• Adult Programs
• Animal Programs
• Art and Environmental Programs
• Children's Programs
• Food, Health and Education Programs
• Housing Programs
• Service Clubs
• United Way of Dawson County

Adult Programs

AARP
Contact: Peggy Kenney
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706-265-3260

AARP is open to anyone over the age of 50 and offers many advantages for membership.  It meets once a month.  Contact Peggy Kenney above for meeting time and place. Volunteers are needed for projects which are coordinated with the Dawson County Senior Center and with Legacy Link, Inc., the area agency on aging.  These include Meals on Wheels, commodity foods, and income tax assistance.

Dawson County Adult Education Center
Contact: Kathy Davis
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706-265-1690 – office phone

The Dawson County Adult Education Center provides a variety of learning services to the community including GED preparation and tutoring. Volunteers are needed to teach classes, especially as last minute substitutes; to tutor in reading, grammar and math; to help clean the premises; and for special projects such as taking inventory for audits, helping with mass mail outs, and helping with special events.  Training is provided and some require an internship.

Dawson County Arts Council
Contact: Marcia Chelf
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706-216-2787 – office phone

The Dawson County Arts Council offers visual and performing arts, including a children’s musical theater, to everyone.  Gallery and gift shop, located in historic downtown Dawsonville at 334 Highway 9 North, are open Tuesday – Saturday from 10:00am to 4:00pm. 

Volunteer opportunities include helping to hang and take down visual exhibits, working in the gift shop, teaching musical theater and artistic skills, and sharing other associated interests.

Dawson County Library
Contact: Stacey Leonhardt
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706-344-3690 ext 21

The Dawson County Library enhances our community’s quality of life by offering lifelong learning opportunities, family and local history resources, and recreational materials to all.  The Library offers programs for adults and children throughout the year at no charge.

Volunteer opportunities are many and varied from reshelving books to reading to children to genealogy assistance to coordinating programs.  Prospective volunteers must come to the Library to fill out an application and for a personal interview.  The Library is located at 342 Allen Street in downtown Dawsonville.

Dawson County Senior Center
Contact: Rachelle Thurmond, Volunteer Coordinator
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Margie Weaver, Director
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706-344-3700 – Senior Center

The Dawson County Senior Center provides services to those over the age of 60, including daycare, Meals on Wheels, transportation, shopping trips, assistance with Medicare and Medicaid, day trips, and a complete wellness program of exercise equipment, classes, personal care, and dietician services.  The Senior Center provides additional resources through Legacy Link, Inc.

Volunteers are welcomed and needed.  Activities for volunteers cover a wide spectrum of opportunities from sewing and decorating, reading to clients, teaching classes, delivery of meals, friendly visiting, and program fundraising.

NOA – No One Alone
Contacts: Brenda Bland, Volunteer Coordinator
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706-864-0030 ext 4
Marina Barron, Executive Director
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706-864-1306 ext 5

NOA provides safe shelter and support services for victims of domestic violence. These include a 24-hour crisis line (706-864-1986), emergency shelter, parenting support, individual and group counseling, a children’s support group, violence prevention education for adults and for children in the classroom, legal advocacy and court support, financial assistance, and scholarships.

Volunteers play a vital role in fulfilling the mission of NOA. They work in partnership with staff to offer support to victims of family violence by assisting with shelter activities, community events, administrative tasks in our various offices and at Southern Finds, our thrift store. Training and on-going support is provided to help the volunteer feel rewarded, confident, and engaged.

R.E.A.D – Reading Education Association of Dawson County, Inc.
Contact: Sandy Lipkowitz
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706-579-1771

R.E.A.D’s goal is for Dawson County to become a Certified Literate Community.  It provides financial assistance for GED fees, provides teaching materials for the Adult Education Center, encourages high school graduation, gives dictionaries to every 3rd grader and thesauruses to every 8th grader, gives a scholarship to a graduating senior and to a GED graduate.  R.E.A.D. also provides all supplies and covers all fees associated with the GED program for the Dawson County Detention Center. Volunteers are needed for many of R.E.A.D.’s activities including helping to staff the teachers and substitute teachers at the Adult Education Center.

Animal Programs

Dawson County Humane Society and Animal Shelter
Contact: Jean Schilling
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706-265-9160 – office phone

The Dawson County Humane Society provides shelter and care for homeless animals, spay and neutering services, and adoption. Volunteers are needed to help at the shelter with general care of the animals, to serve at off-site adoption weekends at locations inside and outside the county, and to help with fundraising.  In addition, you may volunteer your home for foster care.

Art and Environmental Programs

Dawson County Arts Council
Contact: Marcia Chelf
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706-216-2787 – office phone

The Dawson County Arts Council offers visual and performing arts, including a children’s musical theater, to everyone.  Gallery and gift shop, located in historic downtown Dawsonville at 334 Highway 9 North, are open Tuesday – Saturday from 10:00am to 4:00pm.  Volunteer opportunities include helping to hang and take down visual exhibits, working in the gift shop, teaching musical theater and artistic skills, and sharing other associated interests.

Keep Dawson County Beautiful
Contact: Cathy Brooks
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706-344-3501 ext 255

Keep Dawson County Beautiful focuses on litter prevention, solid waste management and coordination, environmental education, beautification and conservation.  Programs include A Leaf on Every Door, Adopt a Road, America Recycles Day, Christmas Tree Recycling, classroom presentations of environmental issues, Drop-Off Recycling Center, and many more.

Volunteers are needed for program work, coordination of events, public relations and ideas for improving the quality of life in Dawson County.

Children’s Programs

4-H Clubs
Contact: Ian Cowie
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706-265-2442

4-H helps young people ages 9-19 to acquire knowledge, develop life skills, and form attitudes that will enable them to become self-directing, productive and contributing members of society through “hands-on” learning experiences.

Volunteers are needed to work with specific programs, to serve as chaperones on day and week-long trips, and to share special interests and skills.  There are many levels of participation for volunteers.  Application, background check and training required.

Boy Scouts
Contact: Northeast Georgia Council, Boy Scouts of America
David Victorio
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800-699-8806, ext. 17 – office phone

The Boy Scouts of America has helped develop future leaders by combining educational activities and lifelong values with fun.  In Dawson County more than 250 local boys and young women participate in scouting through the Cub Scouts (boys grades 1-5), Boy Scouts (boys 11-18 years old), Venturing (young men and women who have completed the 8th grade and not yet 21), and Exploring (same as for Venturing). 

Dawson County Family Connection
Contact: Nancy Stites
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706-265-1981 – office phone

Dawson County Family Connection is part of an initiative in Georgia of 159 community collaborative partnerships.  Family Connection is committed to making measurable improvements for children and families.  Assessing needs and resources in Dawson County helps to develop strategies and plans which enhance the health and well being of all.

Family Connection needs volunteers who have special interests and talents to work on specific projects, such as website development and grant writing.  Organizational skills and general computer skills are helpful for on-going and annual projects, such as back-to-school materials.

Dawson County Mentoring Program
Contact: Bindy Auvermann
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  706-265-1981

Volunteer mentors are paired with selected students to help enhance self image, personal responsibility and improve life choices so the student will be empowered to grow individually and academically.  Mentors meet with their students once a week during the school day.   The program serves public school students in grades K through 12th. Volunteers agree to a background investigation including a criminal records check and also attend an orientation and training session.

First Steps
Contacts: Angela Ricks, First Steps Coordinator
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770-219-7959 – office

Millie Cabrera, Program Manager
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770-219-6275 – office

First Steps serves new parents from Dawson County who deliver babies at Northeast Georgia Medical Center.  It is a voluntary, free service.  Parents are enrolled during an initial visit at the hospital and then provided follow up contact for at least three months.  This contact gives information on child development, parenting, child safety, emotional support, and connections to community resources. 

Although babies don’t come with instruction manuals, volunteers bring theirs.  Scheduling and responsibilities are flexible for volunteers.  Volunteers participate in an orientation and training session.

Girl Scouts
Contact: Vicki Raymondo
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770-536-8656

For over 99 years Girl Scouts has helped build girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place.  Girl Scouting is open to all girls in grades Kindergarten through 12th grade who wish to have fun and educational opportunities in a safe and nurturing environment.

There are many opportunities to be a Girl Scout volunteer, both long term and short term.  Volunteers must be 18 years or older and willing to share time, expertise and friendship.  A thorough background investigation including a criminal records check is required.

Hall-Dawson CASA - Court Appointed Special Advocates
Contact: Connie Stephens
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770-531-1964 – office

Hall-Dawson CASA serves all abused and neglected children entering the juvenile courts of the Northeastern Judicial Circuit.  Volunteers represent the best interests of the child before the court, social service system, and community service providers to assure the child’s right to an appropriate and a permanent home.  Volunteers are child advocates and undergo a rigorous training and thorough background investigation including a criminal records check.

KARE for Kids
Contact: Calvin Byrd
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706-216-KARE (5273)

The main focus of KARE for Kids is providing Christmas for those children who would not otherwise have one.  KARE also provides year round assistance on a referral basis through each school’s counselor.  This includes a winter coat, tennis shoes, medical visits, school supplies and other items a child might need.

Volunteers are needed for the fresh ideas they can contribute as well as the work they fulfill.  Opportunities for service include:  promotion of KARE and the Moonshine Festival, its main fund raising event; writing grants to secure additional funding; helping with Christmas by taking applications, shopping, boxing and wrapping the gifts. 

Prevent Child Abuse Dawson
Contact: Gary Sullivan
garysullivan@djj,state.ga.us
770-535-5495

Prevent Child Abuse Dawson is the local chapter of Prevent Child Abuse Georgia with the goal of reducing the occurrence of child abuse and neglect through education, prevention programs, and efforts to impact local and state policy.  Meetings are held at Steamers Coffee (706-216-1770, 6280Highway 53E, across from Burger King) the third Tuesday of each month at 3:15pm.

Volunteers are needed to serve on the board, to inform the community about the “Need to Talk” helpline, and to periodically assist with the purchasing and assembly of bags containing toiletry items for children placed in foster care.

Safe Kids Dawson
Contact: Tony Wooten
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706-344-3535

Safe Kids Dawson is part of Safe Kids Georgia.  Safe Kids promotes changes in attitudes, behaviors, laws and the environment to prevent accidental injury to children.  Safe Kids works closely with law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics, health and safety experts, professionals, educators, parents, businesses, foundations, governments, policymakers, volunteers and, most importantly, children to educate and protect families.  Some of the projects include giving automobile safety seats, giving bike helmets, and poison prevention. Volunteers are needed to assist and to coordinate all projects undertaken by Safe Kids Dawson.

Wee Books
Contact: Ann Williams
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706-216-2307

Once a month Wee Books delivers hardback, age-appropriate books via mail directly to registered children from birth to age 5.  Research has shown this method of receiving books fosters family excitement that triggers reading together.  Early research is showing an increase in the number of children who are ready to read in kindergarten.

Volunteers are needed to help with enrollment at community and school events which attract families with small children and to maintain continuing relationships with the county’s day care facilities.  Volunteers are needed to help with a monthly newsletter, to stay in touch with supporters and friends of the program, and for the preparation and distribution of news releases for local newspapers.  And volunteers are always needed for fundraising.

Food, Health, and Education Programs

American Cancer Society
Contact: Suzanne Hendricks
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770-297-1176 ext 23 – office phone
770-297-7418 – fax

The American Cancer Society has numerous programs which save lives, help people stay well, help people get well, and fight back against cancer.  With help from volunteers, the Society creates more birthdays every day.

Volunteer opportunities include Road to Recovery Volunteer Driver where patients are driven to appointments with doctors or for treatments, and Reach to Recovery Volunteer when survivors of breast cancers meet one on one with patients to share experiences and offer support.  These volunteers must be certified and attend a training course.  Relay For Life volunteers help with planning, set up and take down, and other on-site needs for the Dawson County Relay for Life event.

More information is available at websites below:
www.cancer.org
www.dawsoncountyrelay.com

American Red Cross – Northeast Georgia Chapter
Contact: Andy Thompson
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706-253-7333 – office phone
678-327-7900 – cell phone

The American Red Cross helps disaster victims around the world and in our neighborhoods by providing food, shelter and clothing when fire, tornado, hurricane or any catastrophic event occurs.  The Red Cross also conducts health and safety courses and blood drives.  Plus they are the primary source for aid to military families in times of family crisis when a member of the armed services is needed at home. Volunteers are needed for all areas of the work the American Red Cross does.  Most require orientation and training.

Dawson County Adult Education Center
Contact: Kathy Davis
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706-265-1690 – office phone

The Dawson County Adult Education Center provides a variety of learning services to the community including GED preparation and tutoring. Volunteers are needed to teach classes, especially as last minute substitutes; to tutor in reading, grammar and math; to help clean the premises; and for special projects such as taking inventory for audits, helping with mass mail outs, and helping with special events.  Training is provided and some require an internship.

Dawson County Ric Rack
Contacts: Mary Wheeler or Jerry Tragresser, Managers
706-265-1371 – store
Ken Newell, Chair
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706-974-8843 – cell

The Ric Rack is a charity thrift store and food pantry located at 829 Hwy 9 N in Dawsonville with items available free for eligible families.  It sells clothing, household goods and furniture to the general public.  All funds generated are used to supply the food pantry. 

Volunteers are needed to sort donations, maintain the physical premises, and as cashiers.  Store hours are Monday – Saturday from 10:00am to 5:00pm.  The food pantry is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 11:00am to 2:00pm.

First Steps
Contacts: Angela Ricks, First Steps Coordinator
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770-219-7959 – office

Millie Cabrera, Program Manager
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770-219-6275 – office

First Steps serves new parents from Dawson County who deliver babies at Northeast Georgia Medical Center.  It is a voluntary, free service.  Parents are enrolled during an initial visit at the hospital and then provided follow up contact for at least three months.  This contact gives information on child development, parenting, child safety, emotional support, and connections to community resources. 

Although babies don’t come with instruction manuals, volunteers bring theirs.  Scheduling and responsibilities are flexible for volunteers.  Volunteers participate in an orientation and training session.

Hall-Dawson CASA - Court Appointed Special Advocates
Contact: Connie Stephens
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
770-531-1964 – office

Hall-Dawson CASA serves all abused and neglected children entering the juvenile courts of the Northeastern Judicial Circuit.  Volunteers represent the best interests of the child before the court, social service system, and community service providers to assure the child’s right to an appropriate and a permanent home.  Volunteers are child advocates and undergo a rigorous training and thorough background investigation including a criminal records check.

Ninth District Opportunity
Contact: Alice Williamson
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706-265-3744

Prevent Child Abuse Dawson
Contact: Gary Sullivan
garysullivan@djj,state.ga.us
770-535-5495

Prevent Child Abuse Dawson is the local chapter of Prevent Child Abuse Georgia with the goal of reducing the occurrence of child abuse and neglect through education, prevention programs, and efforts to impact local and state policy.  Meetings are held at Steamers Coffee (706-216-1770, 6280Highway 53E, across from Burger King) the third Tuesday of each month at 3:15pm.

Wee Books
Contact: Ann Williams
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706-216-2307

Once a month Wee Books delivers hardback, age-appropriate books via mail directly to registered children from birth to age 5.  Research has shown this method of receiving books fosters family excitement that triggers reading together.  Early research is showing an increase in the number of children who are ready to read in kindergarten.

Volunteers are needed to help with enrollment at community and school events which attract families with small children and to maintain continuing relationships with the county’s day care facilities.  Volunteers are needed to help with a monthly newsletter, to stay in touch with supporters and friends of the program, and for the preparation and distribution of news releases for local newspapers.  And volunteers are always needed for fundraising.

Housing Programs

Habitat For Humanity – North Central Georgia
Contact: Mary G. Lamond, Lanier Area Director - Forsyth/Dawson Counties
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770-886-4939 – office
Steve Holder, Dawson County contact
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706-974-0431

Habitat provides simple, decent, affordable homes to families in need through no profit and no interest 30 year mortgages held by Habitat.  Habitat has an open-door policy.  All who desire to be a part of this work are welcome, regardless of religious preference or background.  Volunteers and supporters are welcomed.  Opportunities for service include construction, mentoring families, and participating on committees.  Time may be spent during the week and on Saturdays. 

Ninth District Opportunity
Contact: Alice Williamson
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706-265-3744

NDO provides support services for low and moderate income families.  Programs and financial assistance includes Pre-K and Head Start, cooling and heating assistance, emergency rent and utility assistance, employment counseling and job coaching, and weatherization. Call for volunteer opportunities.

Service Clubs

Dawson County Chamber of Commerce
Contact: Linda Williams
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706-265-6278 – office phone

The Chamber has 500 members and is the premier business organization in the community.  The goal is to support members in a variety of ways so they may prosper and contribute to the community in a positive way.  The Chamber strives to make Dawsonville and Dawson County the preferred locations for business and families.  Membership is also open to individuals with a special rate for senior citizens.

Volunteer opportunities include helping the office staff, serving as an ambassador, and working on the many events sponsored by the Chamber.  These events are the monthly meeting and monthly After Hours networking, plus the annual banquet, raffle, golf tournament, and business expo.

Dawson County Jaycees
Contact: Katie Abraham
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706-216-7336, ext. 2 – office phone

The Dawson County Jaycees is an organization for young professionals ages 21-40 and is an affiliate of the United States and Georgia Jaycees.  Jaycees meet on the 3rd Friday of each month for a business luncheon at the Chestatee Golf Club’s Heron Grille, where members network and enhance their business relationships.  The Jaycees also host a range of social events each year to allow the members to interact on a more personal level developing and strengthening friendships.

The Dawson County Jaycees are actively engaged in supporting and giving back to the local community.  The organization has an active philanthropy committee which plans a number of volunteer projects for our members in areas of need in Dawson County. 

Dawson County Kiwanis Club
Contact: Becky Holbrook
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706-265-3514

Kiwanis holds meetings on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays every month at 11:30am at Ryan's Grill & Buffet, 126 Highway 400 North, Dawsonville.  Current and past club projects include dictionaries for every 3rd grader and thesauruses for every 8th grader, blood drives, the Fun Walk/Run, annual scholarship to a Key Club graduating senior, foster parents Christmas party, and flags for every classroom in the new middle school.

Dawson County Woman’s Club
Contact: Diane Saw
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706-265-3780

The Dawson County Woman’s Club has a historic legacy and continuing tradition of community service.  Working alongside other dedicated club members enhances and enriches the lives of family, community, and friends.  The greatest reward is often personal growth.  The club is organized into six areas of services:  arts, conservation, education, home life, international outreach, and public issues.  The club also sponsors a juniorettes club (LEAD) at the Dawson County High School. For volunteer opportunities members are encouraged to choose their passion and get to work.

Dawsonville Lions Club
Contact: David James
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706-265-2299

The Dawsonville Lions Club meets the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month at 7:00pm at Ryan's on GA400 just north of its intersection with Highway 53.  The Lions Club supports humanitarian needs in Dawson County through financial support and volunteer services.  The primary focus is providing glasses and other sight enhancing technology and hearing aids to those who cannot afford them.  Many organizations and individuals benefit from the generosity of the Lions Club.

Volunteer opportunities for members range from vision, hearing and diabetes screening to fund-raising for specific goals to staffing the Lions booth at the annual Moonshine Festival.

Rotary Club of Dawson County
Contact: Carol Tyger
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706-265-7006

The Rotary Club meets every Thursday at 7:30am at Lakeview Center, 2057 Dawson Forest Road.  The club’s service focus is on hunger and health, water quality and water projects, and literacy.  The goal of Rotary International is “Strike Out Polio.”  Volunteer opportunities are available to all members for enhancing the quality of life in Dawson County.

United Way for Dawson County
Contact: Jay Sessions
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  706-344-3501 ext 245

United Way of Dawson County helps bridge the gap between the needs that exist, the services that are provided, and the cost of making those services available to people who need them.  It takes money to solve critical issues, but it also takes focus, creativity, and willing hearts and hands to get results.  United Way brings people and resources together to get results. 

Volunteers are needed to form teams at local businesses, to spread the word about the needs in Dawson County, to serve on the Advisory Board, and assist with the annual fundraising campaign.