Special Needs volunteering & community service in maryland

Share Your Time And Talents in Support of People with Developmental Disabilities

Become a Volunteer
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Community Service & Volunteer Opportunities in Maryland

Explore our volunteer opportunities in Anne Arundel and Carroll Counties

At Bello Machre, the possibilities are endless when you are a part of our volunteer program. Creativity and imagination, combined with initiative and loving care, can make the volunteering experience memorable for everyone.

Your time and talents can make a difference in the lives of children and seniors and adults with developmental disabilities. If you have a day or even a few hours — your support will bring a smile to someone’s face.

Anyone Can Volunteer

Our special needs volunteer program is open to everyone and offers many fulfilling opportunities. Dedicate your time to something you love while also enriching the lives of others. The reward of a smile will touch your heart! Volunteer opportunities can be done as a family, group, or individual — once or as an ongoing commitment.

We welcome your involvement in community service:

  • Families
  • Youth
  • Teens
  • Seniors
  • Students 
  • Businesses
  • Groups
  • Churches
  • Clubs

Teens seeking community service opportunities can gain valuable experience and fulfill service requirements through our programs. Visit our internship page to learn more.

IDD-Friendly, Inclusive Volunteer Opportunities in Maryland

At Bello Machre, we believe that everyone has something meaningful to contribute, and that includes people with developmental disabilities. Through our Meaningful Day Services, we actively seek out volunteer opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities that are inclusive, supportive, and enriching for the people we serve.

That’s why we’ve compiled a list of local organizations that offer volunteer opportunities for those with disabilities. Whether you’re looking to build skills, connect with others, or simply share your time and talents, these organizations are welcoming, supportive, and committed to inclusive service.

Inclusive Volunteer Partnerships

We’re proud to partner with a community that values every voice, and we hope the following list helps you find a meaningful way to get involved:

Explore our Meaningful Day Services and community volunteer opportunities.

Meaningful Day Services

“Volunteering at Bello Machre is so rewarding. I have a great time every week when I read with my friends at their homes. We enjoy a fun story together, I answer their questions, and we chat about our week. Sharing time with my Bello Machre friends is the best part of my schedule! It feels good to give back to the organization that has done so much for my own family and is doing amazing work for so many families here in Anne Arundel and Carroll Counties.”

-Lori Skalitzky, Bello Machre Volunteer
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Start Your Community Service Journey in Maryland today!

What does volunteer work at Bello Machre look like? You can participate in a variety of activities that enhance our communities by volunteering in Carroll County and Anne Arundel County, including:

  • Spend quality time with the people we support as a Friendly Visitor – this can include spending time doing crafts, going on walks, watching movies, or sharing a meal
  • Assisting with administrative tasks such as mailings, shredding, organizing, & more
  • Decorating one of our group homes & planting flowers
  • Preparing a meal or baked goods for the people we support
  • Gathering supplies & materials for our seasonal food basket drives
  • Getting involved at Every Step Counts or our annual Golf Tournament

Have questions? Call us today!

443-702-3000

Start Volunteering With Bello Machre

Make a difference in the lives of people with developmental disabilities.

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Special Needs Volunteering FAQs

There are so many ways to get involved here in Maryland! Volunteers can spend quality time as Friendly Visitors – doing crafts, going on walks, or sharing a meal with an individual in one of our services. Volunteers can also assist the Bello Machre administrative team with tasks such as mailings, shredding, organizing and more. Learn more about the various volunteer opportunities.

Yes! You can volunteer with Bello Machre and qualify for service hours. This is a great way to make a positive impact in your community and meet education requirements.

Volunteers can sign up through the online application, or call our Volunteer Coordinator at 443-702-3000.

Yes, you will need a legal guardian with you if you are under 18 years of age. The legal guardian will also need to sign a youth consent form in order for the minor to volunteer.

When communicating with a person who has a developmental disability, there are a few tips to keep in mind:

  • Speak directly to the person rather than through a companion or staff person who may be present.
  • Pay attention to body language. It offers important clues about what you are saying and what is being communicated to you.
  • Make sure to face the person directly and stay in well-lit areas if possible. Depending on their disability, they might rely on visual cues, like lip movements, to help understand what you’re saying.
  • Observe how the individual’s support staff interacts with them; this can provide valuable insights into the most effective way to communicate.
  • Avoid labels. Always put the person first. Never refer to people by their disability.

When volunteering with an individual who has an intellectual disability, here are a few things to consider:

  • Don’t underestimate individuals with disabilities. Each person’s experience is unique, and it’s important not to assume that a physical disability impacts their intellectual capabilities.
  • Emphasize abilities. No one wants to be known for what they cannot do.
  • If you offer assistance to a person with a disability, wait until the offer is accepted, then listen or ask for instructions.