Alice Saddy Association

Occasionally, people who have a developmental disability or have experienced a brain injury may have difficulty initiating and maintaining meaningful contact with others. They may feel isolated and need assistance to establish their place in the community. Our staff, however cannot do enough and we must rely on volunteers in the community for assistance.

The benefits to both the individual and the volunteer are great. The person that you support gains social contacts and enjoys himself/herself in the community.

Volunteers:

Gain new skills;
Develop a greater sensitivity in dealing with others;
Meet new friends;
Can "test the water" before making a career decision;
Gain volunteer experience which has an impact on future employers and educational institutions.

The Alice Saddy Association needs volunteers who are able to donate as little as one or two hours a week. Students are welcome!

VOLUNTEER RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES Rights:

To be treated as a co-worker
To know as much as possible about the agency you are working for, its policies , programs, and & procedures
To a suitable assignment, preference and experience should be considered
To receive effective and sufficient training for the position
To feel free to make suggestions
To recognition
To sound guidance and direction
To apply for a change of volunteer jobs within the agency Responsibilities
To observe strict confidentiality at all times
To be committed to the work of the agency
To be loyal
To be convinced of the value of what is being done
To accept the rules and regulations
To welcome supervision
To be dependable, prompt and reliable
To conduct yourself in a cheerful, positive and friendly manner
To be flexible, considerate and patient
To adhere to the philosophy of the Alice Saddy Association.

VISITING:

Visiting in a home: volunteers should remember foremost that they are in someone's home. Volunteers should have a thorough understanding of: Dietary restrictions Smoking regulations Health and safety concerns Emergency procedures Activity List. Volunteers may assist people with social activities, visit in their homes and participate and assist with daily living activities. Volunteers may not administer medications, borrow money or personal possessions and release any confidential information.

THE VISIT:

Most important thing to do on a visit is to listen, allow clients to set the agenda, be non-judgemental and to be respectful. Visits may include other staff members and/or family members. Be dependable and inform people of inability to make visits. REMEMBER - Confidentiality is essential and any information obtained must be kept confidential. Pertinent information such as change in health, behaviour, routine, unusual marks, injury must by reported to a support worker or volunteer coordinator immediately.