Yes, you can be of help to someone who is living with HIV/AIDS. We are
looking for people who are willing to volunteer a few hours weekly to assisting
those who come to us for services. Some of the most important things needed are
assistance with housecleaning, occasionally preparing a meal, child care,
running errands, assistance with grocery shopping, rides to appointments,
etc.
Volunteers have two “helper” categories to select from.
1) Helper: This
is an ongoing match with an individual client, couple, or family. We ask for a
commitment of four-six hours weekly to help meet their needs. A two-day,
14-hour training session is required to help prepare you with the information
you need to be an effective and positive influence on your client.
2) Freelance: Freelance volunteers are able to make their own schedules and
are more or less on call. This allows you work with a wide variety of different
folks, with an even wider variety of needs and requests.
We are also needing volunteers who are willing to become Buddy Volunteers.
Buddies provide companionship, support, and friendship to people living and
surviving with this devastating illness.
If you are able to give the precious gift of your time, we need you! We have a
General Orientation coming up on Tuesday evening, December 3, 6-8:30pm. This
orientation will cover the variety of volunteer opportunities available here at
AIDS Services of Austin and give you an overview of the most current
information regarding HIV/AIDS. For more information or to register for the
next orientation, please call the Volunteer Services Office at 406-6167 or our
main office at 451-2273. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
Robert Stewart
ASA Info Line: 458-AIDS
This article appears in November 29 • 1996 and November 29 • 1996 (Cover).