VOLUNTEER WITH PCR

Make a Difference in Someone’s Life

Join our team of dedicated volunteers and help create meaningful social, recreational, and educational experiences for teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

BECOME A VOLUNTEER
why volunteer?

Be Part of Something Meaningful

PCR volunteers play an essential role in creating welcoming, person-centered experiences for teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Every program is built on respect, inclusion, and recognizing the dignity and strengths of each individual.

Our innovative social, recreational, therapeutic, educational, and respite care programs take place throughout Montgomery County and are led by experienced professional staff. Whether you’re looking to give back, earn Student Service Learning (SSL) hours, explore a career in human services, or simply meet incredible people, there’s a place for you at PCR.

Ages 15+

Adults & teens welcome

No Experience Required

Training Provided

SSL Hours

MCPS Approved

Flexible Commitment

Volunteer as your schedule allows

It’s Easy to Get Involved

Becoming a PCR volunteer takes just a few simple steps. We’ll guide you through the registration process and help you get started in a program that’s a good fit for your interests and schedule.

01

Register

Complete the online volunteer registration form.

02

Choose a Program

Browse volunteer opportunities and contact Melissa to get started.

03

Review & Prepare

Review volunteer expectations and training resources.

04

Attend Training

RSVP for one of our required volunteer training sessions.

05

Volunteer!

Bring your registration form and join your first program.

Volunteer Details

Find important information about registration, training, expectations, and more.

Questions? Contact Melissa Wyman at mwyman@pcr-inc.org or (301) 365-0561.

VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION FORM
Volunteer Registration Form

To become a PCR volunteer, please complete and submit the online Volunteer Registration Form.

Please note: In the Motivation section of the application, do not write “Need Required Hours.” Instead, tell us why you’re interested in volunteering with PCR.

Before attending your first PCR program, please complete the following:

  • Review the Volunteer Expectations, Volunteer Role, and Training Resources on this page.
  • Choose the PCR program(s) you’d like to volunteer with.
  • Contact Melissa Wyman with the program you’d like to join and the date you’re available to begin volunteering.
  • Bring a printed copy of your completed Volunteer Registration Form to your first PCR program.


Important: Volunteers who do not bring a copy of their registration form to their first session may not be permitted to volunteer that day.

  • Before you attend a PCR program, review the training materials provided and all information on the website.
  • BRING copy of your volunteer registration form to your first PCR program, and repeat each new semester.
  • Check in with PCR staff person when you arrive at a program (each time) by signing your full name and relevant contact information.
  • Arrive at a program on time, and leave when program is over.
  • Interact with staff, families, and members with respect.
  • Volunteers must keep track of their hours; PCR will not keep track of your hours for you (Volunteer Timesheet is available under Training Resources).
  • Any required volunteer evaluations forms must be submitted one week before due date. Any forms submitted less than one week from due date may not be submitted on time.
  • ONLY Seth Duncan (Program Director) or Melissa Wyman (Respite Care & Community Outreach Director) may fill out any required volunteer evaluations or SSL forms.
  • Read and be aware of PCR inclement weather policy under the “Policy” page of this website.
  • If you don’t know–ASK. When in doubt, always ask a PCR staff member.
  • Stay open-minded, and have fun!
  • Volunteers must be able to fulfill role independently.
  • Follow instructions given by PCR instructors or staff.
  • Find a way to help members without doing projects or activities for them; always ask a person if they need help before assuming that help is needed.
  • Participate in activities during a program and follow directions given by instructors to model appropriate behavior.
  • Interact with PCR members as you do with typical teens and adults, engage in age appropriate conversations and interactions.
  • Assist PCR instructors and staff by handing out any necessary equipment (i.e.,musical instruments, aerobic equipment, art supplies, etc.).
  • Encourage members to participate to the fullest extent possible in each activity.
  • Help members participate in activities by facilitating movement (i.e.,pushing someone in a wheelchair or use the “hand-under-hand” technique). If unsure about “hand-under-hand” technique, please ask a staff person.
  • Try creative communication techniques with members–do not assume because a person is nonverbal or has speech impairments that they cannot communicate.

Volunteers should NEVER be alone with a PCR member for any reason. Volunteers should also NEVER perform personal care tasks for members (i.e, toileting care, feeding, lifting, transferring, and positioning).

PCR has the right to dismiss any volunteer who does not appropriately follow these expectations.

If you’re returning to volunteer with PCR, please contact Melissa Wyman at the beginning of each semester to confirm that you’ll be continuing.

You’ll receive an updated copy of your Volunteer Registration Form, which must be brought to your first session of each new fall semester.

If you have any questions about returning to a program or changing volunteer opportunities, please contact Melissa before attending.

All volunteers must complete a PCR training session with Melissa Wyman prior to attending any programs.


This training will be scheduled with Melissa as part of your onboarding process.

Find the Right Program

Whether you enjoy music, fitness, conversation, or supporting individuals with higher care needs, there’s a volunteer program that fits your interests and schedule.

Movin’ Along I & II Easy Aerobics

Tuesdays 6-6:50 PM in Rockville

A fun fitness program that helps members improve balance, coordination, and muscle tone through upbeat music and movement.

NoteAbles I & II Music Enjoyment

Wednesdays 6:00-6:50 PM in Bethesda

Music therapy and music enjoyment using drumming, singing, movement, dance, and social activities to build skills and confidence.

Communication Counts

Wednesdays 6:00-6:50 PM & 7:00-7:50 PM in Rockville

Helps members strengthen verbal and nonverbal communication skills through conversation, interactive activities, and guided practice.

Chorus

Thursdays 7-7:50 PM in Rockville

Join members in weekly rehearsals and perform in our semester concert. Volunteers should attend monthly and commit to the performance.

Tricia Sullivan Respite Program I

1st & 3rd Sundays 11:30 AM–5:00 PM in Rockville

Support individuals with significant care needs through music, movement, art, sensory activities, and other engaging experiences. RSVP required.

Tricia Sullivan Respite Program II

2nd Sunday 11:30 AM–5:00 PM in Rockville

Support individuals with moderate support needs through adapted recreation, music, movement, art, and other therapeutic activities. RSVP required.

Volunteers interested in either Tricia Sullivan Respite Program I or Tricia Sullivan Respite Program II must RSVP with Melissa Wyman before each session. To RSVP, email mwyman@pcr-inc.org or call (301) 365-0561.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Join a welcoming community of volunteers who help create meaningful experiences for teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout Montgomery County.

BECOME A VOLUNTEER