How Can You Help MVLE?

MVLE offers a variety of volunteer opportunities as avenues for the community to contribute to our mission and vision.

The goal of MVLE's Volunteer Program is to take advantage of the tremendous reserve of knowledge, talent and skills within our community. We believe that by harnessing those talents and skills, we can better assist the individuals we serve to successfully participate in community life.

If you are interested in being a MVLE volunteer, contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Sabrina Gibson, at 703-569-3900 or Sabrina@mvle.org.

you can also send us your information by clicking here: Volunteer Form

As a volunteer you can help someone reach his or her goals. You can be the difference in that person's life!

What do our volunteers do?

Program Volunteers
Program volunteers work directly with the individuals who receive services at MVLE. These volunteers should be outgoing and enjoy working with people who have disabilities. The volunteer program position descriptions may vary depending on the volunteer's role, but the basic responsibilities of each are similar. Position examples include readers, music instructors and art instructors. Volunteers must provide their availability for managers to use when scheduling programs.

Support Volunteers
Support volunteers work behind the scenes on projects that require direct contact with MVLE staff. Responsibilities include data entry, filing and answering inquiries. However, projects are not limited to office administration and may also involve research, writing/editing, coordinating volunteer-based projects and participating in MVLE's Fundraising Committee. A volunteer who chooses this position must prefer to work in an office environment and commit to volunteering on a regular basis.

Special Events Volunteers
Special events volunteers assist with activities, conferences or events hosted by MVLE or in which MVLE is participating. Volunteers who choose to help with special events must be flexible, complete multiple tasks, enjoy working with a variety of people and prefer to work on an on-call basis.

Virtual Volunteers
Virtual volunteers provide services to MVLE via their computers. Virtual volunteers work on projects that do not require face-to-face contact with staff members. Volunteers who choose this position must have access to a personal computer and the Internet, experience using necessary software applications, self-motivation and the ability to succeed without direct contact with staff.

Student Volunteers/Internships
High school and college students can earn service credits by participating in MVLE's Volunteer Program. Students must provide school contact information to receive credit and recognition for their service hours. Students may choose to become a program, support or special events volunteer. Project duration can vary depending on the number of hours the student is required to complete.
College students may also participate in MVLE's unpaid internship program. Internship projects are developed on an individual basis depending on MVLE's project and service needs. All unpaid internships must be approved by the Volunteer Coordinator before the intern's start date.

Horticulture Instructor - Chantilly
Volunteers are needed to work with a group of individuals or a single person to cultivate plants. Volunteers should have knowledge of the science or art of cultivating fruits, vegetables, flowers and plants. Volunteers need the ability to interact and work with adults with developmental disabilities.

Music Instructor - Boston
Volunteers are needed to teach a group of individuals about different styles of music and instruments as well as share their own musical talents. Volunteers should have knowledge of music and or a musical instrument. Volunteers need the ability to interact and work with adults with developmental disabilities.

Music Instructor - Chantilly
Volunteers are needed to teach a group of individuals about different styles of music and instruments as well as share their own musical talents. Volunteers should have knowledge of music and or a musical instrument. Volunteers need the ability to interact and work with adults with developmental disabilities.

Horticulture Instructor - Boston
Volunteers are needed to work with a group of individuals or a single person to cultivate plants. Volunteers should have knowledge of the science or art of cultivating fruits, vegetables, flowers and plants. Volunteers need the ability to interact and work with adults with developmental disabilities.(MVLE is a day program and volunteers are needed between the hours of 9:00am and 2:30pm)

Art Instructor - Boston
Volunteers are needed to teach group art lessons. This would entail working with individuals with disabilities and teaching them how to paint, draw, work with crafts, etc.(MVLE is a day program and volunteers are needed between the hours of 9:00am and 2:30pm)

Art Instructor - Chantilly
Volunteers are needed to teach group art lessons. This would entail working with individuals with disabilities and teaching them how to paint, draw, work with crafts, etc.(MVLE is a day program and volunteers are needed between the hours of 9:00am and 2:30pm)

Social Volunteer - Fullerton
Volunteers are needed to eat lunch with either a group of individuals or a single person and talk about topics of interest. Lunch periods are between the 12:00-1:30 timeframe.


Social Volunteer - Boston
Volunteers are needed to eat lunch with either a group of individuals or a single person and talk about topics of interest. Lunch periods are between the 12:00-1:00 timeframe.

Social Volunteer - Chantilly
Volunteers are needed to eat lunch with either a group of individuals or a single person and talk about topics of interest. Lunch periods are between the 12:00-1:00 timeframe.

Book Club Reader - Chantilly
Volunteers are needed to read with or to a group of individuals weekly. Reading materials should be age appropriate. MVLE is a day program (M-F) and volunteers are needed between the hours of 9:00am- 2:30pm.

Exercise Instructor - Boston
Volunteers will lead a group of individuals in an exercise program. Exercises should vary and be mindful of the physical ability of the group. Different styles of exercise programs are encouraged i.e. zumba, yoga, walking club, etc. (MVLE is a day program and we need volunteers between the hours of 9:00 and 2:30.)

Why volunteer at MVLE?

Volunteering with MVLE fosters the growth of new skills and the development of existing ones. We have many opportunities for volunteers to contribute their skills and talents.

A volunteer’s personal benefits and rewards may be many, such as:

  • Perform valuable community work
  • Learn more about MVLE and the individuals we serve
  • Meet new people
  • Help others
  • Network
  • Find new and gratifying ways to spend free time
  • Update work experience and renew job skills
  • Develop new skills
  • Earn school credit
  • Fulfill a sense of responsibility
  • Contribute your knowledge, talents interests and enthusiasm
  • Participate in challenging opportunities
  • Receive awards, recognition, respect and approval

Have fun!

Above all, it’s a chance to make a real difference.
By volunteering with MVLE, you will be playing an active role in improving the lives of adults with disabilities.

Isn’t it time you gave yourself a new challenge?

Frequently asked questions about volunteering at MVLE

How do I contact MVLE to express my interest in volunteering?
You can either call our Volunteer Coordinator, Sabrina Gibson, at 703-569-3900 or email her at Sabrina@mvle.org.

Or click here: Volunteer Form

What will happen when MVLE contacts me?
When our Volunteer Coordinator contacts you, she will set up a time to meet with you. During your initial meeting, you will learn more about our programs and be given a tour of our facility. Once your application has been reviewed and approved, you will attend an MVLE Volunteer Program Orientation.

Will I have to complete an application form?
Yes. The application process enables MVLE to learn more about you, but also allows you to learn about us, to ensure that our volunteer options meet our needs and interests.

I have specific skills and experience; can you use them?
One of the strengths of MVLE’s Volunteer Program is the diverse range of backgrounds, skills and experiences our volunteers contribute. In addition to contacting our Volunteer Coordinator to receive information about our open positions, you will find a general description of our positions on our Careers at MVLE page.

Are there certain skills I need in order to be a MVLE volunteer?
No. We are looking for people who are motivated, friendly and excited about MVLE’s mission. Experience working with adults who have disabilities is preferred, but not required.

How much time do I need to give?
There is no minimum time requirement needed to volunteer with MVLE. You should discuss with the Volunteer Coordinator your availability, interests, skills and compatibility with MVLE’s need.

When can I volunteer?
MVLE is open from 8am to 4pm, Monday through Friday. While most of our volunteer opportunities take place between those hours, we also offer virtual and special events volunteer positions.

Do you provide training?
All volunteers attend a MVLE Volunteer Program Orientation. Other training opportunities, as well as “on-the-job” training, are always available.

What support will I receive as a volunteer?
All volunteers are fully supported and supervised throughout their involvement with MVLE. You can rely on our Volunteer Coordinator as well as the program managers at each MVLE site for any assistance you need while volunteering.We will never put you in situations that are beyond your abilities and will work with you to ensure that you find volunteering with MVLE both rewarding and challenging.

Will my expenses be paid?
Travel to and from a volunteer’s worksite is not reimbursable.

What age restrictions are there for volunteering at MVLE?
A minimum age of 16 years is set unless the youth volunteer is working in a volunteer group position with a parent, teacher or other caregiver. A signed parental consent form is required for volunteers under 18 years of age to begin a volunteer assignment.

Do you offer insurance coverage to volunteers?
MVLE recognizes the need to protect our volunteers from possible financial risk as a result of their activities on MVLE’s behalf. For that reason, MVLE provides liability coverage for all volunteers. MVLE’s general liability coverage, with some limitations and exclusions, protects volunteers for covered injury or damage that results from activities or services that volunteers conduct or perform at MVLE’s discretion and within the scope of their duties for MVLE.

When can I start?
Contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Sabrina Gibson, at 703-569-3900 or Sabrina@mvle.org to begin your volunteer experience today!

Volunteer Information Form


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Volunteer Newsletter