We’re on Cable! In an effort to disseminate accurate and up-to-date information regarding
HIV/AIDS, AIDS Services of Austin is now producing monthly segments for “Open
Studio,” a 30-minute program on Austin Community Access Center (ACAC — cable
channel 16). In doing this, it is also the aim to raise awareness in the Austin
community regarding services available to people living with, or affected by,
the illness. Please let us know what you think about the program, and which
topics you would like to see featured in the segments.
Volunteer Opportunities Abound at
AIDS Services of Austin! We have something for everyone who is willing to be of assistance!
For those of you who are more interested in helping with things such as
mailings and other office projects, we have Tue & Thu, 9am-1pm and Thu,
6-9pm as open volunteer times. These are great times to meet new, interesting,
wonderful people.
The Open Hands Food Pantry needs volunteers to help take orders and sack
groceries, prepare items for distribution during off hours, and make home
deliveries to clients who are too ill to come in to our office.
Freelance Volunteers drive clients to medical and social service appointments,
help with housework, cooking, lawn care, maintenance, laundry, and sometimes
child care. Freelance volunteers are assigned to a client usually on a one-time
only basis. There is a short training for volunteers in this program.
Buddy/Helper Volunteers are assigned one-to-one with a client. They provide
continuing, practical, weekly support of household maintenance and errands.
These volunteers also provide emotional support and friendship to clients.
Clients have described their buddy/helper volunteers as a “professional
friend!” The next two-day weekend seminar required to participate in this
program is March 22-23.
Animal Companions help people with pet care. This includes providing in-home
animal care, finding low-cost veterinary service, and boarding or fostering a
pet when a client becomes ill or is hospitalized. Animal companions are also
able to provide high-quality pet food for clients’ pets at no cost to the
client.
For these and all volunteer programs at ASA, we require that volunteers attend
a 21/2 hour general orientation program here at our offices. During
this time each of you will be given a comprehensive overview of the volunteer
possibilities that will fit your desire to serve your community. Our next
Orientations are scheduled for:
Sat, Mar 3,10am-12:30pm; Wed, Apr 5, 6-8:30pm;
Wed, May 7, 6-8:30pm.
Please call us at 406-6167 to register or for further information. We look
forward to hearing from you! asa@fc.net
Robert Stewart
Volunteer Coordinator
This article appears in March 7 • 1997 and March 7 • 1997 (Cover).