What You Can Do: We would love for female volunteers to help facilitate a discussion group for women who are residents at our medical respite facility. The topics vary from situation-specific issues to universal concerns such as sexual bias or healthcare. The group conversation is free-form and discussion is strongly encouraged. The goal of this program is to establish a safe haven where individuals can freely discuss a wide range of topics with members of their own gender.
What We Do: The Boulevard of Chicago serves over 450 homeless adults annually, helping them recover from physical injury, illness, addiction or mental health issues. After they recover, we assist Residents in finding safe housing and an income if possible: our goal is to help every client leave the homeless experience, hopefully forever.
Volunteer-Led Discussion Groups: Possible topics for discussion groups for our residents can include general health and mental health issues, substance abuse, employment search options, computer skills, interpersonal and cultural communications, relationship matrix, daily living skills, nutrition, and HIV/AIDS prevention and co-existence, as well as orientation sessions for new Residents.
The facilitator is asked to plan, guide and manage a group session to ensure that the group's objectives are effectively met with clear thinking, and good participation. For the purposes of this group process, you, as the facilitator, will take a neutral stance. You step back from the detailed content and from your own personal views, and focus purely on the group dynamics. Your main responsibility is to maintain a positive atmosphere for the group
Read more about what we do at www.blvd.org