The Guardian ad Litem program in Dare County is looking for volunteers to train to advocate for abused and neglected children in the court system. Volunteers in this program come from all walks of life; retired persons, law enforcement, homemakers, teachers, college students, concerned citizens and more.

The guardian ad litem volunteer makes independent recommendations to the court about services which focus on the needs of each child and advocates for a permanent and safe home to every child within the shortest time possible.

GAL Activities:

Visits the child and ensures that the child’s wishes are known.

Interviews the parents, family, social workers and others.

Reviews records related to the family.

Gathers independent information about the child and recommends a solution that is in the child’s best interest.

Prepares written reports for court hearings.

Participates in court hearings and other related meetings.

Keeps all records and information confidential.

Monitors the case. (Courtesy www.obxCommonGood.org)

Keeps the child informed of all aspects of the court proceedings.

If you have any questions or would like to know more about our next training, please call Ricki Tillett at 252-475-5587 or the main office in Elizabeth City 252-331-4755

The Outer Banks SPCA has a full time-t the shelter but nothing pleases them more than to see the animals getting extra attention. Help is needed with socialization, dog walking, training, laundry, bathing or cleaning of the kennels. We also have a garden to maintain and other administrative duties for those that want to assist in other ways. Needed also are pet photographers, cat cuddlers, Fido Fitness, dog cuddlers, off-site event assistants, marketing and clean team.

Call the shelter at 475-5620 for details and to schedule an orientation. Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Contact Corrie Smith at 
spcaevents@embarqmail.com

The Dare Literacy Council offers free tutoring services for adults wishing to learn to read, to improve their reading or math skills, to learn English as a Second Language (ESL) or to prepare for their GED (high school equivalency). All tutoring is provided by volunteer tutors and the Council is in need of GED and ESL tutors. No teaching experience or second language skills are necessary.

The next Tutor Training Workshop will take place on Saturday, January 21, from 10 a.m.to 4 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Nags Head. There is a $25 fee which covers the cost of your workbook and lunch is provided. If you are interested in learning to become a tutor, you are required to attend a brief free tutor orientation prior to the Tutor Training Workshop. The purpose of the orientation is to explain what is required of literacy tutors, how the Dare Literacy Council supports its tutors, to learn of other literacy volunteer opportunities and to help you decide if tutoring is the right volunteer activity for you. 

Please register as soon as possible by calling 252-216-7773 or sending an email to dareliteracy@gmail.com. Or visit dareliteracy.org. (Courtesy www.obxCommonGood.org)

Volunteers are needed to help with a monthly mobile food pantry at Baytree Apts. in Manteo. This will be held on the third Friday of each month at 5:30 p.m.

Volunteers are needed beginning at 5 p.m. Some persons will be needed to help with paperwork ( confidentiality required) and others will help to distribute and load the food into cars. This is a wonderful opportunity to treat persons as honored guests, and help them to feel their own worth and importance.

For questions, call the Rev. Bettie Francis at 473-3881.

The non-profit Dare Literacy Council is preparing for our next Book Sale Fundraiser to be held Saturday, October 8 at Baum Senior Center in Kill Devil Hills. But, before the sale, the council needs a lot of help to prepare for this very important fundraiser. Proceeds from the book sale are the group’s main source of income which allows it to keep itsprograms going. The DLC offers free tutoring for adults who wish to learn to read, improve reading or math skills, learn English or study for their GED.

If you can spare at least an hour of your time to help, we’d love to hear from you. If you are interested in volunteering, call the DLC at (252) 216-7773 or email us at dareliteracy@gmail.com.

The 5th Annual Duck Jazz Festival is on Sunday, October 9, 2011 at the Duck Town Park, 1200 Duck Road. Volunteers are needed for assistance in all phases of the day including volunteer check in, set up, clean up, hospitality, logistics, merchandise sales, etc. 

Volunteers will work an approximate two-hour shift with the first shift beginning at 6:45 a.m. and the last shift ending at 7 p.m. Attendance at one of two mandatory pre-event meetings is required. The meetings are scheduled for Wednesday, September 21 at 6 p.m. and Wednesday, September 28 at 6 p.m. at the town administrative office, 1240 Duck Road, Suite 106 (The Waterfront Shops).

If you are interested in volunteering to assist with the Duck Jazz Festival please call (252) 255-1234 or e-mail info@townofduck.com. For more information on the Duck Jazz Festival, visit duckjazz.com.

Audrey Holland, volunteer administrator, recently asked her volunteers what they liked about delivering meals to seniors. She shares some of their responses.

” …because it’s all about the smiles. …happy faces when we pop in the door.

“Jesus says, “Where you have done it unto the least of these, you have done it unto Me.” Our seniors get at least one healthy meal a day and I get the opportunity to visit with some really nice and grateful people that otherwise, I would have never known.

 ”I enjoy checking on them and making sure they are ok. It is just a little thing that takes little time but is a huge benefit to the recipients.”

“….it is fun to see and talk to the clients. It makes my day and makes me feel good. Even when I’m having a bad day and don’t feel like delivering meals, I know that my day will be better when I see “my folks.”

“I feel like I’m doing something satisfying to these families. They like to talk and share about what is going on in their lives and it helps them when they are unable to prepare one for themselves. I also pray for each family I serve and some are very sick. They need encouragement. ”
 

“I love delivering meals to seniors because my visits allow contact with the folks that are primarily bound to their homes. They truly appreciate the visit and the meals. Further, I’m able to help seniors in a way I was unable to do for my parents due to living in different states. It is a very satisfying experience.”

 ”…it makes me feel good to help others. Bringing a smile to others is a nice feeling. I enjoy contributing to our community. God has blessed me in so many ways that I also like to be a blessing to others.”

  ”… because it brings a smile to my face to see these precious shut-ins and hear their stories of life “way back when”. I may be the only contact they have all day, and it’s a joy to add a ray of sunshine when I can. “What goes around, comes around” and perhaps one day it will be “my turn”. I hope one day there will be someone who will help me when I need it.

 ”… they are a terrific group of people. I look forward to every delivery from the welcoming smiles to the last “thank yous” or “have a blessed day.”   It is a pleasure to serve the seniors.”
You can join these volunteers. Delivered Meals Program serves seniors 60 years or older, homebound and unable to prepare a nutritious meal. The program needs volunteers to deliver meals to seniors in Manteo and the beach area, Monday through Friday. If you can donate one hour a month in the fight against senior hunger by assisting with meal distribution, please contact Mary Jernigan at (252)475-5637 at the Baum Center or Gianinna Sanchez at (252)475-9279 at the Dare County Center.  You can also contact Audrey Holland Volunteer Administrator,  252-426-7093 ext 230,  aholland@albemarlecommission.org (Courtesy www.obx.CommonGood.org)