Our Digital Navigators program was a great success and we are in the process of planning another one for the fall. I will send out information once the dates and location are confirmed This free program provides computer skills to senior adults and other Durham residents. Digital topics include telehealth, video communication, email, community resource connections, internet security and fraud prevention and artificial intelligence.
RSVP Speaker Series
We are still confirming our speak for August so stay tuned It will be Wednesday, August 20 from 12:00 - 1:00pm at the Durham Center for Senior Life in the theater Many thanks to Betty Njaramba from The Triangle Nonprofit & Volunteer Leadership Center who spoke last month about our DSS programs!
RSVP Group Volunteer Opportunity
Join fellow RSVP volunteers as we work together. The next one is: Welcome Baby Wed, August 27 10-12 Sign up here!
If you have not connected with one of our 40+ stations and would like to learn more about volunteering with one of them, please reach out to me or visit HandsOn Triangle. There are many volunteer opportunities out there and I would be happy to help you find a good place to serve!
Reach me by email at amanda@thevolunteercenter.org or by phone at (919) 3216932 Amanda Stoen
Featured RSVP Station
Reality Ministries
Reality Ministries seeks to bridge the divide between people with and without developmental disabilities through friendship. Barriers break down when participants and volunteers share life together in a variety of ways. In contrast to many goaloriented services that seek to improve or change people with disabilities, Reality’s focus is on mutual friendship and growing together. While Reality is a faith community rooted in the Christian tradition, people of any or no faith are fully welcomed
From its inception in December 2007, Reality Ministries has focused on building community with the overlooked and underserved populations in Durham, beginning with those with developmental disabilities. Today, over 250 adults with developmental disabilities and 200+ volunteers share life together in a variety of ways
Throughout the week volunteers and participants gather together in their community center for a day of programming and activities including: exercise, games, arts & crafts, Bible study, field trips and lunch. Volunteers are needed to support this programming on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday mornings from 10:00 - 12:30. Evening programming happens on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 6:00 - 8:00 pm.
Volunteers are a crucial presence at Reality Ministries through their commitment to building lasting friendships with participants. It is important to note that Reality Ministries is not a place where volunteers come to do things for people with disabilities, rather it is a place where volunteers come alongside participants to be with them in relationship.
The fall season to volunteer begins the week of September 8. To learn more about Reality Ministries, please visit their website
Questions? Email Amanda at amanda@thevolunteercenter.org
Community Opportunities
Bull City Woodshop
The Bull City Woodshop is looking for volunteers to help with their main woodshop clean up day on Saturday, August 23 from 9am-4pm. Three hour shifts are available: 9-12 and 1-4 with a 12-1 lunch break BCW provides all PPE, but volunteers can also bring their own work gloves.
Clean up needs:
Sorting and organizing lumber
Outdoor cleanup (weeding the garden beds and picking up litter)
Sweeping, vacuuming, minor repairs around the shop
Updating labels/posters/signage
Changing air filters
Processing donations.
It is helpful if volunteers can lift at least 15 lbs, but not necessary.
Additionally, Bull City Woodshop is looking for volunteer instructors to lead their student classes this fall. Classes are offered Monday-Friday from 4-6 pm as well as 1-3 on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday Volunteers will guide and supervise students working in the wood shop and provide assistance on their projects. Model appropriate social behavior and shop safety. New volunteers are required to complete the training plan as outlined in the volunteer training checklist: Stop The Bleed, module training, orientation, and shadowing.
Questions? Email Amanda at amanda@thevolunteercenter.org
The Triangle Nonprofit & Volunteer Leadership Center
Backpacks 4 Kids
The Backpacks 4 Kids (B4K) Program is coordinated by the Triangle Nonprofit & Volunteer Leadership Center on behalf of Durham County Department of Social Services Volunteers are needed on Monday, August 4 through Friday, August 8 to help distribute backpacks filled with school supplies to local students in need. Morning and afternoon shifts are available. Volunteers will help ensure each child receives the tools they need for a strong start to the school year Your time and energy can make a big difference in just a few hours!
Tasks include: Unloading backpack donations from sponsors, sorting and organizing backpacks by grade level, confirming each backpack contains the correct school supplies, assisting social workers as they pick up backpacks for the students they serve
If you have any questions, please contact Betty Njaramba at betty@thevolunteercenter.org or 919-321-6926.
Museum of Durham History
The Museum of Durham History is a 21st century museum that uses stories about people, places and things to foster curiosity, encourage further inquiry, and promote an understanding of diverse perspectives about the Durham community and its
Volunteer with them at the Farmers Markets this spring and summer to bring history into the heart of the community. The Museum will be at the Farmers Markets the following dates:
August 9: Durham Farmers' Market
August 17: Black Farmers' Market
September 7: Black Farmers' Market
September 27: Durham Farmers' Market
Please contact Clay Harrison at manager@modh.org with questions or to sign up.
Volunteer!
Questions? Email Amanda at amanda@thevolunteercenter.org
Swim for Charlie
Volunteer instructors are needed to teach 2nd grade Durham School students basic water safety and swimming skills Each 2nd grade student has 8 lessons over a 2week period. Instructors are given a detailed handbook and go through a training session Laminated teaching aids are available poolside during the lessons Instructor requirements are the ability to do a front to back float, a basic (elementary) backstroke, front crawl (freestyle) stroke, and tread water. Instructors should have a desire to teach elementary school children, be patient and kind Instructors will need to complete a free online Durham Public Schools background check. This is a very rewarding experience for both the 2nd grade students and the instructors
There are seven pool locations in Durham and Orange counties used to teach this life saving program Swim classes begin in September
Questions? Email Amanda at amanda@thevolunteercenter.org
Meals on Wheels Durham
Meals on Wheels Durham has a new weekend volunteer opportunity through their Pantry Program They have launched a Saturday delivery opportunity every 3rd Saturday of the month, and are in need of volunteer drivers. Each route takes no more than 1 5 hours and delivers fresh and shelf-stable food boxes to clients on their waiting list. It’s a great way to make a big impact in a short amount of time, especially for volunteers who aren’t available during the week.
The next event is August 16 and folks can sign up here: https://durham.mowscheduler.com/helpwanted/2025-08-10
If you haven't volunteered with Meals on Wheels before, please contact Amanda and I can help get you set up.
Questions? Email Amanda at amanda@thevolunteercenter.org
When Kathe Henke entered semi-retirement, she sought meaningful ways to give back to her community through volunteering About three years ago, she joined the Food Bank of Central and Eastern NC, driven by her desire to help address food insecurity in the region
Every Tuesday afternoon, Kathe volunteers at the Food Bank, bagging fresh produce from local farms for distribution to area food pantries. The organization also receives food donations from grocery stores and retailers like Amazon, creating a vital supply chain that reaches those in need.
"Volunteering at the Food Bank can be physically demanding at times, but knowing you're making a difference in your community makes it worthwhile," Kathe reflects. "Even though we're not directly interacting with the families who benefit, we're an essential part of keeping food moving to those who need it most."
Kathe's commitment to service extends beyond the Food Bank. Kathe also volunteers with the Habitat Restore and Habitat for Humanity in Orange County and contributes to her church and neighborhood initiatives. She volunteers with a women's group where they plan monthly projects
"Volunteering is incredibly important," Kathe emphasizes "So many organizations depend on volunteers to fulfill their missions, and there's always a place where you can make a meaningful contribution "
Campaign to Save RSVP
The President’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget proposes to eliminate AmeriCorps and asks for about $105 million to shut down the agency and all its programs. Congress has yet to act on this proposal.
No RSVP means:
Fewer volunteers to support food banks and senior food programs
Fewer volunteers at veterans' facilities.
Fewer volunteers for tutoring and mentoring children and youth.
Fewer volunteers to support libraries and museums
Fewer volunteers to support nonprofit organizations with capacity building services. An increase in loneliness and social isolation and greater health risks to older Americans.
It is more difficult for seniors to live independently and "age in community" instead of in nursing facilities
RSVP was created in 1971 and since then, it has enrolled millions of volunteers and cost-effectively delivered vital services to millions of our neighbors and friends
What can do you do?
1 Please call or email your elected representative to share your experience with RSVP and volunteering. US Representative Valerie Foushee represents Durham County.
2. Ask to speak to the staff member who is responsible for AmeriCorps. Ask to schedule a site visit and summarize these talking points.
3. Invite them to your volunteer site. It is important that Members of Congress see programs in action
THANK YOU for your support of the RSVP program in Durham! Since 1994, more than 27,000 North Carolina residents have served approximately 41 million hours and earned educational awards totaling more than $103.5 million.
Community Events
August Events:
Through Aug. 26 - Stargazing at The Durham Aug 9 - Summer Concert Series Aug. 29 - DCSL Legacy Ball
Mark your calendars: Oct 5 - Vets to Vets 5K Dog Jog Nov. 9 - Reality Ministries Talent Show
