Making a difference is the most human thing all are able and empowered to do.
Every volunteer at AIDS Services of Austin makes a dramatic difference in the
lives of the individuals we serve by giving the gift of self. The willingness
to grow, to be there, to be available, to learn, and to serve, is the greatest
thing of all for a person dealing with the physcial and emotional streses
HIV/AIDS can create. People come to us from every race, creed, culture, age,
marital status, and orientation.
Following are some of the ways you as a volunteer can give directly to clients
at ASA.
Food Pantry: Stock shelves, greet clients, sack groceries, etc.
Freelance: Drive clients to appointments, help with some general, light
housework.
Buddies: Provide one-on-one friendship, companionship, a listening ear, go to
the movies, a park, a picnic, etc.
Helpers: Provide on-going practical support by helping maintain a client’s
living environment, light cleaning, visiting, perhaps preparing an easy meal.
To begin, we provide new volunteers with a General Orientation to our agency.
The next General Orientation is scheduled for Tuesday, December 3, from
6-8:30pm. An Information/training seminar is held over a weekend for those
going on to the longer-term committment of Helpers and Buddies. To register or
for more information, please call the Volunteer Services Office at 406-6167.
Robert Stewart
Volunteer Coordinator
ASA Info Line: 458-AIDS
This article appears in November 15 • 1996 and November 15 • 1996 (Cover).