Teacher

A number of residents would like to expand their social circles and skills by learning how to play bridge.

Computer Basics

Residents in Fairfax want to use technology. Help residents learn the basics of computers from how to turn the system on, using a mouse, basic word processing, printing, and how to use e-mail for correspondence.

Cooking Lessons

Most residents in Pathways' houses are responsible for preparing their own meals. As we all know, it is easy to stick with what you know when it comes to cooking. You can help expand culinary horizons (and offer friendly companionship) by demonstrating new recipes with residents in their homes.

A Friend To Talk To

A female resident in the Fair Oaks area would like to have a volunteer to visit with. She wants someone she can chat with about a variety of subjects including sewing and fashion.

Game Nights

Conduct a game night at a group home for eight men in the Springfield area. Play games such as cards, dominos, board games, etc.

Gardening

Work with residents to plant a garden and grow vegetables in their own back yards.

Help the Homeless Walk

It's never too early to start thinking abu the Help the Homeless Walk, which will be held on Saturday, November 17, 2007, on the National Mall. Walk with Pathway Homes, recruit your own group, or hold a youth Mini-Walk for your church, school or youth organization on the date of your choice. Funds raised for Pathway Homes will be used for the Philanthropic Fund for Creative Housing Solutions to End Homelessness.

Knitting Instruction

Several residents have indicated an interest in learning to knit, or advancing their basic knitting skills. If you are an experienced knitter who can patiently demonstrate skills, please let us know.

Literary Friend

A female resident in the Fair Oaks area is interested in a finding a person who who will discuss poetry and literature with her. She is also interested in writing poetry and drawing.

Music Appreciation

Residents at a home in Fairfax are interested in music -- particularly popular music of the 1960s and 70s, as well as today's music. If you play a portable instrument (guitar, banjo, accordion, keyboard), you have a built-in audience -- possibly singing along. Best times are Thursday nights after 7 or on Saturdays anytime between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. Frequency is up to you.

Painting (Interior)

We need a small dedicated group to paint a room for a new resident so he has a clean, comfortable place to live.

Pet Therapy

Pets have been used for decades to assist with the recovery of individuals managing various challenges in their life. If you have a pet you think can make somebody's life a little better, we can arrange a regular time for you to visit one of our houses with your pet.

Pet Therapy/Exercize Buddy

Bring your pet to a resident's home and encourage social interaction and regular exercise by taking your friendly dog on walks with residents.

Piano Teacher

Several residents of Pathway Homes would like to take piano lessons. If you have teaching experience, this would be a wonderful way to bring music into someone's life.

Piano Tuner

There are five pianos that have been generously donated for use by residents. They are currently located in various parts of the county. All are currently in need of tuning so that the residents' efforts have a sweet sound.

Refinishing Cabinets

Wooden kitchen cabinets need care and attention from someone (or a group of someones) who understands refinishing. They need to be sanded, stained and coated with polyurethane.