Written by Beth Doane
The June Braddock District meeting included a presentation about different volunteer needs in Fairfax County. I was amazed by not only the many options and needs, but also the resources available for finding the right opportunity. Opportunities for volunteering range from helping individuals to taking care of our environment. Volunteering can be done by an individual, as a family or as a group, such as our Bonnie Brae neighborhood and we are exploring some options for an event in 2027 – if you have an idea or would like to help organize this, please let us know. We offer here 2 helpful resources for anyone to find their own opportunity to volunteer – Fairfax County’s Volunteer Solutions via their website or attend the Volunteering Beacon 50+ Expo – more information about each follows.
NV Rides
One presentation at the meeting was from NV Rides, which is a Northern Virginia organization helping older adults to age in place. They are a network of volunteers that offers free rides for a variety of needs – doctor appointments, groceries, … It’s very flexible, you can donate as little or much time as you like. For more information check out NVRides.org.
Volunteer Solutions
Fairfax County Department of Family Services presented their program, Volunteer Solutions, which pairs volunteers with opportunities that fits their needs. Some of the programs are more structured and actually managed by Family Services, others are through partner organizations that can be accessed through Volunteer Solutions website (including NVRides.org).
This is a small sample of the variety of volunteer opportunities/needs:
- shopping for and delivering groceries every 2 weeks for one individual
- caregiver respite – visit with a special needs or older adult for a few hours to give their caregiver a break
- take your well-behaved pet to a senior living community for a visit
- babysit children during a monthly Repair Café event
- teach a line dance class
- distribute food to needy families
- be a roving naturalist at one of our many parks
From their website: “Form new connections and help decrease social isolation. Many recipients of volunteer support are case managed by Department of Family Services social service specialists. To learn more explore our volunteer opportunities. If you have questions, you may contact us at VolunteerSolutions@FairfaxCounty.gov or 703-324-5406 TTY 711. We’ll help you find the right volunteer role for your schedule and interests!”
Venture into Volunteering Fair
Another way to familiarize yourself with the variety of volunteering options is to attend the Venture into Volunteering/Beacon 50+ Expo on Sunday, October 18 from 12-4pm.
The Venture into Volunteering Fair is coordinated by Volunteer Solutions, part of the Fairfax County Department of Family Services. It is designed especially for older adults but open to all community members interested in volunteering. Attendees can meet representatives from nonprofits, government agencies, and community organizations to learn about local service opportunities.
Event Details (2026)
- Date: Sunday, October 18, 2026
- Time: 12–4 p.m.
- Location: Upper level, Springfield Town Center, Springfield, VA
- Hosted by: Fairfax County Department of Family Services – Volunteer Solutions
- Contact: VolunteerSolutions@FairfaxCounty.gov or 703‑324‑5406
- Partner Event: Held alongside the Beacon 50+ Expo, which includes exhibitors offering resources for older adults, health screenings, vaccines, and giveaways.
What You’ll Find at the Fair
- Volunteer opportunities across Fairfax County
- Nonprofits, government agencies, and community organizations
- Information on services for older adults, retirement, healthcare, travel, fitness, and more