Volunteer Services and Donation Opportunities
Welcome to the NVMHI Volunteer Services Page
Volunteering at NVMHI is a rewarding experience. Our many volunteers help provide services to not only the individuals we serve, but also to our staff. We are fortunate to have such wonderful volunteers. Come make a difference in your community and volunteer with us. Our volunteers learn new skills, make new friends and feel good about what they are doing.
Volunteer Services
The Volunteer Services program at NVMHI aims to improve the quality of life for our individuals while they undergo treatment. Using a recovery model, our goal is to empower the individuals we serve by enhancing their stay here at NVMHI and supporting them in their transition to the community.NVMHI is located behind Fairfax Hospital off of Gallows Road. We are a 129 bed, state owned and operated behavioral health facility. The individuals we serve are between 18-64 yrs. old. We have utilized community volunteers since the opening of NVMHI in 1968.
To become a volunteer you must be at least 18 years old. There is an application process that includes a background check, TB test and drug test. We provide an orientation and on the job training. NVMHI is a tobacco, drug and alcohol free campus.
Types of volunteers:
- Regular volunteers perform administrative tasks or participate in interactions with individuals on a consistent basis.
- Group volunteers consist of church, civic, and student groups who come to help with an event such as holiday parties, concerts, social hour or special project.
- Fundraiser volunteers help identify and raise funds for special needs that NVMHI has.
Special events at NVMHI may include
- Spring Formal in May
- Holiday party
- Musical Programs
- Special shows
- Talent shows
Donation Opportunities
Donations are accepted at all times and are tax deductible. Please call us if you would like more information.We accept:
- Holiday gift donations
- New and used clothing. We are particularly looking for sizes L-5x for both men and women.(No undergarments or socks please)
- Coats, hats, gloves and mittens
- Athletic/sports and fitness equipment
- Health and beauty supplies
- DVD movies and CD’s
- During the months of March and April we accept formal wear donations in preparation for our spring formal
- Books
- Magazines
Volunteer Positions Currently Available
Free Time Activities Volunteer
Volunteers are needed to provide activities to individuals during their free time on weekdays between the hours of 9:30 am and 3:00 pm. Volunteers will spend time engaging individuals through conversations or playing board games. A fingerprint based criminal history check and drug test will be required prior to volunteering in this position. If you are interested, please complete a volunteer application form and fax it to 703-207-7434 or mail it to Northern Virginia Mental Health Institute, 3302 Gallows Road, Falls Church, VA 22042.
NVMHI is a tobacco free campus.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old do I have to be to volunteer at NVMHI?
Volunteers at NVMHI need to be a minimum of 18 years old.
What’s the first step towards becoming a volunteer?
The first step to becoming a volunteer is to complete the volunteer application. The application can be mailed to Betsy Thompson, 3302 Gallows Road, Falls Church, VA 22042 or it can be faxed to her at 703-207-7434. Once the application is received, you will be contacted.
How frequently do I need to volunteer?
We prefer regular hours but understand that everyone has busy schedules. With that in mind, we work with each volunteer to create a schedule that works for everyone.
What is included in the background check and drug testing process?
The background check is done on site by our security officers. We use an electronic fingerprinting system that is connected to the Virginia State Police. We also conduct the drug testing on site. This drug test is an oral one that takes three minutes. While all volunteers are fingerprinted, only the ones that will have direct contact with our individuals are drug tested.
How will I learn about the duties I will be performing as a volunteer?
All of our volunteers go through an orientation program before volunteering. This program provides information about our facility, the volunteer role, policies that relate to volunteering, and provides an opportunity to meet your NVMHI supervisor and take a tour. Also included in the orientation program is the fingerprinting and drug testing processes.
How frequently do you have an orientation program?
Currently we have a volunteer orientation program once a month.
Do you have a pet therapy program?
NVMHI has partnered with PAL (People Animals Love) for our pet therapy program. You can find out more information about PAL by going to http://www.peopleanimalslove.org.
Contact Information
Paula GaudinoDirector of PSR
(703) 207-7495
Betsy Thompson
Director of Training/Asst. Director of HR
(703) 207-7201
Fax: (703) 207-7434
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