Health and Support for the Ill and Elderly
Schenectady Damien Center
A drop in Living Room site for persons infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS. The program offers a monthly dinner.
Activities: Living Room Volunteers perform a variety of tasks including opening and closing the center, supporting, listening and socializing with guests of the center. This service requires 8 hours of training.
Dinner Committee Volunteers work at the Center's monthly dinner which is offered to guests, their friends, family members, and significant partners. Damien dinners are prepared and served by a various faith communities and human services groups. At the dinners, volunteers open and close the dinner site and assist with hosting and clean up.
Contact: 374-0848
Schenectady Association for Retarded Citizens (ARC)
Provides care and supervision for developmentally disabled individuals in Schenectady County.
Activities: Volunteers will work with the Recreation Coordinator to carry out a variety of recreation activities for developmentally disabled adults residing in our group homes. Activities range from outings to community events to planning and carrying out arts & crafts activities.
Contact: Director of Human Resources 372-1160
Ellis Hospital Pastoral Care Department
An ecumenical group of trained volunteers who call on those in the hospital. They are trained in listening skills, confidentiality, how to make proper visits and in issues that they will meet in a hospital or nursing home setting.
Activities: Each chaplain aide receives 15 hours of special training at Ellis Hospital before being assigned to call on patients.
Contact: Ellis Hospital Pastoral Care Office 243 4158
Samaritan Suicide Prevention Center
Provides a suicide crisis hotline and education to the community regarding suicide. Their mission is to be available to ease the suffering endured by those individuals who may be lonely, confused, depressed and/ or suicidal.
Activities: A hotline volunteer would receive training and they would answer hotline calls as they come in. They would also help prepare educational materials as needed and participate in the annual events and fundraising activities.
Contact: Suzanne Perry, Volunteer Coordinator, 689-0080 ext 125
Email: sperry@fcscapitalregion.org
Hospice of Schenectady
Provides health care and support services for terminally ill persons and their families.
Activities: Volunteers serve by listening, providing respite, running errands, helping with chores, providing emotional support and as a link to the Hospice staff.
Contact: Sue Koehler 377 - 8846
Family and Child Service of Schenectady
An enriched Housing Program. Family and Child Service is a multi-service social agency. Our mission is to strengthen family life in Schenectady. We provide counseling, in home services to the elderly, residential services to the elderly and a range of services to the developmentally disabled.
Activities: Volunteers will participate in recreational activities with seniors such as calling bingo twice a week and holding friendly visit with seniors in their apartments.
Contacts: Georgia Calamaras 382-3219
Email: famchild@capital.net