FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  July 3, 2008     

Alexandria Community Services Board Seeking Volunteers  

The Alexandria Community Services Board is in need of volunteers to serve in the following positions:
 
Friends of the Alexandria Mental Health Center Board Members:  Friends is a not-for-profit group of volunteers that supports Alexandrians with mental disabilities and their families through advocacy, education and fundraising to meet social, vocational and emergency needs. Friends is seeking new members who will take an active role in fund-raising, building relationships with the business community and helping coordinate Friends community events.  The Board meets one Wednesday evening every other month with occasional subcommittee meetings and additional time required for leading or assisting with projects. 

Mural Artists:  Alexandria Vocational Services is seeking a mural artist or group of artists to paint a portion of a 30’x 60’ concrete wall in a warehouse that houses the Sheltered Workshop Program.  This program provides supported and supervised employment opportunities for persons with intellectual disabilities.  Program participants complete projects such as labeling, envelope stuffing and film recycling.  The goal is to make the site more welcoming and cheerful by adding a mural.  Some funds are available for supplies.
Representative Payees: Payees receive Social Security checks and pay bills for persons with an intellectual disability or mental illness.  A separate bank account is opened with automatic deposit and there are few monthly transactions.  The duties require two hours per month, per account. 

By giving a small amount of time, volunteers can meet a tremendous need in the community. For more information about these volunteer opportunities, contact Jennifer Cohen Cordero at jennifer.cohen-cordero@alexandriava.gov or 703.838.4455, x 161.