BE A FRIEND

Friends is a simple but unique program that matches an adult volunteer with a young person based on mutual interests to share at least one hour together each week.  Safety is the highest concern of this program, therefore volunteers are carefully screened. The process for approval includes: 

·    An interested volunteer completes a volunteer application form with two background screening forms;

·    Three personal/professional references are contacted and interviewed about the volunteer's character;

·    An hour long interview is conducted with two Friends staff;

·    A six-hour "readiness" session, addressing risk management, ethics, ethics, inner dynamics of friendship, and tools for developing a friendship with a child;

·    The applicant completes forms that define the roles and responsibilities as a volunteer, and describe the support and services provided by Friends.

After reviewing information the applicant believes would help create the most successful match (interests, age group, activity level, etc.), the coordinator arranges for a visit with the parent, child, volunteer and coordinator.