Project MEND National Conference on AT Reuse “Shaping a National Collaborative for Assistive Technology Reutilization” September 14-17, 2009 Omni CNN Center Atlanta, Georgia “Staffing of Reuse Programs” (Volunteers)

SERVICES WE PROVIDE Durable Medical Equipment (DME) – Through this service we provide DME to eligible clients. We receive donated DME then refurbish, repair and sanitize these items and distribute them to our clients. Fitted Mobility (FM) – This service allows us to provide financial assistance to eligible clients needing to purchase specialized or fitted devices, such as, orthotics; prostheses; cranial helmets; and other assistive devices necessary for rehabilitation.

PROJECT MEND STAFFING Executive Director Warehouse Manager Warehouse Technician I Warehouse Technician II Bio Medical Technician Warehouse Volunteers Program Manager Case Manager I Case Manager II Intake Specialist Office Volunteers Accountant Development Coordinator

STAFF RESPONSIBILITIES CASE MANAGEMENT STAFF  Primary responsibility is to take care of clients and their service needs (Case Managers; Program Manager; Intake Specialist)  Schedule clients  Manage clients through entire process of receiving Project MEND services as well as other services they may need WAREHOUSE STAFF  Primary responsibility is to prepare DME for distribution to clients (Warehouse Technicians; Bio-Medical Technician; Warehouse Manager)  Sanitize/refurbish/repair DME  Deliver DME to clients’ homes  Pick up donated DME

VOLUNTEER RESPONSIBILITIES WAREHOUSE VOLUNTEERS –  Hand-clean and hand-sanitize medical equipment items  Complete minor repairs on medical equipment  Keep warehouse clean and orderly  Help to maintain grounds and office areas  Clean out trucks and vans  Store medical equipment items on racks (no heavy lifting) OFFICE VOLUNTEERS –  Provide clerical support to staff  Answer phones  Assist clients with paperwork; answer questions

RECRUITING VOLUNTEERS We primarily recruit volunteers from:  AARP Senior Employment Program – senior volunteers that are paid by AARP but work with a non-profit for 18 hours per week  Local colleges & universities – student volunteers at least 18 years of age  Advertising - our website; newspapers; etc.  Local military installations  Court-appointed community service volunteers – individuals required by the court to serve a specific number of community service hours with a non-profit agency  Referrals from our Board – marketing; human resources; grant writing; etc.

REQUIREMENTS FOR VOLUNTEERS All volunteers are required to:  Interview with the Project MEND Executive Director and appropriate department supervisor  Provide a resume, if available  Sign a Waiver and Release of Liability Form  Sign a Media Release Form  Sign the Project MEND HIPPA Confidentiality Agreement  Complete an orientation about Project MEND’s services with their Project MEND supervisor  Complete a training session on their job responsibilities and related policies and procedures with their Project MEND supervisor  Review their job description  Abide by all Project MEND policies and procedures  Sign in and out each day they work for Project MEND

USING VOLUNTEERS: PROs & CONs PROs – Free Marketing: Volunteers spread the word about your agency to their friends Subsidized Employment: Working with local agencies like AARP can get you paid volunteers Potential for Great Employees: A great volunteer may have the potential to be hired as a full-time staff member Giving Back: Volunteers who understand your agency’s Mission and Goals may have a sense of fulfillment in their own personal lives CONs –  Volunteers: Lets face it; volunteers may sometimes be unpredictable, undependable and unreliable  Liability: Is your organization prepared to take on the responsibility of having a volunteer on site? Are there specific training modules in place for volunteers?  Volunteer Limitations: Volunteers may have limitations when it comes to specific duties (Can they handle sensitive or private client information; lift heavy items; etc?)

VALUE OF OUR VOLUNTEERS 2008 $19,854 in volunteer service hours 2009 $30,000 estimated

Thank You! Cathy Valdez Executive Director