Volunteers needed to assist people living with HIV/SUD

Volunteers are needed to assist people with HIV/SUD!

There are several types of volunteer opportunities; however, our largest volunteer program is the "Buddy" Program. Buddy Volunteers provide people living with HIV/SUD, with limited practical and emotional support - along with care, compassion, and a listening ear. A smile, a kind word, and a positive attitude can be invaluable to someone living with HIV/SUD. Buddies provide these and other supports. As well, Buddies receive training prior to their volunteer work and on-going support during their volunteer experience. Buddies visit their client 1-2 times per month and call their client once or twice a week. They also attend a monthly meeting along with other Buddy Volunteers for support and supervision. A one year commitment is requested for this volunteer position.

Action Wellness is a direct service agency in the state of Pennsylvania. We possess the ONLY Buddy Program of this type in Philadelphia assisting people living with chronic illness. We have about 100 buddies in our program - all of whom are diverse in in terms of age, race, ethnicity, spiritual and/or political ideology, sexual orientation, gender, and socioeconomic level ... Come join us in a uniquely fulfilling experience... and meet terrific people - clients, staff, and other volunteers - in the process!

The first step is attending a New Volunteer Orientation. We hold these orientations monthly in the evening at our center city office. Contact Christopher Hayes, Action Wellness Volunteer Coordinator, at 215-981-3324, or via email at jlefkowitz@actionwellnesss.org for information, questions, and/or to pre-register. Family and/or friends who are also interested may attend as well! Attendance at an orientation in no way obligates an individual to volunteer. There are several subsequent steps following orientation, including a 1 day in person Volunteer Placement Meeting, and 3-evening training (for Buddies only).

Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and out of high school and with no history of criminal activity and/or child abuse. (Action Wellness runs - and pays for if payment is required - these checks are done on all potential volunteers.) Thank you!

Please apply to be a volunteer at https://www.actionwellness.org/volunteer/apply/