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Volunteers have always played an important role
in the services of the Durham Children's Aid Society.
Many of our programs would not function without
the skill and commitment of volunteers. Their
service complements and enhances the services
provided by our staff.
Volunteers assist in building bridges between
our clients and the community.
All volunteers must pass a criminal record check,
and sign and Oath of Confidentiality. Once approved,
we will strive to find the job that best suits
your skills and schedule.
If you have any questions please call 905-433-1551.
You will have the opportunity to:
- Get involved and help your community.
- Develop and improve your life skills.
- Learn more about child protection and the
Children's Aid Society.
- Meet new people and socialize.
- Make a difference in someone's life (as well
as your own).
Volunteers come from many different ethnic, cultural
and religious backgrounds. They are all ages and
may be single or married/partnered, male or female.
Volunteers have a wide range of skills. Some
offer skills that can be used in working directly
with children, others offer skills that can be
used in working with committees or helping to
raise money for the Durham Children’s Aid
Foundation
Volunteers offer a great deal of personal experience
and knowledge that is invaluable to the agency
and our clients. They work alongside staff and
foster parents, bringing their skills, energy
and commitment to protect children.
Our ideal volunteers are:
- Supportive of the Mission and objectives of the Society
- Caring
- Responsible
- Mature and reliable
- Flexible
- Creative
- Enthusiastic
- Good with children
- Willing to commit to help for at least one
month
- Willing to promote the CAS and the well being
of children
- Respectful of the individuality and privacy
of others
Most importantly, we ask that you care and help
in any way you can.
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Collectively, volunteers give thousands of hours
of their time to Durham CAS each year.
The members of our Board of Directors are all
volunteers. Some volunteers provide transportation
services for children. Some offer their time and
companionship as a 'Special Friend' to a parent,
child or youth. Volunteer tutors provide assistance
to children and youth who are experiencing academic
difficulties.
Most importantly volunteers make our children's
lives better.
Some of the volunteer opportunities at Durham
CAS are:
- Board and committee member
- Special Friend
- Tutor
- Driver
- Supervised Access assistant
- Fund development and special events assistant
All volunteers are given an introduction to the
work of the Durham CAS, and are kept informed
of ongoing activities at the agency.
All volunteers receive a copy of our volunteer
newsletter. Throughout the year, we host events
for volunteers and staff to meet each other and
to celebrate our volunteers' contribution to helping
children.
Volunteers who use their personal vehicles in
support of our services are reimbursed for travel
and parking costs.
The Durham CAS values and recognizes volunteers
as an integral part of our team. Volunteers contribute
their unique talents, skills and interest-- enhancing
the work of staff. They enable us to extend its
services to families and children in creative
ways.
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Board and committee member
Members of Durham CAS's board are all volunteers.
They are elected at our Annual General Meeting,
in the fall of each year, and serve a four-year
term. Members also serve on committees that work
to ensure we offer the best possible service to
the community.
Special Friend to a parent
or child
'Special friend' volunteers provide support, positive
role modeling, encouragement and guidance to a
parent or child by spending time with them and
sharing their experiences.
Tutors
Volunteer tutors provide tutoring to children
and adults as required.
Drivers
Volunteer drivers transport children to school,
family visits, therapy and medical appointments.
Drivers are reimbursed for their mileage and parking
expenses. Some drives are "one time"
drives (such as an appointment) and some are "ongoing"
(such as to school, or a weekly appointment),
so there are varying needs for drivers. If you
have only limited time available, you may still
be able to help us.
Supervised access
Supervised access volunteers supervise visits
between family and children at our offices (in
Oshawa and Ajax). The main focus is to provide
a safe and secure environment for the children.
Special
events
Volunteers assist in the coordination and delivery
of fundraising initiatives and the delivery of
special events. One event that always needs help
is the Child Abuse Prevention Campaign, our public awareness
campaign that takes place every October.
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