Individual Opportunities
Fresh Start Volunteers are the heartbeat of our organization. Since 2016, we have worked as a team to furnish homes and stabilize futures for Harford's most vulnerable citizens. If you would like to experience the joy of transforming someone's empty house into a place that truly feels like home, please take a few minutes to complete our Volunteer Interest form today!
Showroom Attendants
Works directly with clients to:
✓ Greet and assist them with selecting their requested items
✓ Pack boxes of kitchenware and bedding requested by client
✓ Ensure services provided to clients are documented
✓ Listen compassionately and offer encouragement whenever possible
✓ Encourage clients to share their story and take pictures so we can share about the impact we're making
✓ Accept donations from donors coming for open drop-off and place with like items
✓ As time allows, clean/tidy showroom for visual presentation, sort & organize incoming donations, assemble sets of housewares items for distribution.
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Skills: Friendly, Compassionate, Team Player, Reliable, Conscientious
Shifts:
✓ Wednesdays, 10am-2pm
✓ Fridays, 3pm-6pm
✓ Second Saturdays, 10am-1pm
✓ Third Saturdays, 9am-12pm
✓ New shifts needed based on your availability!
Showroom Helpers
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Shifts:
Showroom Helpers are welcome to come to the showroom on their own time during closed hours to perform these duties.
When planning to be there, communication via text/call with Program Director is required.
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This is a NEW and FLEXIBLE volunteer position to meet the growing needs of our showroom as we receive more requests for assistance and donations from the community.
Keep operations running smoothly:
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Sort/put away incoming donation overflow.
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Assemble sets (silverware, bath & bed linens).
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Measure curtains/label with sizes.
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Roll up rugs & label with size .
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Tidy up housewares shelves.
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Tag bedroom items with sizes and place in appropriate area.
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Move furniture on the showroom floor with like item if physically able.
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Maintain picture shelf & wall display.
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Set aside linens that need to be laundered for clients or recycled through our textile recycling program.
Give those we serve a sense of dignity:
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Test working order of small appliances, vacuums, TV's & lamps.
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Match lamps with shades.
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Wipe off case goods furniture (dressers, desks, etc.)
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Clean & line drawers as needed.
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Replace hardware on case goods furniture as needed.
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Note repairs needed on furniture pieces.
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Vacuum upholstered pieces.
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Vacuum rugs.
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Clean small appliances.
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Wash pots/pans that need it.
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Make sure the lobby are and front office are clean and welcoming.
Use your creative talents to benefit others:
(not required to be a showroom helper)
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Enhance used furniture with Restore a finish or a quick coat of paint.
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Update old lamp shades.
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Update outdated brass lamps with a fresh coat of paint.
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Turn an old picture and frame into a new masterpiece.
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Teach workshops to the public as a way for us to raise money for our mission.
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Pitch us an idea that you think people will like!
Transport Team
Types:
✓ Individuals (with pickups/trailers a plus!)
✓ Small groups/teams
✓ Box truck drivers
Duties:
✓ Drive Fresh Start moving van or personal vehicle to transport
furniture and home goods items.
✓ Deliver furniture to clients & pick-up donations from
donors in Harford County.
✓ Select furniture in showroom to be delivered to client
(list will be provided with all info about delivery)
✓ Furniture placement in showroom of donations being picked up
✓ Complete Donor/Client Documentation
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Box Truck Drivers: Our box truck is currently provided by Bel Air United Methodist Church. Drivers are needed to provide pick-up of donations and deliveries. Although helpful, it is not necessary for drivers to move furniture. DOT and background check required.
People with pickups/trailers: We often get offers from donors with only one or two items to donate. This is a great opportunity for one or two person teams to complete smaller jobs and reduce pickup wait times.
Skills: Friendly, Compassionate, Team Player, Reliable, Conscientious , Ability to move large furniture (moving assistance tools provided).
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Shifts: Vary based on volunteer availability. Please contact evelyn@freshstartmd.org to inquire about current transport schedule needs.
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Special Projects
Collection Drive Organizer:
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Help us ensure that every individual and family served getting a "Welcome Home" cleaning supply basket as a housewarming gift to celebrate their move. Our goal is to host a monthly cleaning supply collection drive once at different business location's in our community. If you would like to help us organize this effort, email alicia@freshstartmd.org!
Mattress Supply Coordinator:
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Beds are our most highly requested item. Help us make sure that we can fulfill every request so that no one is left to sleep on the floor by becoming a Mattress Supply Coordinator. This person will assist us in connecting with businesses, suppliers and manufactures to increase our bedding inventory and establish a consistent stream of mattress and box spring donations. If you would like to learn more, email alicia@freshstartmd.org!
Transportation Coordinator:
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The Transportation Coordinator will provide support to our Program Director by managing the logistics of furniture donation pickups. This role is perfect for someone who wants to volunteer from home but still make a big difference. The coordinator must posses great organization and customer service skills in order to manage schedules, plan pick-up routes, schedule volunteer transport teams, and communicate with donors to arrange smooth pickups. If you would like to learn more, email evelyn@freshstartmd.org!
Join our Event Committee!
In 2024, we hosted our first annual Tapas & Treasures Signature Event and Fresh Start Flip Competition. They were a big success but we want to grow them even more! If you are interested in helping us do that, contact alicia@freshstartmd.org to discuss the seasonal opportunities available!
Join our Outreach Team!
There are many ways you can support the mission of Fresh Start Furnishings through Outreach! Some of these opportunities include:
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Havre de Grace and Bel Air First Fridays
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Festivals and Church/Community Fairs or Bazaar's
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Client-Focused Resource Fairs
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Volunteer recruitment events
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Presenting at Legions, VFW's, etc.
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Connecting with service groups such as Lions Clubs, Rotaries, or Awana's Clubs
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Deepening relationships with the faith-based community
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Partnering with industry businesses such as senior living communities, realtors, professional organizers etc.
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And more!
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Complete a Volunteer Interest Form to learn how you can help spread our mission and serve more people!
