Ethiopian-Eritrean Special Needs community

Volunteers with the Ethiopian Eritrean Special Needs Community (EESNC) support children, youth, and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities, as well as their families, through structured, supervised, and community-based activities.

All volunteer activities are conducted under the direct supervision of an EESNC staff member in public or designated program settings to ensure safety and compliance with SSL requirements.

Volunteer responsibilities include:

• Autism Mentorship (Supervised Group Support):
  Support individuals with autism through structured activities focused on social engagement, communication skills, and community participation in public program settings.
• Family Support Assistance (Community-Based Activities):
  Assist families during organized workshops, resource events, and group support sessions that promote caregiver education and access to services.
• Vocational and Life Skills Support:
  Help participants build independence through supervised activities that may include job readiness, social skills development, and structured learning sessions.
• Community Engagement Events:
  Assist during cultural events, resource fairs, and educational workshops hosted in public venues, helping with setup, participant support, and engagement activities.
• Virtual Mentorship (Fully Supervised):
  Participate in EESNC-led virtual sessions under direct staff supervision, with all SSL safety and privacy requirements strictly followed.

All volunteer service is designed to be meaningful, structured, and developmentally supportive while maintaining full compliance with MCPS SSL guidelines.