Thank you for wanting to make a longer-term commitment to Cornerstones! Below are some examples of the on-going volunteer needs we have. To get started volunteering with us for an opportunity like the ones below, please register for our Volunteer Orientation class HERE.
Please note that all on-site volunteers and persons accompanying them at the Connections for Hope Partnership and the Embry Rucker Community Shelter must be at least 18 years old. Potential volunteers under the age of 16 are strongly encouraged to visit our Youth and Family Volunteer Opportunities page HERE.
Assistance Services and Pantry Program
Food Pantry Transportation Assistants (Individual or Groups)
Assist our food pantry by picking up catered meal and other food donations from local businesses and community partners. Weekday Volunteers commit to participating on a weekly basis for at least 6 months, and Weekend Volunteers commit to participating 2 times a month for at least 6 months. Must provide own transportation.
Who: Adults and youth at least 16 years old When: Weekday and/or weekend, day time & evening hours, throughout the year.
Farmers Market Gleaning Assistants (Individuals & Groups)
Our gleaning volunteers help to collect produce, bread, meat and other items from all interested vendors at the Lake Anne Farmers Market in Reston. Volunteers also organize the fresh produce at our pantry to provide our clients with nutritious food during the summer.
Who: Volunteers must be at least 8 years old. Volunteers under the age of 16 must have adult supervision.
When: Saturday mornings, April – November (11:30am-1:30pm)
SNAP-at-Market Assistants (Individual)
Support our SNAP-at Market Program which encourages clients to use their SNAP benefits at the Lake Anne Farmers Market. Volunteers assist by processing payments from clients, and interacting with Farmer’s Market vendors who accept payments.
Who: Adults When: Saturday mornings, April – November (7:30am – 12:30pm)
Connections for Hope Partnership
Bilingual Front Desk Receptionist (Individual)
Bilingual (Spanish and English) Front Desk Receptionists at the Connections for Hope Partnership Office assist with a wide variety of tasks that requires interacting with staff and the public to ensure that the day-to-day operations of the center function smoothly. Volunteers help to greet the public, answer telephone calls and drop in visits, direct clients to staff members and complete other duties as assigned.
Who: Adults When: Weekdays, daytime & afternoon hours, throughout the year.
Employment Services Volunteer (Individual)
Employment Services Volunteers support the Employment Specialist in clinics and classes by assisting clients to build/customize their resume and cover letter, research and apply for employment, create an email address, or other tasks needed to help client gain employment as identified by the Workforce Development Specialist.
Who: Adults When: Tuesdays and Thursdays, throughout the year (1:00pm-4:00pm)
Financial Literacy Mentor (Individual)
Financial Literacy Mentors are a valuable asset to our Connections for Hope Partnership. Volunteers provide individualized attention and coaching to help families set and achieve financial goals. Mentors assist families with organizing financial and other necessary documents, educating clients on file management techniques, tracking daily spending and more.
Who: Adults When: Two weekday evenings monthly from August to June
Embry Rucker Community Shelter
Bagged & Prepared Meal Caterers (Individual or Groups)
Share your culinary skills with the clients of the Embry Rucker Community Shelter. Purchase food, and prepare and deliver bagged meals or prepare and serve a hot meal using guidelines that we provide. NOTE: Volunteer Orientation is NOT required for this opportunity.
Meal Servers (Individual)
Every day of the year, the Embry Rucker Community Shelter serves over 300 meals to shelter clients. Help prepare and serve a meal while bringing a smile to our client’s faces. Learn about homelessness first hand. Volunteers commit to participating on a weekly basis for at least 6 months.
Who: Adults When: Weekday days & evenings throughout the year
Food Transportation Assistants (Individual or Groups)
Assist our shelter by picking up catered meal and other food donations from local businesses and community partners. Weekday Volunteers commit to participating on a weekly basis for at least 6 months, and Weekend Volunteers commit to participating 2 times a month for at least 6 months. Must provide own transportation.
Who: Adults When: Weekday and weekend, daytime & evening hours, throughout the year.
Front Desk Assistants (Individual)
Learn about homelessness first hand while performing an invaluable service. Assist with a wide variety of tasks; interact with shelter residents, staff and the public at the Embry Rucker Community Shelter, ensuring that the day-to-day operations of the shelter function smoothly. Weekday Volunteers commit to participating on a weekly basis for at least 6 months, and Weekend Volunteers commit to participating 2 times a month for at least 6 months.
Who: Adults When: Weekday and weekend, daytime & evening hours, throughout the year.
Shelter Childcare Providers (Individual or Groups)
Support our clients by watching their children during the Thursday night parent engagement meetings. Volunteers will engage in crafts and mentorship with the young ones at the shelter.
Who: Adults When: Thursdays 6:30pm-8:30pm.
Herndon Neighborhood and Cedar Ridge Afterschool Programs
Homework Helpers (Individual or Groups)
Make learning engaging and fun! Work individually and in small groups with children and youth on their homework to reinforce academic subjects that they are struggling in and bring out their individual strengths. Volunteers commit to participating on a weekly basis for the duration of the current school year.
Who: Adults and youth at least 16 years old When: Weekday afternoons & evenings, September – May
Activity Leaders (Individual or Groups)
Teach a new skill, lead a science experiment, sports event or educational activity; share your knowledge and talents with children or adults. Design and conduct a program with guidance from our staff that meets our clients’ life skills needs or just adds some enjoyment to their day.
Who: Adults and youth at least 16 years old When: Weekday evenings, throughout the year
RestON Opportunity Neighborhood
On Call Interpreters & Translators (Individual)
Bridge the communication divide between our community and the services they need. Volunteers with fluent Spanish, Arabic, Farsi, Urdu and Amharic speaking and writing abilities are needed for a variety of assignments. All volunteers should also be fluent English speakers and writers. Volunteers commit to participating ‘on call’ as available for varying program needs.
Who: Adults When: Varies depending on the event
Seasonal Drives & Occasional Needs
Child Care Providers (Individual)
Supervise children while their parents participate in educational workshops and other important activities. Volunteers play with children using resources/materials provided by the program or the volunteers. Volunteers commit to participating for varying program needs.
Who: Adults and youth at least 16 years old When: Weekday evenings
Mentors (Individual)
Make a profound and lasting difference in someone’s life! Assist an adult, youth or an entire family to achieve their educational, professional and personal goals. In addition, provide general encouragement and emotional support. Mentors commit to participating at least six hours per month for at least one year.
Who: Adults When: Varies depending on the need
Special Event Donation Drive Coordinators & Assistants (Individual or Groups)
Ensure that our clients celebrate the holidays and other important occasions. Programs vary throughout the year, including Back to School (August), Thanksgiving Food (November), and Gifts for Kids (December). Opportunities are available to help organize and/or distribute items.
Who: Adults, youth and children When: Varies depending on the event
Looking to volunteer once or on a temporary basis? Please check out this page HERE.
Have a question? We’d love to hear from you! Contact us at 571-323-1383 or volunteer@cornerstonesva.org.
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