Help new neighbors in our community!
Volunteering at SHC can make a world of difference for a newcomer to our community. SHC volunteers also find it is a unique opportunity to gain an insight into a new culture, and to make new friends.
*Volunteers are considered all year round.
Volunteer Process
Step 1
The first step to volunteering is to fill out the SHC volunteer application.
Step 2
Register to attend a 30 minute SHC Volunteer Information Session by Zoom.
Step 3
Complete the SHC Background Check.
Step 4
Sign up to volunteer or attend additional training for your chosen volunteer role.
Welcome!
Welcome to the SHC Volunteer Family! Receive ongoing support & training.
Current Programs
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Introduce English Learner families to resources right in the communities where they live!
A series of workshops with guest speakers designed for English learners.
Past workshops have included: Metropolitan DC Police Special Liaison, Prince Georges County Public Schools International Students Office, Prince Georges County Memorial Library System, Maryland State Refugee Mental Health Coordinator, Prince George's County Fire Department, Giant Food Nutrition Consultant and more.
Volunteers can help with children age 0-5 in the preschool corner or assist guest speaker and SHC adult learners. Guest speakers present about services and families can ask questions and find out first hand how to access programs.
We also provide a librarian led parent child storytime and activities for little ones accompanying their families to the sessions when possible.
These multigenerational sessions meet in person in Montgomery and Prince George’s County on Mondays and Wednesdays.
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Tutor an adult SHC student in English. Tutors can focus on conversational English as a conversation partner or use SHC class supplemental materials to complement SHC ELL class learning as an English Language Tutor or a Literacy Tutor.
SHC provides tutors with support from our staff and teachers including initial training and a monthly Tutor Meeting (alternating Zoom and in-person) open to all volunteer tutors to provide ideas, support and answer questions. We recommend starting with 30 minute meetings 1x/week for 10 weeks. Some tutors and students choose to meet 2x/week or have longer sessions.
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These are weekly drop-in tutoring sessions to help students practice for the interview portion of the naturalization process.
SHC staff provide training and ongoing support and SHC will provide a study sheet each week with questions and material to guide you and your student through each session. Students and tutors are placed into breakout rooms in pairs or small groups to practice Civics material and spoken English.
We ask that you plan to attend at least two times during the 10 week session, but you are welcome to attend more often if you wish.
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Do you have an idea for a program to welcome newcomers that does not already exisit within our community? Share it with us -- we are always open to consider new initiatives.
