Can anyone be a Volunteer Friend?
In Union County you must be 21 years of age or older, a resident of Ohio, and have not been charged with or convicted of a crime
involving theft, physical violence, or sexual, alcohol or substance abuse, to be a Volunteer Friend.
What kinds of things does a Volunteer Friend do?
Guardians of Person provide the following services:
- Visit
- Sharing and informal support
- Listen
- Make phone calls or write letters
- Help open the mail
How much does your service cost?
There is no fee for this service, individuals are referred by Union County Senior Services.
Funds for Friend services for these individuals come from several sources such as the Union County Senior Services levy and United Way.
How else do you get funds to support your program?
In addition to Union County Senior Services, the Union County Foundation and United Way we accept donations from individuals, businesses, and churches.
How much of my time will be involved if I agree to volunteer as a Friend?
As a Volunteer Friend, two hours to four hours per month would generally be sufficient. The UCVGP also requires a short quarterly report about your visits; hours are tracked for grant
purposes.
What can you tell me about the people who are in need of a Volunteer Friend?
The people are referred to UCVGP by Case Managers at Senior Services. These adults are found to be alone and isolated and living by themselves. They are lacking support systems and need
someone to listen to them, to be there when they need someone.
What kinds of things would I be doing as a volunteer?
As a Volunteer Friend, your primary tasks would be visitation and support. These adults live by themselves and need someone to talk, listen and to share with. Some may need help
making a phone call, making decisions, organizing their mail or writing a letter. The
need is dependent on the individual.
What costs am I likely to incur if I volunteer?
You are not personally liable for any costs incurred. You incur the travel and telephone costs of having contact with your Friend, but there is mileage reimbursement if
this is a financial hardship for you.
If I go through the training does that mean that I am committing myself to being a Volunteer Friend?
There is a process to becoming a volunteer and you would not be asked to make a commitment until the training is completed.
After training is completed you will be asked if you are now ready to commit to being a Volunteer Friend.
What do I do and who do I call if and when I run into a problem after the relationship with the person begins?
In addition to information provided during the initial training, you will also receive a “Volunteer Manual” binder from the UCVGP Executive Director.
This resource may help you with some problems. Should a problem, concern, or question arise at any time during the Friend relationship, contact the Executive Director
who will provide information or arrange for you to speak to someone who can assist you. Twenty-four hour, seven-day a week telephone support is always available.
Why should I consider volunteering for VFP?
Volunteering in this program will give you the opportunity to meet a need in your own community for an at-risk population.
You will be able to reach out with a caring heart and hand to a person who likely is without family or close friends.
You will gain experience in nurturing, advocating and caring for another person who otherwise would have no one in his or her life.
Perhaps most importantly, you will receive satisfaction in making someone’s life better.
With all of today’s technology, there is nothing that can begin to replace the smile or touch of another human being. Only you can provide this.
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