Volunteer Information

The Montgomery County Department of Correction and Rehabilitation (DOCR) provides a variety of programs that directly benefit those incarcerated individuals who participate. Programming is offered at the Montgomery County Correctional Facility (MCCF) as well as the Pre-Release and Reentry Services (PRRS). Volunteer-led programs include but are not limited to religious worship and instruction, education, recreation, and treatment. The general goal of volunteer-led programs is to foster skills and attitudes that will enable individuals to successfully reintegrate into the community upon release. Volunteers play a critical role in providing support and enrichment for our facility populations.

Requirements to Volunteer with DOCR

  • Candidates must be 21-years of age or older.
  • Complete facility background process and have a clear criminal history of at least three (3) years.
  • Volunteers must possess positive attributes as a role model and transferable skills that an incarcerated individual can benefit from and should express a sincere commitment to aid the facility in any area of need.
  • Commit requirement is contingent on volunteer group size of each program, commitments range from monthly to weekly.
  • After the first year of volunteering, an annual re-application and orientation is required.

Volunteering at Pre-Release and Reentry Services

Contact: Deputy Chief Tyrone Alexander
(240) 773-4222
[email protected]

Pre-Release and Reentry Services (PRRS) provides residential and non-residential reentry services to convicted and sentenced individuals who are within 12-months of release and who have been incarcerated in Montgomery County's correctional system. Additionally, our division is contracted with the Maryland’s Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services to serve prisoners who are returning into the Montgomery County community and the Greater Washington Metropolitan area. PRRS is located at the Pre-Release Center in Rockville, MD.

  • Career Resource Center (CRC)
    • Tutoring: We are looking for volunteers to cover shifts assisting residents navigate online employment opportunities and assisting with resume building. 
    • On-line Learning Coaching: The internet has opened a whole new world of methods of learning opportunities. Today, anyone can excel in classes on almost any subject over the internet. Many PRRS residents need to improve their basic skills to pass apprenticeship, GED, or college placement tests and there are a multitude of options to boost their skills. Volunteers are needed to coach Residents on how to access and register for on-line learning; also, to provide tutorial coaching and troubleshooting, if necessary.
  • Employment Interviewing Workshop (EIW): We are looking for volunteers to help teach interviewing skills to residents during their first week of orientation.
  • Welcome Home Program (WHP) Mentor: Mentors help prevent returning citizens from falling back to previous mistakes by helping them find and follow a path to a new career. We do this by creating a support network centered around volunteer mentors who work closely with returning citizens. Together, we help overcome big and small obstacles en route to finding a job, a safe place to live, and a community of support. If interested in volunteering through the WHP, contact the PRRS WHP Reentry Coordinator at (240) 773-4211. http://www.catholiccharitiesdc.org/WelcomeHome

Volunteering at Montgomery County Correctional Facility

Contact: Program Manager Kathy Guevara
(240) 773-9898
[email protected]

Montgomery County Correctional Facility (MCCF) provides a variety of programs that directly benefit participants through educational workshops, groups, curriculum programs and enrichment activities. The areas a volunteer may support are typically in addiction recovery, life skills, mental health, parenting, recreation, reentry, and religion. Programs are conducted seven-days a week during daytime and evening hours. MCCF is located in Boyds, MD.

If interested in volunteering at the Montgomery County Correctional Facility, please complete a Volunteer Interest Card and staff will be in touch with you soon.

Resources
The MCCF Volunteer Handbook provides information about policies, processes, and expectations for volunteers to follow while serving and supporting our facility population in a correctional setting. 

Donations
While we cannot accept monetary donations, MCCF welcomes material donations of items to help support and provide enrichment for our facility population. We have a specific list and registries of ongoing needs as well as specialty items to include in winter holiday season gift bags. Please contact  [email protected] to learn about our current needs.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

  • I volunteered years ago; can I come back and continue volunteering in the same way?

We appreciate your desire to come back and volunteer with MCCF after taking a break. Due to the growing complexity and increased count of our population, we have made some adjustments to our volunteer programming to balance security operational needs. Some of the changes include the group size, length of programming, and location of opportunities.

  • Are you still offering the religious cart opportunity for volunteers?

The safety and security of those in our custody and visiting our facility is priority therefore unfortunately we are not offering this opportunity to volunteers. We are pleased to share that there are Enrichment Carts available in each housing unit in which the population can select various reading materials.

  • How can I help?

We are grateful for the interest and volunteer support! Those interested in volunteering at MCCF should fill out the Volunteer Interest Card linked above which identifies general areas of possible opportunities. Opportunities and scheduling may be limited. Those interested in volunteering with the Pre-Release and Reentry Services should call (240) 773-4222.

  • Is volunteering at a jail safe?

Safety is the number one priority for DOCR. There are measures in place to make the environment safe and secure. Volunteers will go through an orientation to learn about the practices in place and how they contribute to the safety of the population and facility. Volunteers are encouraged to review the MCCF Volunteer Handbook linked above to become familiar with the policies, practices, and expectations.

  • Can I volunteer if I have a criminal record?

Applicants must have a clear criminal history for at least the past 3-years to be considered.

  • How long does it take to process my application?

There are multiple steps in processing the volunteer application which entails screening, a background clearance, interview, and reference check. Application processing can take about a month. After an application is processed, there is a Volunteer Orientation that all are required to attend. 

  • When is the next Volunteer Orientation?

MCCF Volunteer Orientations are typically scheduled on a quarterly basis. You will receive information via email when the time comes if you are approved.

  • What type of commitment do I have to make?

For MCCF, volunteer-led programs see the best success in participation if the population anticipates the program on a weekly basis. Volunteers that lead groups alone must commit to coming into the facility on a weekly basis. Volunteers that are part of a larger group may see a variation in commitment to scheduling. Details to schedules will be discussed during interviews based on the volunteer’s availability and the facility program schedule where volunteer vacancies exist.  

PRRS volunteer commitments may vary.

  • Can my religious organization provide our own program group?

Volunteers are welcomed to come together from one organization like a Church ministry group; however, the program groups are not titled for any organization and rather named by overall faith category and denomination.  Volunteers could be working with other volunteers from other organizations.

  • Do you offer special events?

Yes, at MCCF, particularly around the holidays or in reflection for a themed month like Black History Month or Hispanic Heritage Month.  Please contact [email protected] to explore options. Funding is not available for special programs. We welcome idea proposals and suggestions on special events we can reasonably facilitate within the secure facility environment.

  • I did not see my question listed above, how can I get more information about volunteering with Montgomery County Department of Correction and Rehabilitation?

Feel free to review the MCCF Volunteer Handbook, which will provide more detailed information about volunteering. If you still have questions, you may reach out to the appropriate contacts listed above.