Volunteer Fort Bend is looking for people who are interested in helping local civic and nonprofit organizations.  Here are some current needs:

Make a difference

English language tutors are needed to help Fort Bend residents new to our country achieve literacy.  Eager adult students from around the world are waiting to learn English from dedicated tutors who receive training from a Sugar Land educational agency.  Volunteer’s ages 18 or older who are interested in becoming tutors are encouraged to register for the following training sessions: Monday, July 13, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Wednesday July 15, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, July 18, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Green thumbs wanted

Team up with other volunteers in tending a Sugar Land or Richmond community garden that produces a variety of fruits and vegetables to help feed the hungry in the area.  Rain or shine, adults and youngsters alike can help on Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday mornings by assisting with digging, planting, weeding, and watering the garden. Local food pantries reap the bounty and distribute it to families in need.

Casework aides needed

Shut-in senior citizens will benefit from your involvement with a new initiative launched by a local United Way agency.  Training will equip you to interview these seniors, assess their individual needs, and make recommendations for follow-up to professional social work staff.  The training will include in-class education as well as home visits with Case Managers.  This opportunity is available during daytime hours on weekdays.

Additional opportunities:

-         Raise a puppy for an organization that assigns guide dogs to visually impaired persons.

-         Sign up for training that will equip you to distribute preventive medication to Fort Bend County residents during a public health emergency.

-         A Fort Bend area hospice program needs volunteers to provide support to terminally ill persons and their families.

-         Help a local housing program in Stafford with data entry and word processing.

-         Interact in fun activities twice a month with a child (age 6 to 15) in need of an adult friend.

-         Make friendly visits to a resident of a 24-hour care facility in Richmond for persons with mental disabilities.