About Visit Requests
Overview for Members & Volunteers

Arrange a friendly visit with a volunteer by
calling 434-373-7829 or emailing visits@HereToStayWTG.org

See all of our neighbor-helping-neighbor services HERE

Creating a network of members and volunteers who would enjoy visiting with each other has been successful in most communities where neighbors are working together to age in place.

‌Loneliness comes about when there is a discrepancy between one’s desired level of connection and the actual level of connection. It’s not a good thing.

Our programs and one-on-one services typically focus on some specific objectives. They all also provide ways for everyone involved to connect with others, however.

In addition, HSW has a straightforward program called Friendly Visits, which provides more social opportunities for members and volunteers.

Members typically initiate the Friendly Visit with a phone call or email. Volunteers sign up to be a part of this effort as with all other one-on-one HSW programs.

Visits can include conversations at home or going for a walk together. Or, it might involve reading together or playing games. Some visits might be over the phone.

Listening and talking are a part of every visit. While maintaining respectful boundaries, a visit can be a time to explore shared values. With respect and understanding, everyone's perspective is widened.

Thoughtful listening and talking while being open-minded during a visit allows everyone to be their true selves. Those participating in Friendly Visits are not judgmental and they keep private information confidential.

Different people will have different experiences, but trust and respect on the part of both the member and volunteer make up the foundation of every Friendly Visit. The goal is to provide a connection that enhances everyone’s sense of being a part of the Wintergreen community.

The social scientists tell us that “connections with neighbors and others can reduce stress and increase confidence” that can help in good times and not-so-good times. Or, to put it another way, it’s fun.

Buddy Program

Expanding on the goals behind Friendly Visits, HSW is developing a program where some volunteers and members work together regularly and dependably. Learn more here.

 

Arrange a friendly visit with a volunteer by calling 434-373-7829 or emailing visits@HereToStayWTG.org.

Guidelines for all volunteers and members

How HSW members and volunteers
work together, one-on-one

The simple idea behind Here to Stay in Wintergreen is to connect those who have a need for some assistance with neighbors who are willing to volunteer to help. While that idea might be straightforward, life can sometimes become complicated. Some basic rules and guidelines are useful in managing expectations.

While a member’s request and the volunteer’s assistance are neighborly, it’s not informal. Reliability is important to both volunteers and members. The base of most of Here to Stay in Wintergreen’s standards and procedures come from real-world “village programs” developed over the last several years.

Our procedures, guidelines, and rules only outline how it all might work. The key is having everyone involved not only being careful, respectful, and kind but also maintaining a sense of humor.

There are limits

Sometimes simple tasks turn out to be not so simple. Members shouldn’t expect volunteers to do any task that the volunteer lacks confidence in doing. HSW volunteers offer services that coincide with their schedule, interests, and abilities.

When a volunteer determines a service requested by a member requires the expertise of a professional, they can explain this to the member. Go here to see the HSW guide to professional resources.

Volunteer background checks

Due to the often personal nature of the work done by volunteers directly for HSW members, our insurance company recommends requiring a background check of all volunteers who work one on one with members.

Here to Stay in Wintergreen uses a third party, Choice Screening, that provides this service. All information is confidential.

General Guidelines & Rules

  • Discretion on the part of both volunteers and members is key. Both members and volunteers are required to maintain the confidentiality of any proprietary or privileged information to which they are exposed while being served by a volunteer, whether this information involves an HSW member or another volunteer. Personal information should not be shared outside the organization. Both HSW members and volunteers should be careful in their informal conversations with friends and family regarding details of any situation of the individuals in HSW’s program. HSW does not sell, rent, exchange, or share the individual personal information of members or volunteers for use by third parties.

  • Volunteers and members should maintain a friendly professional demeanor, avoiding unnecessary close physical contact when working together. Volunteers and members should avoid offering comments and advice about personal situations.

  • Volunteers and members should not act on behalf of or make statements representing the official position of the organization unless they have been authorized to do so by an officer of the Board of Directors. For example, volunteers should not make statements to the press, broadcast media, or other organizations without prior authorization. No volunteer or member is authorized to sign any agreement involving contractual or financial obligations on behalf of HSW.

  • Members should not offer gifts or tips to HSW volunteers. Volunteers should decline if any are offered.

  • Volunteers are asked to be prompt and reliable in reporting for assignments with members so as to free up HSW resources for others. Members and volunteers should notify HSW promptly of any changes, issues, concerns, or problems.

  • Volunteers may decide to stop volunteering at any time; members are not obligated to participate in any HSW program. Volunteers are asked to inform the HSW office if they cannot continue in any role and give as much notice as possible. To help the organization grow and learn from its experiences, volunteers and members are asked to be candid about their experiences, knowing they can rely on the discretion of the HSW administrators.

  • HSW will dismiss a volunteer or member who fails to fulfill the basic requirements of the organization.