Catholic Charities Volunteers and Interns
Volunteers and interns at Catholic Charities do wonderful work to support those in need in their community. They make a difference in the lives of those around them with their generosity by giving their time, energy, and skills. Hear from our past and current volunteers and interns!
Volunteer and Intern Testimonials
“IT IS RARE IN OUR JOBS THAT WE ARE ABLE TO PROFOUNDLY IMPROVE SOMEONE’S LIFE, BUT THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED…”
“I have found the intake work to be incredibly—and surprisingly—rewarding… I genuinely enjoy talking to them, making them feel like somebody cares, and hopefully setting them on a path to solve those problems…It is rare in our jobs that we are able to profoundly improve someone’s life, but that is exactly what happened in this case…I am very proud of this result, and it offers such a terrific example of how CCLN changes people’s lives – including the lives of the attorneys who are lucky enough to participate in these matters.”
—Steve, Legal Network
“I loved working with this wonderful team of faith-filled, fun, hard-working, generous individuals!”
“I volunteered…with Catholic Charities in the employment program in Gaithersburg. I loved working with this wonderful team of faith-filled, fun, hard-working, generous individuals! … I helped clients with identifying possible job areas where they might be able to find work and I often helped them to apply for these jobs or to correspond with potential employers. It is rewarding to help individuals in need of a job to find employment… I am grateful for the opportunity to have contributed to the work of Catholic Charities!”
—Angela, Spanish Catholic Center Gaithersburg
“I miss volunteering. It is rewarding to know you are an important part of someone’s life.”
“I was a facilitator for a parent group where we discussed important themes to help them feel supported. It is important for the community to know there are people that are willing to volunteer their time to help, so they feel seen. I still receive phone calls from some of the group participants. I miss volunteering. It is rewarding to know you are an important part of someone’s life.”
—Aura, Strong Families Initiative
“Volunteering for such a worthy cause enriches my life.”
“I have worked as a volunteer at Catholic Charities in their Gaithersburg MD office since my retirement, as a teacher, four years ago. Helping others definitely makes me a better person. Volunteering for such a worthy cause enriches my life. The sense of trust and empathy that emerges from interviewing clients is a wonderful bonus for everyone involved. It is often hard to find the time to volunteer, but the feeling of helping someone else is well worth it.”
—Amalia, ILS Immigrant Family Support Volunteer
“I spent ten amazing weeks learning about social work, canvassing neighborhoods, and meeting many residents of Washington, D.C.”
“I spent ten amazing weeks learning about social work, canvassing neighborhoods, and meeting many residents of Washington, D.C …Volunteering at COMPASS is great opportunity even for those who do not see themselves in a social work career. Skills such as teamwork, planning and management, motivational interviewing, and active listening are all valuable skills no matter the career field; and as a COMPASS volunteer you will have the chance learn and practice these skills and do so much more.”
—Simonne, COMPASS Program
“…you get to treat a wide variety of cases that you wouldn’t ordinarily see in private practice.”
“You get to help people, but not only that you get to treat a wide variety of cases that you wouldn’t ordinarily see in private practice. So you really get to work on your hand skills and some complex procedures and your treatment planning.”
—Dr. Steven, Dental Services
“Thanks to the legal network, I was able to alter the course of three lives for the better.”
“Thanks to the Legal Network, I was able to alter the course of three lives for the better. Moreover, the experience that I was able to get as a result of this case was invaluable. As a very young lawyer, I was able to litigate the case from beginning to end. I handled all of the discovery, took multiple depositions, and appeared in countless hearings. I was nervous my first few times in Court, but became more confident after a few appearances.”
—John, Legal Network
“…I’ve accompanied mentees through life changes and been a listening ear through each of these events, offering encouragement as they work towards their individual financial goals.”
I began volunteering as a mentor in 2017 with the Financial Stability Network and have worked with multiple mentees in the years since. In that time I’ve accompanied mentees through life changes and been a listening ear through each of these events, offering encouragement as they work towards their individual financial goals. Most recently, I joined our VITA team which has been immensely rewarding to assist members of our community with completing their tax returns at no cost to them. Best of all – in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, all these volunteer roles transitioned seamlessly into a virtual environment allowing me to continue this work and provide a meaningful personal outlet to assist others.”
—David, Financial Stability Network
“…I consider these opportunities to serve as blessings.”
“Being a part of the good work done by Catholic Charities has been very rewarding for me and the days that I volunteer are always my best days. I often hear kind words from and see smiles on those we serve. I believe we have a responsibility to reach out to others in need, and I consider these opportunities to serve as blessings.”
—Bob, MCFC
“I like sharing in the joy of learning a new skill.”
“For me- I enjoy teaching. That is a basic ingredient for why I enjoy teaching ESOL. I enjoy preparing for class and thinking about the ways to reach students and help them understand the lesson’s objectives. I’ve found ESOL students to be wonderful, enthusiastic learners with real life needs. It is so satisfying to help someone meet their needs for making their life easier and more enjoyable. I like sharing in the joy of learning a new skill.”
– Beth, Parish Partners ESOL Interpreter
“This internship taught me about the intersection of large non-profit work with the real human impact such organizations can make.”
“…I loved running the Bike Brigade every Wednesday and getting to offer a meal to people experiencing homelessness in our community. I also enjoyed shelter and food pantry visits, seeing firsthand the work Catholic Charities does in the area. This internship taught me about the intersection of large non-profit work with the real human impact such organizations can make. If you are looking for an experience in professional development, community service, and hands-on experience, this internship is for you!”
Madalyn Sullivan, Volunteer Services Office
Learn how you can Get involved
Volunteers make a lasting impact when they commit to serving consistently in the same role such as a mentor, tutor, behind the scenes supporter, or pro bono professional. Learn about opportunities to serve in ongoing volunteer roles:
Catholic Charities offers a limited number of internship placements for graduate and undergraduate students during the academic year and summer. Click the button below for more information.