CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS, active or retired, are wanted as volunteers for a nonprofit agency that partners with the U.S. Small Business Administration to provide guidance for both start-up and would-be entrepreneurs. Depending on their personal preferences, these volunteers can participate in weekly counseling sessions with agency clients or help conduct periodic workshops and seminars. The work can be done at the agency's northwest Conroe office.

PLENTY OF OPPORTUNITIES for involvement are available at a women’s center in The Woodlands serving victims of family violence and sexual assault. Some current areas of need include shelter volunteers, accompaniment advocates for victims of violence, and persons to staff the center's emergency hotline. Daytime, evening, and weekend assignments are available. Comprehensive training is provided.

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY, the safety of persons throughout Montgomery County can depend in large part on the effective response of trained volunteers. You can become one of these critically important volunteers by joining a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) supported by a network of city, county, state, and private agencies. Register now for an upcoming 20-hour CERT training series.

FAITHFUL AND FURRY friends are the focus of an all-volunteer program in Montgomery County that helps disadvantaged elderly folks care for their pets. By assisting with grooming these animals and monitoring their health and dietary needs, volunteers insure that the owners and their pets can continue their loving companionship. A commitment of an hour or two a week is all that's asked.

For more information on the following volunteer opportunities, please call Volunteer Houston at 713-965-0031, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Additional opportunities can be found at www.volunteerhouston.org.

Submitted by Volunteer Houston