Samaritan Ministry is able to meet the needs of our participants with the tremendous support of people like you — people who share our core values and concern for others in the community.
Nearly 75 percent of our staff members are amazing volunteers who contribute vital services, putting in more than 16,000 volunteer hours in 2019. They assist our neighbors dealing with poverty in overcoming the challenges they face each day by serving as caseworkers, workshop leaders, resume writers, front office coordinators and in a variety of other important roles.
Together, we make a real difference in the lives of program participants, and we invite you to join us. Whatever your skills or experiences, you can find meaningful opportunities to help us fulfill our mission.
Although our offices are closed due to the coronavirus crisis, we still need volunteers! Click here to read about what we are doing to meet participants’ needs now, or let us know if you are interested in volunteering once we start to re-open. If you are interested in volunteering, please complete a volunteer inquiry form or contact us at volunteers@samaritanministry.org or 202-722-2280 x314.
Current Volunteer Needs:
Front Office Coordinator
Front Office Coordinators (FOC) provides invaluable support to individuals participating in Samaritan Ministry’s Next Step Program by:
- Welcoming program participants and offering individual attention
- Sorting and distributing mail
- Answering the telephone and taking messages for staff and program participants
- Showing the Next Step Program video to prospective participants
- Answering general questions about the program
- Assisting new participants to complete the Next Step Program registration
FOCs commit to at least one morning a week, Monday – Friday from 8:45 am – 1 pm in our NOVA-Arlington, SE-Anacostia, Northwest DC, or Episcopal Church of Our Saviour (Silver Spring) offices. FOCs may also commit to shifts of 1 – 3 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays at our NW DC and SE Anacostia locations
FOCs Subs fill in when the regularly scheduled FOC cannot make it in.
Casework Associate
Casework Associates receive specialized training and support Next Step Program participants, and introduce the program to potential participants. This work includes:
- Conducting intakes and assessments for participants
- Working with new participants as they set their goals and determine their next steps
- Meeting with participants who are working on their next steps
- Conducting outreach to potential participants
- Doing database entry
Computer Mentor
Computer Mentors assist participants with and teach them computer use and skills. Common areas Computer Mentors assist participants with include:
- Using a computer mouse
- Using Microsoft Word
- Keyboarding
- Using the Internet to locate information
- Setting-up an email account and using email, and
- Filling out online job applications.
Other duties may include: assisting with resumes and cover letters; checking references; running practice job interviews with participants.
This is a flexible position with a flexible schedule. Computer Mentors commit to one morning a week, Monday – Friday from 9:00 am-1:00 pm in our Northern Virginia, Anacostia, Northwest DC, or Episcopal Church of Our Saviour (Silver Spring) offices.
On-going and Group Volunteer Needs
Samaritan Ministry needs groups and individuals for beautification, organization, and maintenance projects. These are one-time or regular volunteer opportunities with flexible times. Projects might include organizing and stocking the food pantry and clothes closet, yard work, re-organizing closets and files, or painting projects.
Click here to take a look at some of our other volunteer needs!