Making a difference is the most human thing all are able to do. Every
volunteer at AIDS Services of Austin (ASA) makes a significant difference in
the lives of the individuals we serve by giving of themself. The willingness to
grow, to just be there, be available, to learn, and to serve, can be the
greatest comfort for a person dealing with the physical and emotional stresses
of HIV/AIDS. People come to us from every race, creed, culture, age, marital
status, and orientation, both clients and volunteers. You, too, can be an
integral part of a dedicated team of volunteers and professionals, be of
service to an individual, couple, family system, and be a friend!
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, hospital visits. Buddy: provide on-going one-on-one friendship,
companionship, provide a listening ear, go to movies, a park, a picnic.
Helpers: provide on-going practical support by helping maintain a client’s
living environment, light cleaning, visiting, perhaps prepare an easy meal.
To start with, we provide new volunteers with a general orientation to our
agency to learn about the wide variety of volunteer opportunities. For those
going into direct services with a client as a Helper or Buddy, an
information/training seminar is held over the course of a weekend. For more
information and the dates for the next General Orientation and Training
Sessions, call 406-6150 for further information. We look forward to hearing
from you!!
— Robert Stewart
This article appears in June 14 • 1996 and June 14 • 1996 (Cover).