| VOLUNTEER
OPPORTUNITIES
Volunteers are a special part of the IFSN organization
because IFSN was implemented by volunteers from the faith-based
community in 1989. Since that time, volunteers have
been an extraordinarily important component. IFSN has
welcomed literally thousands of volunteers—men, women and
children who have worked thousands of hours and served in
many capacities by: serving on the Board of Directors and
Advisory Committees, sponsoring new programs and services,
preparing and serving meals, providing health services, cutting
hair, collecting blankets, towels and supplies, and donating
needed equipment, furniture, appliances, bedding, clothing,
and food.
FAITH-BASED COMMUNITY: IFSN
was born from the faith-based community, who—during
fifteen years of emergency shelter operation—voluntarily
operated the shelter for the first few years. Volunteers were
also completely responsible for the Transitional Housing pilot
project, “Wesley House” for the first full year
of operation (before funding was secured). During the “shelter”
years, one church would be responsible for one week’s
worth of volunteers and would assign 6 to 12 volunteers each
night to assist with housekeeping, meal preparation and meal
service, as well as other special projects (hair-cutting,
credit-counseling, feet-washing, medical clinics). Literally
thousands of people volunteered during the shelter years,
and a large percentage of the faith-base population continue
to do so today. Recruiting volunteers is rarely necessary—IFSN
sends flyers to the faith-based community announcing volunteer
opportunities, along with the current wish list encouraging
in-kind donations, and IFSN leaders speak at church services
and outreach committee meetings frequently each year which
insures new interest and new volunteers.
DAY OF CARING:
In addition, IFSN always takes advantage of United Way’s
Day of Caring project which usually provides 40 to 50 people
working on 3 or 4 projects. It’s a wonderful opportunity
to educate members of the community about the Transitional
Housing Program, peak their interest, and collect contact
information. The outcome is always more positive than anticipated—new
volunteers, new sponsors, and new board members.
VOLUNTEER CENTER: When
a shortage occurs, the Volunteer Center of Sonoma County is
an invaluable additional resource for volunteers, as well
as other priceless resources: RSVP, Court Referral Program,
capacity building, board training. The Volunteer Center can
always be counted on to provide the right person for the right
job…and if they don’t have what you need, they
know where to get it!
ROOM or HOUSE SPONSORSHIP
Individuals, clubs, faith-base groups, businesses
and organizations are encouraged to sponsor either a room
or one of InterFaith Shelter Network’s Transitional
houses, however; all projects must be pre-approved by the
Executive Director.
Sponsorship may include: “start-up”
funding for a new house, capital development funding (such
as a down payment), an annual financial commitment or contribution
(Christmas or Easter offerings are common), a one-time project
or event (such as “Day of Caring”) or annual fund-raiser,
(such as the Human Race), a time-specific project, or an ongoing
sponsorship formalized to meet house and client needs as they
arise.
Those interested in sponsorships are asked to
submit a letter of interest or intent to the Program Director
or Executive Director—to initiate the process. The letter
should include the name of the organization, the name and
contact information for the project/team leader, and either:
1) a request for a list of priority client items or house
items needed, or a project in need of attention (and priority);
2) a request for a needs list to be sent from IFSN (perhaps
quarterly or semi-annually) to be distributed to the sponsoring
group, or 3) a statement of ideas, intentions and/or objectives,
and an approximate time-line.
EXAMPLE: XYZ Corporation
intends to sponsor one of IFSN’s houses for single men
for the year 2007. During the year, XYZ Inc., will organize
and implement a garage, yard clean-up and vegetable garden
project during the spring, and will provide a barbeque for
the residents afterwards. During the holiday season, XYZ will
provide a Christmas tree, Christmas dinner ingredients, decorations
and gifts for the residents of the facility. XYZ will also
donate half of the proceeds from an annual rummage sale (date
to be announced).
All communications and arrangements are to be
directed to the Executive Director, or Program Manager (projects
will sometimes be delegated to the Case Manager of the facility),
however; team leaders and participants should not make project
arrangements with, make or change plans with, or ask for approval
from House Monitors.
During the planning process for all projects,
events or activities IFSN requires written submission (e-mail
is acceptable) regarding the following:
1) The
anticipated date (at least 45 days in advance or perhaps
give 2 date choices in case of a scheduling conflict).
2)
Names and contact information for the project/team leader
and expected participants (a week in advance).
3)
Details and expectations about the project, such as arrival/departure
times, parking requirements, refreshments expected or supplies
needed—if IFSN is expected to purchase any supplies
or materials (e.g. paint, brushes, etc.,) (at least a week
in advance).
4)
Details about planned interaction with the clients, such
as whether clients will be invited to participate in the
project, or if specific activities will occur during the
event (e.g. clients will be invited to “share stories,”
or join participants in a sing-along) (at least two weeks
in advance).
At least one IFSN staff person will be asked
to attend all planned projects and events, however; attendance
is not mandatory when events conflict with the staff workload
or occur on weekends and/or after normal business hours. Staff
attendance is discretionary.
All sponsors and participants will be asked
to adhere to applicable House Rules and Policies and observe
the same boundary guidelines that apply to IFSN staff.
IFSN genuinely appreciates volunteers,
sponsors and project participants; however we respectfully
remind you to keep our most important responsibility in mind—our
client’s welfare. Their accommodation in a safe, secure,
healthy, comfortable, confidential and non-threatening environment
is our primary concern. Please remember—you will be
visiting their home!
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