Teens are a valuable resource for the Junior Volunteer program at Hospital for Special Care. They bring enthusiasm and vitality as well as their computer skills and fresh ideas. Patients enjoy many activities with teens: playing video games, having their nails done, doing arts and crafts, playing table games, hanging out, watching movies, reading, checking e-mail and more. Volunteering at Hospital for Special Care gives you a way to change people’s lives, including your own.
Click on the headings below to learn more about the exciting volunteer program for teens at HSC!
When it comes to volunteering, it’s not like school: instead of having choices made for you, you get to pick. You can choose what really interests you and what’s most deserving of your time.
You might know someone who has a medical problem or disability. You might be inspired to help but don’t know what you can do. There are many opportunities at Hospital for Special Care.
If you like children, you can play, read, do puzzles, video games, sing, be silly, and make a child smile on our Pediatric Unit. If you like people your own age, there are people you can buddy up with. If you are concerned about adults, there are older patients who would enjoy your visits too.
Teens who volunteer at HSC, say they get more than they give. The truth is, the patients you visit get way more out of spending time with you than you can imagine.
Some teens may want direct patient contact, but others who might not, can help with clerical support in the different departments: filing, collating, shredding, stamping, or copying. Later on, if they want to try something else, they can tell the Director of Volunteers. We encourage open communication, want your feedback, and we can work together to expand your opportunities.
No matter where you volunteer you will make new friends with patients and staff. The main thing is you’re making a difference. Every volunteer, no matter what their job, is part of the big picture, accomplishing our mission to rebuild lives
Take a look at your schedule and figure out when you have open time. Teens volunteer during the school year: after school, evenings and on week ends. 3pm to 5pm is a popular time slot. Others like to serve on the week end for 2 hours for example, as library guides. The minimum commitment for teens is a two to three hour block each week for three to four months for a minimum of forty hours. In the summer, teens can volunteer during the day Monday through Friday.
Making good impressions should not be the main reason to volunteer, because if you are volunteering to please others or to look good, you won’t enjoy it. But volunteering shows others (and yourself) that you have made a commitment and are reliable.
When you call the Director of Volunteer Services, 860.827.4774, at Hospital for Special Care feel free to ask any questions you have about volunteering. We may ask you the following questions:
We'll send you an application which you fill out and send back. After review, we invite you in for an interview, which is pretty casual. We’ll talk about your availability and what volunteering you’d like to do then work on placement. When it’s a good fit, volunteering is an incredible experience.
Links:
[1] http://hfsc.org/clinical/volunteer-opportunities/getting-started