About Training
Volunteers must first attend a training program
prior to receiving their assignments at Maitri. The comprehensive
training provides practical information about working with
patients. It is also an opportunity for prospective volunteers
to examine their own feelings about sickness and mortality.
The training is offered in a supportive environment by professionals
and long-time volunteers who have extensive knowledge and
experience in end of life/AIDS care in a contemplative and
compassionate setting.
Volunteer Opportunities
Maitri has an ongoing need for volunteers who
can commit to at least four hours a week for six months. We
invite you to explore the different opportunities available
and to consider joining our training program.
We seek assistance with any and all of the
following:
| • |
One-On-One – volunteers who spend
their regular shifts visiting residents, assisting them
with meals, walks, and activities |
| • |
Transportation & Errands – volunteers with
cars and time to pick up prescriptions, help with shopping,
or take residents to physician visits |
| • |
Bodywork – professionals who donate their services
to our residents |
| • |
Activity Leaders – volunteers who commit to hosting
a regular activity for residents, such as beadwork, bingo,
outings, gardening, and music |
| • |
Kitchen – volunteers who assist our kitchen staff
in preparing and serving meals and cleaning up afterwards |
Volunteers bring their special skills to Maitri, and are
encouraged to work with the Volunteer Coordinator to define
their specific tasks and experience. Some have led art and
creative therapy sessions. The possibilities are endless –
all you need is an open heart!
Maitri Volunteer Training - Spring
& Fall
Maitri offers trainings twice a year. Our comprehensive
4 day spring or fall training provides the tools and information
that will enable volunteers to have a productive and rewarding
experience with the residents. It is offered in a workshop
setting and is led by staff members and other community members
eager to share their experience working with AIDS patients
and who are familiar with Maitri’s philosophy of care.
The training covers the following topics:
• Maitri’s History and Philosophy
• AIDS Update
• Universal Precaution
• Body Mechanics
• Cultural Competency
• Working with the Multiple-diagnosis Residents
• Boundaries/Limit Setting/Confidentiality
• The Importance of Touch and Music therapy
• Dealing with Grief and Multiple Loss
• Spirituality
• Maitri and Its Role in the Community
• The Role of the Volunteers
• Volunteer Roundtable
• Resident Roundtable
• Fire Safety Training
If you’re interested in the next Maitri
training, please complete the Maitri Volunteer
Application and mail in the printable version.
You will be contacted for an interview if your back-ground
and interests match our needs. You do not need prior health
care or volunteer experience to join our program. In some
instances, prior training(s) from agencies other than those
with which Maitri collaborates will be considered sufficient
as determined by the Volunteer Coordinator or Program Director.
Training Schedule
Maitri offers two volunteer trainings per year,
one in the spring and one in the fall.
Our next 4 day training is scheduled
for September 20th, 21st, 27th and 28th.
(please note: you must be able to attend all 4 days of the
training)
For information about this training, please
contact Stan Stone, Volunteer & Activities Coordinator,
at (415) 558-3004.
The Buddy System
The Buddy System is designed to help new volunteers
adjust to the routine of the house and become comfortable
with working with residents. New volunteers are paired with
veteran volunteers who spend the first couple of visits at
Maitri orienting them, introducing them to residents and staff,
and familiarizing them to the needs of residents. The veteran
volunteers will continue to play the role of mentor, making
themselves available to answer questions and provide guidance
and support.
Volunteer Support & Education
The Volunteer Coordinator regularly schedules
volunteer support group meetings and educational in-services.
New volunteers are required to attend the support group meeting
for three months upon completion of the training. Before deciding
to join this program, prospective volunteers should evaluate
whether or not they can commit to attending these meetings
along with a weekly volunteer shift of four hours for at least
six months.
In-services provide continuing education for
volunteers to enhance their experience and improve the quality
of care being offered to our residents. Prior topics have
included:
• Grief/Death & Personalization Exercise
• Understanding Behavioral Changes in Residents
• Touch Therapy Workshop
• Spirituality Issues as Life Ends
• The Importance of Caring for Yourself as a Volunteer
• Compassion Fatigue
Special Events & Volunteer Appreciation
Maitri has wonderful holiday celebrations and
special events, such as Halloween costume contest, visits
to the pumpkin patch, Thanksgiving Dinner, tree-trimming party,
etc. Volunteers are part of the Maitri family and are invited
to participate in these events and have fun!
To show our appreciation to our wonderful volunteers,
a special recognition event is held each year, usually in
the fall. Last year, we had an evening boat cruise across
San Francisco Bay, in perfect weather and with perfect company.
Staff and volunteers were equally inspired to rededicate themselves
to this meaningful yet demanding work.
Volunteer Life
To get a glimpse of what volunteering at Maitri
is like, here are some excerpts from the Maitri Volunteer
Handbook.
“The most significant aspect of volunteer
work is to offer friendly company to the residents. There
is usually a lot of work to do and the staff is frequently
too busy to sit and chat for extended periods of time with
the residents. Opportunities to connect are very valuable
to residents who might otherwise feel isolated in their illness.
Most important, though, is the volunteer who listens. Sometimes
you don’t have to say anything. Sometimes they don’t
want to say anything – the fact that you are there is
enough.”
“Volunteers are asked to participate
in the household activities program. If a scheduled activity
is going on during a volunteer’s shift, he/she is encouraged
to assist with resident participation and clean-up.”
“Often residents like to get out and
do things away from the house (coffee, lunch, a movie, cultural
events, walks, etc.). Some activities will be scheduled for
groups of residents; others will be on a one-on-one basis.
Volunteers are welcome to accompany individual residents –
this is a good way to get to know one another, and it means
a great deal to residents who need some relief from the monotony
of being housebound.”
Words of Inspiration
My volunteer time at Maitri has been a gift
in my life. I go to help relieve suffering and bring what
joy and compassion I have to share. In truth, I receive more
than I give. The humanity, beauty and tranquility I experience
at Maitri are blessings in my life. I've never known a place
for the sick and the dying such as this. It is a jewel. If
you're considering volunteering or making a donation, I encourage
you.
- Stephanie Reed
Being a volunteer at Maitri is one of those
situations you have to experience yourself in order to comprehend
the beauty of this truly unique and wonderful place. Volunteering
at Maitri is at once rewarding, enjoyable, educational, spiritually
fulfilling and, most of all, humbling.
- Patrick O'Shea
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