Below is some information that we would like to share with you as you consider volunteering at Atco Adult Services.

How should I dress?
Atco Adult Services is a casual environment. We ask that all visitors and volunteers dress appropriately for a business/agency setting. Along with staff, you will be serving as a role model for those who receive services from our agency. For example, we prefer that you not wear short skirts and shorts or sleeveless and low cut tops, or tops that expose your stomach or chest area. Jeans and t-shirts are fine. We ask that you use common sense as to what you “advertise” on your t-shirts. Profanity or suggestive material is not acceptable. For safety reasons, we ask that you not wear backless sandals.

How should I interact with others?
As we attempt to help people be more involved in their communities, we focus on teaching acceptable ways of interacting with others. Again, visitors and volunteers join staff in serving as role models of acceptable social and interpersonal skills. We ask that you keep in mind that you are working with ADULTS, who happen to have a developmental disability. In doing so, we ask that you reinforce skills that are typically expected of adults. For example, keeping appropriate distance when talking with someone, refraining from asking the same questions over and over again, shaking hands instead of hugging, refraining from asking personal questions, etc. As we work to develop these skills, a behavior support plan might be in place to address individual needs and provide a systematic method for staff and volunteers to support the individual. If you will be working with someone who has a behavior support plan, you will be in-serviced on the plan and how to interact with this person. If someone says or does something that makes you uncomfortable, you can let a staff person know and they will assist you in how to handle the situation.

How do I get started?
A volunteer must compete the volunteer orientation BEFORE any volunteering can begin. This is required to insure a positive volunteer experience for you and the agency. The orientation will review the policies and procedures of Atco Adult Services that relate to volunteers, give you information that you need on your assignment, and give you an opportunity to ask questions.

If you are interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities at Atco Adult Services, please call Jesse Stock at 592-6659 ext 254, they can also be reached via email at jstock@athenscbdd.org.