The goal of the Friendly Visiting Program is to help seniors and people with disabilities who have limited social contacts to maintain healthy, independent living.  Using regular contact, both in person and via the telephone, volunteers provide friendship and support to encourage independence and social contact.

Volunteer Duties & Responsibilities:

·        Friendly smile

·        Must have a genuine interest in the well being and happiness of seniors and people with disabilities

• Must willing and able to listen, share and care, are committed to providing support and friendship to isolated people
• Must be available to maintain regular contact with the client and program coordinator
• Arrange in advance a suitable time to visit
• Visit for approximately one hour
• Maintain confidentiality
• Identify needs and assist in connecting the client to other appropriate services
• Complete the volunteer checklist and return to the office

·        Participation in volunteer job related training workshops and meetings

Skills Required:

·        Must have good communication skills

·        Must have an interest in seniors and disabled persons' issues

·        Must be friendly, reliable, responsible, non-judgemental and non-discriminating

·        We are looking for volunteers who speak English, or a second language, either Portuguese, Italian, Croatian, Polish or Cantonese

·        Must be flexible and have a willingness to learn

Orientation, Training and Benefits:

·        Staff provides orientation and training before volunteers are placed in the program

·        On-going support provided by staff

·        On-going training workshop opportunities and get-togethers provided throughout the year

·        TTC tickets provided 

Program Time:

·        Visits need to happen during weekday hours, 9-5pm

·        Visits can be flexible, any day of the week

Volunteer Commitment:

·        1 day/week; flexible according to volunteer/client's schedule

·        minimum of 6 months or more