Volunteering
Alzheimer's Services of the East Bay (ASEB) has a dedicated and creative staff team behind its nationally recognized programs. However, like many non-profits, our resources are often not equal to our needs and the needs of our participants.
That is where volunteers help.
When there is a project in the administrative office at the Goetsch Center in Berkeley, such as sending out over three thousand pieces of fundraising letters, ASEB calls on special volunteers who can help with the task. In the day center activity room, volunteers help in a variety of ways; by providing one-on-one attention to participants, assisting or leading activities, or preparing materials for art projects.
Volunteers in both the Berkeley and Hayward day programs bring special talents and skills to each program. Individuals with musical skills are always appreciated. Individuals with guitars, accordions and even the Berkeley Jazz Band have played for our participants. Everyone likes to dance and listen to music.
In Berkeley, many volunteers are recruited from the nearby University of California campus. The Activity Coordinator works with volunteers to round out the wonderfully diverse recreational program for the participants in the day program. Volunteers are trained in communication techniques and given ideas for appropriate one-on-one or small group activities to do with our participants, who are in the mid- to late-stages of dementia. Many students are given the opportunity to learn about careers in geriatrics.
Our centers in Berkeley and Hayward have enjoyed the strong support of many volunteers over the years. As our past Activity Coordinator noted "some individuals provide invaluable, practical skills such as help with answering phones or painting cabinets". The only requirement for our volunteers, other than a willingness to make a difference in the lives of those affected by dementia, is to pass a TB test, which can be easily administered at either center.
The relationship between ASEB and our volunteers is a win-win situation. Volunteering is a wonderful chance to give to the community and the learning opportunities are endless. Most of all, it's fun! ASEB is pleased to have such great volunteers who enhance our programs everyday.
