Being a volunteer in your community is one of the greatest things you can
give. It is unique and special because only you can give it. AIDS Services of
Austin’s volunteers are some of the best, caring, and giving people you could
ever hope to meet. The services we are able to provide clients are heavily
dependent upon the generous hearts of the volunteers in the Buddy, Helper, and
Freelance Programs. Buddy volunteers provide friendship, socialization, and
emotional support. Helpers give their time helping clients to keep their homes
clean, assisting with laundry, picking up prescriptions, running errands, and
many other tasks of daily life maintenance.
We ask that Buddies & Helpers have about six hours a week available and be
able to commit for six months. Freelancers are called and assigned as needed.
We offer a thorough training program for our volunteers. Our training, which
occurs over a weekend, includes information on HIV/AIDS, opportunistic
infections, infection control, diversity and sensitivity, substance abuse
issues, peer counselling, issues of living with HIV/AIDS, coping with grief and
loss, and much, much more. The training is held over a two-day weekend.
After the training, Buddies and Helpers are assigned to a team with other more
experienced volunteers. The teams provide a stable source of continuing
information, education, and support. Freelancers do many of the same tasks as
Helpers and Buddies. Many people only need help for a very short time or a
single task done. This can include a ride to the doctor, a hospital visit,
baby-sitting, helping with a pet, etc.
We require all volunteers to attend one of our monthly General Orientation
meetings to become acquainted with our agency and the many, varied volunteer
opportunities we have available for all interests. So, if being a service to
others, meeting people, making friends, and being a volunteer appeals to you…
call us!! We look forward to hearing from and meeting you! Training sessions
are already scheduled for the near future. Our space is limited, so sign up
now! For general Information & orientation call: 406-6150. Come join the
team!
— Robert Stewart
Check out our Web site! http://www.outline.com/ASA/ASA.hp.html
email us at: ASA@fc.net
This article appears in July 19 • 1996 and July 19 • 1996 (Cover).