1. Call the Parent Volunteers and
the center the day before each scheduled meeting to remind them.
On the first day of the program someone from the center should be in the
caressing room the entire time, in case you need any assistance.
2. Arrive early to make sure that
the caressing room is set up properly and that the proper persons have
begun to bring in the seniors. If the center will be providing refreshments,
talk to someone in the kitchen so you can let them know when you want the
refreshments.
3. Introduce yourself to the seniors
and to the mothers and children as they arrive. (Giving nametags
to everyone is a great help.)
4. Remind mothers to sign in and,
if it's their first time, to pick up a Volunteer's Orientation Manual.
If an outline of the day's Project Caress Shcedule is available, make sure
the parents read it.
5. Encourage the mohers and their
children to introduce themselves to the seniors, and vice versa.
6. Begin your program activities.
Note - Depending upon the location, and the number and ages of the participants,
different program activities are recommended. Read the Program Ideas
for various activity ideas.
7. At the close of the program,
shake hands with and thank each parent, child and senior attending.
If there are any new parents, ask them to stay to discuss the program and
answer any questions they might have.
8. Clean up the room and notify
the center's director/coordinator that you are preparing to leave.
At this time, tell him/her ifthere are any seniors left in the caressing
room that need assistance in leaving, and remember to thank him/her as
well.
9. A day or two after the program,
it is a good practice to call each new parent after their initial visit
to the caressing room, to discuss or listen to any of their concerns or
reactions regarding the program.
10. While supervising the program,
if you come upon any problems of any sort, try and resolve them with the
proper persons. If this doesn't work, talk with the Project Caress
Program Coodinator.
