T.O.U.C.H.
OF ROCKLAND COUNTY NEW YORK
VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
"I hope to carry the lessons I've learned as a T.O.U.C.H. volunteer throughout my life."
"I was surprised one day when I realized my buddy had become a friend."
"My volunteering has enabled me to see the people behind the disease of AIDS."
"God bless you for what you and your volunteers are doing for this community."
T.O.U.C.H. is a private organization of concerned Rockland County residents fighting discrimination against HIV and AIDS.
T.O.U.C.H. clients are women, men, children and families from all racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds. A not-for-profit 501-c3 Community Service Agency, T.O.U.C.H., has developed programs and services to respond to the needs of those who are directly affected by and/or infected with the HIV virus. These services are designed to allow for efficient conservation of energy for those who are ill. Volunteers play a vital and important role in the existence of these programs. T.O.U.C.H. is constantly recruiting members of faith communities, educational institutions and the general public to aid in the continuation of services and programs. T.O.U.C.H. is able to offer the HIV/AIDS infected person a full range of services from grocery delivery to counseling services and alcohol and substance abuse peer support groups. T.O.U.C.H. enables people with the H IV virus to continue to live their lives, with support, needed supplies, love and care.
PASTORAL CARE:
Volunteer clergy and lay people provide spiritual guidance in the home and in the hospital. Clergy are also available to conduct funerals for those who die outside a faith community.
THE BUDDY PROGRAM:
The buddy program encourages the development of a one-on-one relationship between a non-HIV infected person and one who is either living with HIV or AIDS. The volunteer supports a person with HIV/AIDS by providing physical or emotional assistance. In addition, the "buddy" spends social time with the person, attends support group meetings when possible, listens to concerns and if able, fulfills special needs. The person who chooses this route of volunteering needs to be reliable and trustworthy. Indeed, a buddy takes on the responsibility of becoming a friend.
HOSPITAL VISITOR:
Being a patient in the hospital can be a fearful and isolating experience. Persons with HIV are placed in isolation which further intensifies the fear of being alone. The hospital visitor offers solace to the patient simply by dropping in to visit and listen. The visitor is sensitive to the needs of the patient regarding communication with staff, doctors, family and friends and responds to complaints by the patient. Volunteer visitors frequently bring the patient prepared packages of toiletries and any other necessary items to make their stay more comfortable.
TRANSPORTATION:
Volunteers take clients from their homes to clinics, doctor's offices, hospitals, support group meetings or shopping centers.
FOOD PROGRAM:
T.O.U.C.H understands the importance of proper nutrition and a healthy, balanced diet for people with the HIV virus. Volunteers supply clients with a grocery delivery service. Volunteers help with purchasing groceries, packing bags, retrieving donations of food and distributing food to clients.
OFFICE VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers staff the T.O.U.C.H. office during office hours and early evening. Responsibilities include answering the phone, recording and routing messages and providing general clerical help. Office volunteers also help in the production of the newsletter, which is distributed to the general public. The publication is an excellent way to volunteer your creative talent.
TRAINING PROGRAM
Volunteers are required to take part in an educational program that covers aspects of working within an HIV/AIDS care giver network.