Council on Aging Windsor-Essex County Council on Aging Volunteer Orientation July 2006

Council on Aging Windsor-Essex County Council on Aging  The Council on Aging is located at 1168 Drouillard Road in Windsor (519)  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) or  Schools will be notified if students do not show up for scheduled shifts

Council on Aging Windsor-Essex County Home Falls Risk Assessment Volunteers 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) or at