DO VOLUNTEERS BENEFIT?
"Love cures all, both the ones who give it and the ones who receive it."
-Carl Menniger, M.D.
LITA volunteers make a vital difference in the lives of nursing home residents. Staff nurses and activity directors testify to the tremendous lift and improved quality of life for residents that result from having a regular LITA visitor. In return, volunteers receive the rewards of friendship, and an opportunity for personal growth in making and maintaining their commitment. Our minimum time is 6 months, although most volunteers remain longer.
LITA one-to-one friends find support and fellowship in meeting other volunteers and receive valuable training in how to be helpful in communicating with others, as well as experience and training in the common mental and physical disabilities found in nursing homes, as well as in some of the encouraging and amazing dynamics involved in the dying process, when that process happens with friends near and in a loving environment (Suggested reading "Final Gifts," by Maggie Callahan).
HOW DOES IT WORK?
When you volunteer as a LITA friend, you will be placed in a facility near where you live or work. LITA's Volunteer Coordinator will orient you to the nursing home and help you find the right match. It is important to LITA that you will find someone to visit whom you will enjoy and be willing to visit on a regular basis over time. Our usual commitment is about thirty minutes per week for at least six months. We provide a training manual that is a guide to questions you may have, as well as an orientation session with the director. Experience and observation of many other similar volunteer programs indicates that those who take time to consider and prepare for the unique challenges inherent in this work, usually have a much more rewarding volunteer experience.
SOME LITA VOLUNTEERS WISH TO GIVE MORE OF THEIR TIME, OR SERVE IN OTHER WAYS...
- starting special projects at the facility where they visit (examples are arts and crafts, gardening, coffee hour, parties and entertainment)
- supporting LITA through service on the LITA Board of Directors or on a special committee
- help with LITA fundraising
- volunteer office work on an as needed basis
- contributing technology support as needed
- serving as speakers for community education programs- assisting Activity Directors of nursing homes by teaching a class, helping with a special program
If you are unable to give us your time, your tax-deductible donation will enable us to recruit, match, and support additional volunteer friends. Make your check out to LITA of Contra Costa and mail to:
6830 Stockton Avenue
El Cerrito, CA 94530.
If you know someone who may be interested in our program, please share this information with them.
"...Those Who Make Many Friends have greater opportunities for growth and self-development; as such they make society a better place and lead happy, satisfying lives.
In every situation, human relations - communication, and personal interaction are vital. We need to initiate and nurture friendships and contacts with many people... Our lives will open and be enriched to the extent that we do so."
- Daisaku Ikeda
Do You Want to be a LITA Volunteer?
LITA of Contra Costa, Volunteer Inquiries
c/oVictoria Ryan, Executive Director
POB 121
Port Costa, CA
94569
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