Thank you to all of those that attended the 2010 Volunteer Appreciation Picnic!
Multifaith Works would like to thank all of those that attended the Annual Volunteer Appreciation Picnic. With over 200 attendees, and a bounty of delicious food prepared by the Multifaith crew, volunteers were honored for the outstanding efforts and unflagging service.
Click here for photos of the event.
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Multifaith Works CareTeams offer people of all faiths a common volunteer experience by providing practical support and friendship to people living with HIV/AIDS and those in recovery. Both volunteers and CarePartners (clients) report tremendous benefits through their involvement on CareTeams.
The Need
Although many people living with HIV/AIDS have benefited from new medical treatments, others continue to live with debilitating side effects from potent medications, along with isolation and fear. As part of our compassionate response, Multifaith Works recruits and trains volunteers for CareTeams.
What is a CareTeam?
A CareTeam is a group of 4 - 7 volunteers who provide practical, emotional, and spiritual support to a person or household affected by HIV/AIDS and/or chemical addiction. Volunteers come to the program as individuals or might be based out of civic groups, academic institutions, spiritual communities, or the community at large. Our volunteers range in age from 16 to 85 and represent diverse cultural backgrounds, belief systems, and life experiences.
Working as a team, each volunteer can make a difference in the life of a person with HIV/AIDS although her/his individual time commitment may be limited. Together we accomplish more collectively than any of us would working on our own.
What do CareTeams do?
Each CareTeam is matched with an individual or household living with HIV/AIDS referred to as a CarePartner. CareTeam members form relationships with their CarePartner and do the things compassionate friends do. CareTeam activities depend on the needs of the CarePartner and abilities of the volunteer. At the core, CareTeams build supportive relationships with their CarePartners by listening to them, offering encouragement, renewing interest in life, and establishing meaningful personal connections. Support may include phone calls, transportation to appointments, sharing coffee or meals, celebrating birthdays and holidays, childcare, light housework, sending cards, or help with moving.
Mutual Support for CareTeams
All potential volunteers attend a one day training on HIV/AIDS, addiction, and the values of compassionate care. After the training, Multifaith Works' staff facilitate team formation meeting for volunteers joining the team. Each CareTeam meets once a month for planning, sharing, and mutual support. Representatives from each CareTeam meet monthly with Multifaith Works' staff to discuss team activities, issues, and concerns. CareTeam members often report that serving people with illnesses and working with other team members brings them personal satisfaction, blessings and rewards.
Current CareTeams
There are currently 47 Multifaith Works CareTeams serving 84 CarePartners, including men, women, and teenagers:
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All Ballard Interfaith CareTeam Beacon Capitol Hill Interfaith CareTeam Capitol Hill Interfaith #2 CareTeam Deep First |
Shoreline #2 CareTeam South End St. Stephens Episcopal CareTeam St. Therese #2 CareTeam The Y’s CareTeam |
Be sure to check out other Multifaith Works Volunteer Opportunities and the next scheduled Volunteer Training. For more information, please call 206.324.1520 x226 or email bertram@multifaith.org.