Volunteer! Decatur

Make a Difference in Decatur . . .
Share Your Special Qualities!

How? by joining Volunteer! Decatur . . .
. . . a network of citizens who donate time and energy in a broad range of community services. From coaching and mentoring to neighborhood cleanup campaigns to companionship and advocacy for the elderly and disabled, our volunteers are making a difference in many lives in Decatur.

Volunteer Opportunities

What is Volunteer! Decatur? It's a program initiated in response to citizen suggestions and concerns.

The mission of Volunteer! Decatur is to respond to the needs of the Decatur community by promoting and facilitating volunteer involvement through the partnership of nonprofit organizations, businesses, government, schools, and individuals for personal and community enrichment.

Your help is needed . . .

• Coaching
• Tutoring
• Companion to elderly or disabled
• Advocate for the elderly, disabled or children
• Mentoring Neighborhood cleanups
• Computer technology
• Children's enrichment programs
• Clerical assistance

Who volunteers?
A good candidate is anyone who lives and/or works in Decatur and wants to make a difference in someone's life and in the overall quality of life in our community. That could be you! Our volunteers include people who are:

• Self-employed
• Working flex-time
• Telecommuting
• Traditional office workers
• Professionals
• Skilled trades people
• Your friends
• Your neighbors

What does it take?
As much or as little time as you have to offer. Volunteer opportunities range from one-time projects and special events to long-term commitments. You can choose from a variety of positions to fit your schedule and interests. Whether you have a few hours a year, month or week to contribute, we need your help.

Who benefits?
Every life you touch will benefit from the time, energy, interest, and friendship you share in the programs and activities of Volunteer! Decatur. And you, in turn, will benefit by:

• Making new friends
• Developing new skills
• Sharing new ideas and experiences
• Becoming a more active member of the community

Volunteering -- a Decatur tradition
Volunteering and caring for the community have long been important to the citizens of Decatur. The Decatur Recreation and Community Services Department has an extensive history of collaborating with the area's social service agencies. According to a May 30, 1946, article in the DeKalb New Era, the Decatur Recreation Board was one of "various DeKalb social agencies . . . [that] formulated an organization for the purpose of promoting knowledge of social problems and social resources in DeKalb County and to develop good working relationships among the various agencies." Volunteer! Decatur continues this tradition of community involvement.

No one says it better than our Volunteers!

"Everywhere I go kids are waving at me. They light up when they see me coming. It feels great to know that I am a significant adult in their lives." -- Craig Wertz

"You get to a point in life when you appreciate the road you've been on and you want to give something back. I also find that I learn more about the world through the senior citizens I've met while volunteering." -- Joe Giordano

"Volunteering not only gives me the feeling that I am giving back to the community, I also get something out of doing what I believe in. One of the unexpected benefits of volunteering is the opportunity it gives me to network with a lot of people." -- Kathleen Maloney

"I started coaching because there was no one else available to do it at the time. I ended up continuing to do it because I found it rewarding to watch the kids' growth. It gave the kids a chance to be kids." -- Molly Nuttall

How to contact Volunteer! Decatur
For more information, contact Lee Ann Harvey, Volunteer! Decatur.

Mailing address: P.O. Box 220, Decatur, GA 30031
Phone: 678-553-6548
Fax: 404-371-1593.
Email

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer! Decatur is pleased to present this directory of community volunteer opportunities. When contacting one of the agencies listed below, please advise them that you learned about the position from the Volunteer! Decatur Volunteer Opportunity listing. You are also encouraged to add your name to the Volunteer! Decatur Special Event Volunteer List. You will be notified about upcoming special volunteer opportunities or other community events. If you are not certain which volunteer opportunity is right for you, you are welcome to call Lee Ann Harvey at 678-553-6548 or send an email. You are also invited to make an appointment to come in and discuss the volunteer options that are best for you.

Long-term Opportunities

Administrative Volunteer: Must be computer literate and willing to help with cleaning prop room. (Weekdays for approximately two hours, preferably in the afternoon.)
Contact: Sonny Goff, Theatre Decatur 404-373-3904

Basic Literacy Tutor: Work one-on-one with adult learners to teach reading and writing skills. Tutors and students choose materials of interest to the students and work at the pace of the students. (Flexible hours. Minimum two hours per week. Minimum one-year commitment.)
Contact: Frances Grove, Literacy Volunteers of America - Metro Atlanta 404-377-READ (7323)

Box Office Volunteers: For weekdays, and Friday and Saturday evenings. During the days, box office volunteers answer phones and call subscribers (approximately two hours per day). Evening volunteers work the box office during performance nights and must arrive 90 minutes before the start of the show.
Contact: Sonny Goff, Theatre Decatur 404-373-3904

Budget Counselor: One-on-one budget counseling with an individual or a couple. Help to create personal/family budget and financial goals. This agency serves neighbors in need, especially the homeless. (One two-hour session per month. Monday through Thursday; day and evening hours. Do not have to commit to every month.)
Contact: Rachel Small, Decatur Cooperative Ministry (DCM) 404-377-5365

Childcare Volunteer: Provide childcare while parent is attending budgeting or financial management classes. This agency serves neighbors in need, especially the homeless. (Monday through Thursday, day and evening hours; Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.)
Contact: Rachel Small, Decatur Cooperative Ministry (DCM) 404-377-5365

Clerical Assistant: General office work such as answering phones, copying, filing, word processing and/or data entry for an agency that promotes and provides quality preventative and primary health care. (Flexible hours on weekdays.)
Contact: Beth Ruddiman, DeKalb County Board of Health 404-294-3792

Club Management Volunteer: Assist in completing daily tasks necessary in running a club (volunteer management, maintaining collaborations, and scheduling programs). This organization provides a quality developmental program, which empowers youth, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to be productive adults. (Monday through Friday; 2:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.; 10-15 hours per week.)
Contact: Pat Jackson, Boys and Girls Club 404-378-8814

Clubhouse Assistant: Work with members in clubhouse program to perform tasks related to meal preparation, clerical duties, and carpentry. Ability to converse in Spanish helpful but not necessary. Experience working with people with disabilities a plus. Agency provides a bridge of support for the transition of a person with brain injury from medical patient to contributing community member. (Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; four hours per week.)
Contact: Cindi Johnson, Side By Side Clubhouse 404-378-1139

Community Resource Group: Your group or organization can provide structured opportunities to enhance the lives of adult residents and/or children. Activities may include field trips, on-site performances, cultural classes, and organized events. This organization provides a warm, caring home for people with HIV and AIDS who would otherwise be homeless. (Flexible hours.)
Contact: Volunteer Services Department, Jerusalem House 404-377-3443, ext. 232

Computer Lab Volunteer: Assist adult learners with the use of educational software in the LVA-MA computer lab. (Monday through Friday; flexible daytime hours; 2 - 3 hours per month. Minimum six-month commitment.)
Contact: Michelle Fernandez, Literacy Volunteers of America - Metro Atlanta 404-377-READ (7323)

Crisis Line Counselor: Volunteers carry a pager for a 12-hour shift and respond to crisis line calls by offering support, information and referrals over the phone. Accompany survivors presenting at DeKalb Medical Center after an incidence of sexual assault or offense. (Two 12-hour shifts per month. Shifts are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. or 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Minimum one-year commitment.)
Contact: Allison White, DeKalb Rape Crisis Center 404-377-1429

Direct Service Volunteer: Assist with art, health, and outdoor education programs; homework help; and developing computer skills). Organization provides a quality developmental program, which empowers youth, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to be productive adults. (Flexible hours; Monday through Friday; 2:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.)
Contact: Pat Jackson, Boys and Girls Club 404-378-8814

Disaster Action Team Member: Make contact with ranking public officials and other authorities at the scene of the disaster; meet immediate urgent needs of disaster victims for necessities such as food, clothing, shelter, first aid, etc. (Hours flexible.)
Contact: Gladys Bayliss, American Red Cross 404-296-0505

Driver/Companion: Provide senior citizens with transportation and companionship to medical appointments and other necessary excursions. Rides average 4 hours round-trip. Own vehicle required. (Flexible hours on weekdays.)
Contact: I-CARE, Inc. 404-377-2273

Elder Care Volunteer/Adopt-a-Senior: provide supportive in-home services which will help the client remain independent as long as possible. (Four hours per month/one hour per week.)
Contact: Senior Connections 770/455-7602, ext. 151

English as a Second Language Tutor: Work one-on-one with adult learners to teach reading, writing, and speaking skills to those whose native language is not English. Tutors and students choose materials of interest to the students and work at the pace of the students. (Flexible hours. Minimum Two hours/week. Minimum one-year commitment.)
Contact: Michelle Fernandez, Literacy Volunteers of America - Metro Atlanta 404-377-READ (7323)

Environmental Assistant: Assist with litter pick up, waterway cleanup, education, and various special events to improve and enhance the community through beautification, education, waste reduction, recycling, and pollution prevention efforts. (Hours vary.)
Contact: Amber Greer, Keep DeKalb Beautiful 404-371-2654

Financial Management Instructor: Teach/lead discussion of financial management skills, techniques, and ideas. Use tools and worksheets to help participants create personal budget and financial goals. Class size ranges from five to 10 participants. This agency serves neighbors in need, especially the homeless. (One two-hour session per month. Monday through Thursday; day and evening hours. Do not have to commit to every month.)
Contact: Rachel Small, Decatur Cooperative Ministry (DCM) 404-377-5365

Friendly Visitor: Visit and befriend a senior to which you have been matched. Receive the love the senior has to give. Shower senior with love and care. Attend functions and run errands together. Enjoy each other's company. (Flexible hours. Minimum one hour per week. Minimum one-year commitment.)
Contact: Linda Langstraat, Adopt-A-Grandparent 404-627-4304

Friendly Visitor: Provide companionship to a senior citizen at an independent living facility. (Flexible hours; one hour per week.)
Contact: Renee Kirlin, Philips Presbyterian Tower 404-682-4002

Gardeners/Maintenance: Maintains the physical appearance of the residence and grounds. Duties include yard work, small in-house repairs, and general cleaning of public areas. This organization provides a warm, caring home for people with HIV and AIDS who would otherwise be homeless. (Flexible hours.)
Contact: Volunteer Services Department, Jerusalem House 404-377-3443, ext. 232

Group Coordinators: Recruit and organize a group from your religious, civic, or professional organization to staff a shelter for homeless women and children in the evenings and on weekends for several weeks.
Contact: Rachel Small, Decatur Cooperative Ministry (DCM) 404-377-5365

Meals on Wheels Weekday Delivery Driver: Deliver noontime meals on assigned meal route(s) to persons who need assistance preparing their food, provide companionship and a daily check on their well-being, and be a liaison between the MOW staff and meal recipients and/or their representatives. Own vehicle required. (Monday through Friday; report to meal pick up site at 11 a.m.; two hours per assigned day.)
Contact: Senior Connections 770/455-7602, ext. 151

Meal Delivery Driver: Provide nutritious home delivered meals to people living with HIV/AIDS, homebound seniors and people with other critical illnesses. Organizations may adopt a route and have the meals for the route dropped off at your organization. Own vehicle required. (Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to noon p.m.)
Contact: Carl Proctor, Project Open Hand 404-872-2707

Nursing Home Visitor: Entertain group (sing, play music, play games, etc.). (Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday/Sunday, 11 a.m. to noon and 2 to 4 p.m.)
Contact: Gloria Watson, Beverly Healthcare 404-292-0626

Nursing Home Visitor: Adopt a resident to visit for conversation, reading, and hand massage. (Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.)
Contact: Gloria Watson, Beverly Healthcare 404-292-0626

Office Assistant: Interview clients, record information, verify eligibility, and talk to utility companies regarding clients' bills for an agency that assists those in emergency situations with food, clothing, utilities, rent, medicine, and other necessities. (Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to noon.; three hours per month.)
Contact: Mary Reimer, Decatur Emergency Assistance Ministry (DEAM) 404-373-9283

Office Assistant:  Provide administrative support to staff.  Computer literate, good phone skills, and experience with office procedures helpful.  (Flexible hours on weekdays.)
Contact: Frances Grove, Literacy Volunteers of America - Metro Atlanta 404-377-READ (7323)

One-to-One Companion: One-to-one relationship to provide moral support, friendship and opportunities for socialization and recreation with a person with a mental illness, developmental disability, or someone who is elderly and isolated. (Flexible hours; four hours per month; minimum 12-month commitment.)
Contact: Jeff Elam, Compeer Atlanta 404-378-8312

Overnight Host: Welcome the guests at Hagar's House, a shelter for homeless women and children. Help them access supplies, oversee cleanup, wake up guests in the morning, and set out breakfast before closing the shelter.  (Most needed on weekends, 6:00pm to 8:30am).
Contact: Rachel Small, Decatur Cooperative Ministry (DCM) 404-377-5365 or rachelsmall@bellsouth.net.

Partners - A Buddy Program: Volunteer fosters a friendship with a resident. This relationship grows through weekly phone contacts and twice monthly face-to-face activities (social, educational, or task-oriented). This organization provides a warm, caring home for people with HIV and AIDS who would otherwise be homeless. (Flexible hours.)
Contact: Volunteer Services Department, Jerusalem House 404-377-3443, ext. 232

Pre-school Assistant: Participate in various activities with homeless children in a pre-school program. (Flexible hours; agency is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.; minimum of two hours per shift.)
Contact: Michelle Edwards, Our House, Inc. 404-378-0938

Program Services Volunteer: Assist with delivery of programs (art, health, outdoor education activities). This organization provides a quality developmental program, which, empowers youth, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to be productive adults. (Monday through Friday; 2:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.; ten hours per week.)
Contact: Pat Jackson, Boys and Girls Club 404-378-8814

Speaker: Be part of a Speaker's Bureau to increase community awareness of an organization that provides court appointed volunteers who provide a voice for abused and neglected children in the court system, so that they might find a safe, permanent home as soon as possible. Speaking engagements range from groups such as professional and civic associations to answering questions at booths at volunteer fairs and other functions. (Flexible hours; minimum two hours per month.)
Contact: Tara Daniels, DeKalb County Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) 404-378-0038

Speaker's Bureau: Speak in the community at various venues (i.e., schools, youth centers, churches, etc.) for an agency that provides services to survivors of sexual assault and education toward the prevention of sexual assault. May also staff tables and distribute information to the public on the issue of sexual assault and agency information. (Hours vary.)
Contact: Allison White, DeKalb Rape Crisis Center 404-377-1429

Technology Center Assistant: Work one-on-one helping children with educational software and games with children in an emergency shelter. This agency serves neighbors in need, especially the homeless. (One day per week; one hour per week; Monday through Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.)
Contact: Tamara Yates, Decatur Cooperative Ministry Technology Center 404-377-5365

Trainer (Apprentice): Develop skills in designing and leading experiential adult volunteer training. Co-train in a support role with one or more experienced trainers. This organization assists girls to develop into strong, self-assured women through a dynamic program, which emphasizes character, community service, leadership and respect. (Hours vary; 30 hours per year; minimum two-year commitment.)
Contact: Debbie Bird, Girl Scout Council of Northwest Georgia 678-420-6855

Transportation Buddies: Provides transportation for medical appointments, pharmacy trips, banking, shopping and other errands. This organization provides a warm, caring home for people with HIV and AIDS who would otherwise be homeless. (Flexible hours.)
Contact: Volunteer Services Department, Jerusalem House 404-377-3443, ext. 232

Troop Assistant: Assist troop leaders in managing the troop by working with girls and adults for an organization that assists girls to develop into strong, self-assured women through a dynamic program, which emphasizes character, community service, leadership and respect. (Hours vary; two hours, twice a month.)
Contact: Debbie Bird, Girl Scout Council of Northwest Georgia 678-420-6855

Troop Leader/Assistant Troop Leader: Serve as a positive adult role model. Work in partnership with girls and other adults, have fun and listen to the girls, get to know them well, and care for and treat them as unique individuals. Assist girls to develop into strong, self-assured women through a dynamic program, which emphasizes character, community service, leadership and respect. (Hours vary; three hours, twice a month; minimum one-year commitment.)
Contact: Debbie Bird, Girl Scout Council of Northwest Georgia 678-420-6855

Tutor: Work with one child for one or two evenings a week for a month (total of four-eight evenings) at homeless shelter for women and children. This agency serves neighbors in need, especially the homeless.
Contact: Rachel Small, Decatur Cooperative Ministry (DCM) 404-377-5365

Tutor: Assigned to one child (elementary or middle school) and meet with same child each week. Teachers prepare lesson plans and provide supplies for the tutor. (Monday through Friday; before, during or after school; 30 minutes per week.)
Contact: Faye Wilson, City Schools of Decatur 404-370-4400 

Tutor: Assist with tutoring and homework help with students in grades 6 through 12. Students have access to computer lab with Internet access. (Tuesdays; 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.)
Contact: Caroline Leach, Oakhurst Presbyterian Church 404-378-6284

Tutor: Assists residents in the computer lab, with homework, and other school assignments. May also read, play with puzzles and games, or provide other educational support. This organization provides a warm, caring home for people with HIV and AIDS who would otherwise be homeless. (Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings; two hours per month.)
Contact: Volunteer Services Department, Jerusalem House 404-377-3443, ext. 232

Ushers/House Mangers/Concessions: Assist with various productions scheduled throughout the year. Performances are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings at 8 p.m. and Sunday afternoons at 2 p.m. Volunteers must arrive 45 minutes before the show.
Contact: Sonny Goff, Theatre Decatur 404-373-3904

Volunteer Manager: Work on a rotating basis to open shelter for homeless women and children in the evening and to orient food service volunteers, weekend and overnight hosts, and tutors. This agency serves neighbors in need, especially the homeless.
Contact: Rachel Small, Decatur Cooperative Ministry (DCM) 404-377-5365

Youth Instructor: Teach health, safety and disaster courses to children in area schools, after school programs, community groups and day care centers. (Flexible hours, mostly weekdays.)
Contact: Gladys Bayliss, American Red Cross 404-296-0505

Thank you for your willingness to give of your time and yourself. You will help guarantee that the many organizations listed in this directory will continue to provide important services in Decatur. The information in this directory was compiled by Volunteer! Decatur and is subject to change. The mission of Volunteer! Decatur is to respond to the needs of the Decatur community by promoting and facilitating volunteer involvement through the partnership of nonprofit organizations, businesses, government, schools, and individuals for personal and community enrichment.