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Picture 1:
Volunteer High School Group
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“I Kind of
Consider Us All a Big Family,” Says One Volunteer
Matt, a regular volunteer
at Belle Reve during 2003, had the following to say about volunteering in
general and his specific experience volunteering at Belle Reve.
Matt says that he
originally called in to volunteer in response to one of Belle Reve’s
television ads, and was invited to attend a volunteer social that was being
held. He says that he was hooked as soon as he met the staff and residents,
and was drawn immediately to make a commitment to Belle Reve. . Matt says
that he has “always been called to volunteer” and really enjoys it.
While a full-time
student at UNO, three to four times per week, every week, Matt took the bus
from the Lakefront area to Royal Street in the Bywater, specifically to
come to Belle Reve. As a regular and reliable volunteer, Matt performed very
important work for Belle Reve, working as volunteer/donation coordinator.
Matt responded to volunteer inquiries, by checking voicemail and returning
calls pertaining to volunteerism; he sent donation thank-you letters, from
a list of names collected from recent donors of goods, services, and money;
and organized new volunteer orientations. As we urgently need volunteers
and donations, but do not have the staff to tend to such duties, we are
eternally grateful for volunteers who will do this sort of work for us.
Matt says that he responded to four or five volunteer/donation inquiries a
week, making the initial return call, sending out the volunteer application
packet, following up on if the material was received, and further following
up to see if a volunteering commitment can be made by an individual at that
time. Many people may see a commercial or hear of us in some way, and may
feel moved to volunteer. After the initial inquiry call, however, they find
that it is easier to donate time in theory than in reality. Follow-up calls
help that interested individual to honor his/her commitment. In almost 100%
of the cases, if an individual does make it in to Belle Reve to perform
volunteer services, he/she will be overwhelmingly happy that he/she did so.
Matt says that he
volunteered at Belle Reve because he likes the idea that Belle Reve deals
with HIV hospice care. Matt, in his young life, already has known friends
and acquaintances that have been infected with the virus, and he worries
for them. While at Belle Reve, he made friends with both residents and
staff, and says, “I kind of consider us all a big family.” Due to school
responsibilities, Matt is no longer able to donate the time that he did
before. Currently, Mae Lizama is performing similar duties to those that
Matt performed. She too is working in volunteer capacity, and feels that
volunteering her time to Belle Reve is worth her while.
Matt commented the
following. “Everyone who volunteers here and works here gets along
really well, whether they are doing it for community service or for
themselves. I just think they really enjoy it.” We hope that you will
find time in your schedule and room in your heart to give volunteer hours
to Belle Reve.
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