Volunteers are the heart of Project ABLE. Without volunteers, peer support programs could not exist. Volunteers can walk the path of hopefulness and recovery with individuals in a way no one else can. They give themselves by using their life experiences and life skills to inspire hope and wellness in promoting recovery. This is the essence of “peer expertise” and is central to Project ABLE’s programs. Project ABLE recognizes volunteers are vital to the success of peer-to-peer services.
Volunteer Opportunities
Trauma Survivor Project (TSP)
TSP Volunteers provide support to survivors of trauma. This entails building trusting relationships and offering encouragement and support while the survivor gathers information to make decisions about his/her treatment and other life goals. Trauma Peer Support Volunteers provide survivors support via phone, email, and in person by meeting in the community. Trauma Peer Supports provide support through physical presence, providing available resources and support in identifying goals and problem-solving techniques to meet individual goals.
Peer Wellness Program (PWP)
Peer Wellness Support Volunteers empower individuals to take an active role in his/her health and wellness. The role of the wellness support volunteer is to support individuals with creating an action plan, supporting them to identify and overcome barriers and to support their recovery through motivational peer support. Wellness support volunteers provide support over the phone, or in person by meeting individuals in the community. Wellness support volunteers utilize HOPE Plans (Healthy Opportunities through Peer Empowerment) as a tool to encourage individuals to identify and meet their individual goals.
Why Volunteer with Project ABLE?
Project ABLE offers several benefits to all Peer Support Volunteers.
Training
- Continuous and ongoing Trauma Informed Training
- Continuous and ongoing Wellness Training
Expense Reimbursement
Project ABLE provides flat monthly expense reimbursement(s) to volunteers providing peer support. The purpose of the expense reimbursement is to reimburse volunteers for the cost associated with participating in a Project ABLE program. Examples of the kinds of costs that volunteers incur include gas or bus fare, coffee or refreshments in the community, and the use of phone and internet service.
Peer Support
Project ABLE provides Volunteers with support through our TSP and Wellness programs.
Volunteer Requirements
- Personal experience with mental health or co-occurring issues
- Compassion to support individuals with similar life experience
- Background check
- Phone service
GET STARTED!
ABLE Opportunities provide individuals interested in volunteering the chance to discuss our programs, our mission, and ways to get started. ABLE Opportunities is scheduled in both Salem and McMinnville each month.
ABLE Opportunities Schedule:
Salem
- Every Friday (1pm to 3pm)
McMinnville
- Every Friday (1pm to 3pm)
Individuals who choose to volunteer with Project ABLE will also schedule a volunteer orientation to gain further information regarding our peer support programs, policy and procedure details, and expense reimbursement figures.
For further information please contact:
Julie Bochsler
Trauma & Wellness Programs Coordinator
[email protected]
503.363.3260 office
503.585.0491 fax
“Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.”
HELEN KELLER