VA Volunteer Opportunities Colorado Knights of Columbus Volunteer Development Program 2010 John Alfeld June 2010

VA Volunteer Opportunities The Colorado Knights of Columbus have undertaken a program to develop volunteers to support the Veterans Administration Volunteer Service (VAVS). The Eastern Colorado Health Care System (ECHCS) is the primary focus of the effort at this time. It runs the VA hospital at 1055 Clermont St (near 10th and Colorado Blvd.) and several outpatient clinics in the area. Volunteer activities are managed by Voluntary and Pastoral Care Service, under the direction of Lee Thompson, Chief.

VA Volunteer Opportunities What can we do? –Be a regularly scheduled volunteer –VA Van Driver –Patient Escort in the hospital –Recreation Therapy –Patient Visits –Information Desks –Elevator Assistance –Book Room and Distribution –Other specialized skills - such as lab technician. –*Commit to an average of 4 hours per week for 1 year. –*Go through a background check and get fingerprinted.

VA Volunteer Opportunities What can we do? (continued) –Be an occasional volunteer Help at special events Organize and put on events such as barbeques, ice cream socials, holiday parties at VA facilities. This can be as a part of a Knights event, through other ministries, or personal effort. No background check, fingerprinting, or specific time commitment. Lee Thompson is open to ideas and suggestions that would enhance the support to veterans. –Being a volunteer provides insight into the needs of the VAVS

VA Volunteer Opportunities How do we volunteer? –To sign up as a regular volunteer contact: Barbara Lilly –Volunteer Specialist – ext Barbara can fill you in on the details of the available tasks, orientation, and any other aspects of the VA volunteer program. –As an occasional volunteer: The Knights of Columbus will request the membership to support specific events. This could be at the state, ditrict, or council level. Individual initiatives can be pursued by contacting Barbara Lilly.