Being a Goodrow Volunteer is eye-opening, interesting and rewarding. For those who do not have the time or inclination to work with clients, there are other opportunities to help. Contact the Director to find out what the needs might be.
What is required to be a volunteer?
The primary requirements are a desire to help others and free time during the day, especially on Mondays. Volunteers depend on their own life experience to help them assess each client’s situation. A social work or counseling background is very helpful, but not necessary.
How much time is involved?
Volunteers may work with another volunteer or by themselves. Volunteers work on a rotation, usually one week every 6 to 8 weeks, depending on the number of teams or individuals working. Mondays are very busy as clients are contacted. Time spent during the rest of the week varies but is usually much less than on Monday. Scheduling can be adjusted for vacations or other obligations.
How is a volunteer trained?
New volunteers will meet with the Director for the initial training and are given a notebook with phone numbers of venders, utilities, other agencies who offer assistance to people in need, and other volunteers. Detailed instructions to which they can refer as they learn the ropes are also provided. In the beginning a new volunteer will sit in with an experienced volunteer until they feel confident to be on their own. The Director is available to answer questions or offer guidance on how to handle unusual situations. During the year two group trainings are required. For one of these sessions other agency representatives will be invited to make presentations to the volunteers to better acquaint them with services available in the community.
Where do volunteers work?
Volunteers conduct all business by phone from their home. They do not have direct contact with clients. A phone code is used to keep the volunteer’s home phone number private. Clients contact the volunteer through Listening Ear.
How do volunteers work?
People with needs call Listening Ear on Monday morning. Listening Ear notes need, amount requested, contact information and any information about the situation. The list of names is limited depending on the amount of money Goodrow is able to expend each week. After checking these names against Goodrow’s records of assistance, the volunteer then determines whom to help and with how much. Frequently, Goodrow works with Salvation Army, Eight Cap, or Department of Human Services to help a client. The volunteer makes all arrangements for payment directly with the vendor, landlord, or service provider. Intake sheets are provided so the volunteer can keep track of the transactions for the treasurer, who makes all the payments, and for database entry.
