Council on Aging Windsor-Essex County Council on Aging Volunteer Orientation July 2006.
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Transcript of Council on Aging Windsor-Essex County Council on Aging Volunteer Orientation July 2006.
Council on Aging Windsor-Essex County
Council on Aging
Volunteer OrientationJuly 2006
Council on Aging Windsor-Essex County
Council on Aging The Council on Aging is located at
1168 Drouillard Road in Windsor (519) 971-9217
Office hours are from 9 am to 5 pm
Free parking is available in the side parking area of the Gino Marcus Community Centre building
(towards the back of the lot).
Council on Aging Windsor-Essex County
Council on Aging The COA was formed out of concern over the
need for communication between individuals, agencies and organizations interested in the issues of the aging and the needs of seniors.
The Council runs various programs related to seniors.
The Council is directed by a President, Board of Directors and Executive Director.
Council on Aging Windsor-Essex County
Council on Aging The COA develops, facilitates, and maintains
programs such as: Falls Prevention Education and Network, Friendly to Seniors and Community Education.
Volunteer opportunities include: public speaking, Friendly to Seniors assessors, holiday gift wrapping at Tecumseh Mall, special events, and clerical work
Volunteers for gift-wrapping are recruited as early as October
Council on Aging Windsor-Essex County
Reasons to Volunteer Helping and assisting seniors in our
community Developing skills and knowledge of seniors and senior issues Meeting new people and having
different experiences Contributing to the community Sharing skills, knowledge, and interests
with others
Council on Aging Windsor-Essex County
Volunteer Information Volunteers are needed according to
demand and opportunities available
Volunteering is typically in 2-4 hour blocks
Holiday gift-wrapping is done in 4 hour shifts
Having your own reliable method of transportation is an asset
Council on Aging Windsor-Essex County
Volunteer Responsibilities Learn about the Council on Aging
Give feedback to the organization on the effectiveness of the program
Be prompt and reliable
Accept guidance and work well with others
Stay within the bounds of volunteer responsibilities and limitations
Council on Aging Windsor-Essex County
COA Responsibilities Provide ongoing training and orientation
where appropriate Provide accurate and detailed information
e.g. scheduling, work description Provide the name of the person in charge
of each specific activity/program Provide appropriate placements based on
skills, abilities, feasibility and interests Provide feedback and have open
communication
Council on Aging Windsor-Essex County
Accountability Volunteers are accountable to the
volunteer coordinator or designate
Volunteer coordinator/designate is responsible to the Executive Director
Executive Director is responsible to the COA Board
Council on Aging Windsor-Essex County
Conduct and Demeanor Recognize seniors’ privacy and confidences
Respect varying cultural and economic backgrounds, gender or disability
Remain impartial and nonjudgmental
Remember that you are representing the COA
Be respectful, considerate and cooperative
Council on Aging Windsor-Essex County
Absence Policy In the event that a volunteer cannot
keep their commitment, they should let the responsible staff know as soon as possible so that a replacement can be arranged.
Information on who to contact and how will be provided with respect to specific volunteer activities.
Council on Aging Windsor-Essex County
Students (Gift Wrapping) Provide the COA with your contact information including
your complete address and school name
Volunteer hours will be credited
Bring your volunteer record sheet with you
Volunteer hours are scheduled, if you want more hours or need to change your scheduled time contact the COA office at (519) 971-9217 or [email protected]
Schools will be notified if students do not show up for scheduled shifts
Council on Aging Windsor-Essex County
Home Falls Risk AssessmentVolunteers will provide safety information in
an assessment/checklist format to seniors, caregivers and the general public
e.g. scatter mats, lighting, stairs, pathways and other environmental concerns
Volunteers must be 18 and over Training will be provided Police Clearance required (forms available at the COA)
Council on Aging Windsor-Essex County
Working with Staff
Volunteers are encouraged to ask questions about their assigned activities
Staff members, other volunteers, and the general public will be treated with respect
COA staff or their authorized stand-in will provide volunteers with direction and supervision
Council on Aging Windsor-Essex County
Presentation Skills Interest in promoting seniors safety
Comfortable with public speaking and dealing with the public in a positive manner
Ability to work independently
Good communication skills
Council on Aging Windsor-Essex County
Information Volunteers at the Council on Aging are
always important and very much appreciated.
For any questions, simply call us at (519) 971-9217 or e-mail at