Community Volunteer Opportunites
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 would like information regarding volunteering at Decatur special events, please contact Sherry Jackman at 678-615-0915 or sherry.jackman@decaturga.com.
Short-Term Opportunities
Friends of Decatur Cemetery: Each Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. until noon (weather permitting), volunteers will beautify the Old Section of Decatur's historic cemetery. Volunteers can expect to plant and weed among the graves of some of Decatur's most notable citizens. Bring tools, gloves, sunscreen, and a water bottle (a hat or visor is a good idea) and meet near the gazebo near the Commerce Drive pedestrian gate.
Contact: Jim Rabb at jimrabb1884@gmail.com.
Global Growers Network Gardens - Decatur Kitchen Garden and Burundi Women’s Farm: Global Growers Network recently opened the Decatur Kitchen Garden on the grounds of the United Methodist Children’s Home in Decatur. This garden joins its Decatur sister garden, Burundi Women’s Farm, on Sams Street next to the Avondale MARTA station on College Avenue. For more information about the gardens and volunteer opportunities visit www.globalgrowers.org.
Contact: Angela at farm@globalgrowers.net.
Woodlands Garden: Wide variety of volunteer opportunities, including office work, publicity, assisting at special events, and mid-week gardening. Please complete the volunteer application. Visit http://woodlandsgarden.org/ for more information about this organization.
Contact: Kate Baltzell, Woodlands Garden, kate@woodlandsgarden.org or 404-373-2222.
Long-term Opportunities
Associate Certified Volunteer Ombudsman Representative: Visit licensed long-term care facilities to give residents access to the services of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (an Older Americans Act service). Volunteers receive training to respond to issues of concern to elders and individuals with disabilities. Residents depend on facilities for care and services. Volunteers may also participate in community outreach activities and provide information sessions about residents’ rights.
Contact: Andrew Hales, Ombudsman Program Coordinator, CADRE, Inc. 678-378-2934 or ahales@communitiesaligned.org
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.) Visit www.literacyaction.org.
Contact: Volunteer Coordinator, Literacy Action 404-377-READ (7323) or volunteer@literacyaction.org.
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.) Visit www.decaturcooperativeministry.org.
Contact: Machelle Scandrett, Decatur Cooperative Ministry (DCM), 404-377-5365 option 5 or machelle@decaturcooperativeministry.org.
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.) Visit www.decaturcooperativeministry.org.
Contact: Machelle Scandrett, Decatur Cooperative Ministry (DCM), 404-377-5365 option 5 or machelle@decaturcooperativeministry.org.
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 8 p.m.; 10-15 hours per week.) Visit www.bgcma.org.
Contact: Katie Almand, Boys and Girls Club 404-378-8814 or kalmand@bgcma.org.
Computer Lab Volunteer: Assist adult learners with the use of educational software in the Literacy Volunteers computer lab. (Monday through Friday; flexible daytime hours; 2 - 3 hours per month. Minimum six-month commitment.) Visit www.literacyaction.org.
Contact: Volunteer Coordinator, Literacy Action 404-377-READ (7323) or volunteer@literacyaction.org.
Court Appointed Special Advocate Volunteer (CASA), DeKalb County CASA: CASA volunteers are specially trained individuals from all walks of life who advocate for the well-being of abused and neglected children in foster care. Attend an upcoming Volunteer Information Session to learn more about becoming a CASA. Sessions will be held at the Gregory A. Adams Juvenile Justice Center, 4309 Memorial Drive, Decatur, GA 30032. Volunteer Information Sessions are scheduled for (attend one) Monday, August 6 at 11:00 a.m.; Tuesday, August 7, at 6:15 p.m.; Tuesday, September 18 at 6:15 p.m.; and Wednesday, September 19 at 11:00 a.m. Training will begin in October. Visit www.dekalbcasa.org.
Contact: Justine Ferreira, DeKalb County CASA 404-378-0038 or justine.ferreira@dekalbcasa.org.
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.) Visit dayleague.org.
Contact: Melinda Scaturro, Day League, 404-377-1429 or melinda@dayleague.org.
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 8 p.m.) Visit www.bgcma.org.
Contact: Katie Almand, Boys and Girls Club 404-378-8814 or kalmand@bgcma.org.
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.) Visit www.icareseniors.org.
Contact: I-CARE, Inc. 404-377-2273
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) 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.) Visit www.literacyaction.org.
Contact: Volunteer Coordinator, Literacy Action 404-377-READ (7323) or volunteer@literacyaction.org.
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 Weaver, Keep DeKalb Beautiful 404-371-2654 or angreer@dekalbcountyga.gov
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.) Visit www.decaturcooperativeministry.org.
Contact: Machelle Scandrett, Decatur Cooperative Ministry (DCM), 404-377-5365 option 5 or machelle@decaturcooperativeministry.org.
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. Visit www.decaturcooperativeministry.org.
Contact: Machelle Scandrett, Decatur Cooperative Ministry (DCM), 404-377-5365 option 5 or machelle@decaturcooperativeministry.org.
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.) Visit https://openhandatlanta.org/.
Contact: Volunteer Services, 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: Bridgette Tate, Golden Living Center 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: Bridgette Tate, Golden Living Center 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.) Visit www.literacyaction.org.
Contact: Maggie Johnsen, Literacy Action 404-377-READ (7323) or mjohnsen@literacyaction.org.
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). Visit www.decaturcooperativeministry.org.
Contact: Machelle Scandrett, Decatur Cooperative Ministry (DCM), 404-377-5365 option 5 or machelle@decaturcooperativeministry.org.
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.) Visit www.ourhousega.org.
Contact: Program Assistant, Our House, Inc. 404-378-0938 or ourhouse@ourhousega.org
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 8 p.m.; ten hours per week.) Visit www.bgcma.org.
Contact: Katie Almand, Boys and Girls Club 404-378-8814 or kalmand@bgcma.org.
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.) Visit dayleague.org.
Contact: Melinda Haney, Day League, 404-377-1429 or melinda@dayleague.org.
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.) Visit www.decaturcooperativeministry.org.
Contact: Machelle Scandrett, Decatur Cooperative Ministry (DCM), 404-377-5365 option 5 or machelle@decaturcooperativeministry.org.
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.) Visit www.gsgatl.org.
Contact: Kathy Phillips/Brenda Oprisch, Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta, suddecatur@gmail.com.
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.) Visit www.gsgatl.org.
Contact: Kathy Phillips/Brenda Oprisch, Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta, suddecatur@gmail.com.
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.) Visit www.gsgatl.org.
Contact: Kathy Phillips/Brenda Oprisch, Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta, suddecatur@gmail.com.
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. Visit www.decaturcooperativeministry.org.
Contact: Machelle Scandrett, Decatur Cooperative Ministry (DCM), 404-377-5365 option 5 or machelle@decaturcooperativeministry.org.
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.) Visit www.csdecatur.net.
Contact: City Schools of Decatur 404-370-4400
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. Visit www.decaturcooperativeministry.org.
Contact: Machelle Scandrett, Decatur Cooperative Ministry (DCM), 404-377-5365 option 5 or machelle@decaturcooperativeministry.org.
