Volunteers are Needed to Work With the Following Family Members:

Age: 15
Diagnosis: Cerebral Palsy
Suggested hours: After school, evenings, weekends – flexible schedule.
General location: Northside – in the Douglas area.
Activities: Reading, watching TV, listening to music, going on the computer.
Volunteer Requirements: Some personal care will be required.
Additional Comments: Male or female caregiver is fine.

Age: 6
Diagnosis: Autism
Suggested hours: Saturday afternoons (once a week or once every other week).
General location: Fredericton Junction.
Activities: Swimming, bowling, parks, biking, movies, etc.
Volunteer Requirements: Someone who is outgoing and likes to have fun.
Additional Comments: Would like a male volunteer if possible.

Age: 18
Diagnosis: Autism
Suggested hours: Saturday afternoons (once a week or once every other week).
General location: Northside.
Activities: Swimming, movies, bowling, games, going to the mall, etc.
Volunteer Requirements: Would like a male volunteer if possible.
Additional Comments: This individual is non-verbal but uses assistive technology to communicate.

Age: 11
Diagnosis: Genetic condition
Suggested hours: Evenings and weekends – flexible schedule.
General location: Lincoln.
Activities: Swimming, movies, painting, collecting coins, video games, etc.
Volunteer Requirements: Would like a male volunteer if possible.
Additional Comments: Mom works shift work, so the needs may vary week to week.

Age: 12
Diagnosis: ADHD, RAD, and ODD
Suggested hours: Once a week (evening or Saturday afternoon).
General location: Downtown Fredericton.
Activities: Swimming, riding bikes, going to the arcade, bowling, video games, etc.
Volunteer Requirements: Would like a male volunteer if possible.

Age: 8
Diagnosis: Autism
Suggested hours: Evenings and/or weekends (flexible schedule).
General location: New Maryland
Activities: Swimming, bowling, going to the park, sliding, playing on the Wii, etc.
Volunteer Requirements: Would like a male volunteer if possible.

Age: 47
Diagnosis: Developmental Delay.
Suggested hours: Days, evenings, or weekends (very flexible schedule).
General location: Northside
Activities: Bowling, swimming, music, picnics, crafts, exercising, etc.
Volunteer Requirements: Would like a female volunteer.
Additional Comments: Very easy-going and likes to try new things.

Age: 17
Diagnosis: Developmental Delay
Suggested hours: Days, evenings, and weekends (very flexible schedule).
General location: Oromocto
Activities: Sports, music, video games, bowling, movies, etc.
Volunteer Requirements: Would like to have a male volunteer if possible.
Additional Comments: Really likes to help out with anything you are doing.

Age: 36
Diagnosis: Down syndrome (J.R.)
Suggested hours: Evenings and/or weekend (can be flexible).
General location: Stanley
Activities: Bowling, swimming, movies, games, theatre, sports, cooking, dancing, etc.
Volunteer Requirements: Would like a female volunteer who is outgoing and who likes to try new things.
Additional Comments: This individual can come into town to do activities if needed.

Age: 29
Diagnosis: Williams Syndrome
Suggested hours: Evenings and/or weekends (flexible).
General location: Island View
Activities: Swimming, bowling, biking, eating out, music, etc.
Volunteer Requirements: Would like a male volunteer if possible.
Additional Comments: Can come into town to do activities if needed.

Age: 2
Diagnosis: Seizure Disorder
Suggested hours: Days, evenings, weekends (very flexible).
General location: Northside
Activities: Going for walks, music, playing with toys, books, etc.
Volunteer Requirements: Would like a female volunteer.

Age: 5
Diagnosis: Autism (J.W.)
Suggested hours: Days, evenings, and weekends (flexible schedule).
General location: Northside
Activities: Playing with toys, puzzles, swimming, skating,
Volunteer Requirements: Male or female volunteer who speaks some French.

Age: 26 - Male
Diagnosis: Autism
Suggested Hours: Evenings/weekends
General Location: McLeod Hill - Northside
Activities: Pool, Swimming, Painting
Volunteer Requirements: Be a friend and commit to 6 months
Additional Comments: Works during the day M-F

It's not for the money, It's not for fame

It's not for any personal gain.

It's just for love of fellow man,

It's just to lend a helping hand.

It's just to give a little of self,

That's something you can't buy with wealth

 

It's not for medals won with pride,

It's for that feeling deep inside.

It's that reward down in your heart,

It's that feeling that you've been a part

Of helping others far and near

That makes you be a volunteer!

(Author Unknown)

Purpose of Relief
To give families with a child/adult dependent who has an intellectual disability a break from their day-to-day care. This is achieved when you become friends with their son/daughter and include them in your life and usual routine.

Who Can Volunteer

Anyone can volunteer with OPAL. We have volunteers who are university students, retired seniors, as well as full-time working professionals. Sometimes am entire family will volunteer together. What a great way to introduce children to the benefits of volunteering and the joy of helping others!

Experience is an asset, but certainly not necessary. We are looking for compassionate, responsible, and fun-loving individuals who want to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Time Required

The amount of time you give can be flexible. Volunteers can give anywhere from a couple of hours per week to a full 48 hours per month. The OPAL staff is available to help you decide how much time you can give in order to participate comfortably in the program; whatever works best for you, your new friend, and their family! We usually ask for a commitment of at least one year from our volunteers.

Opportunities For You

• To learn new skills

• To provide a child/adult with new experiences

• To help the child/adult gain new skills

• To be a good role model in terms of community involvement

• The good feeling you get when you know you have done something great for someone else

• To make a lifelong friend
  

Special Skills You Need

• A genuine interest in helping others

• An optimistic and enthusiastic outlook that enables you to see people’s abilities, rather than disabilities

• The ability to provide a warm, caring environment and friendship to a person with an intellectual disability

• A willingness to learn new things and to work with the individual’s family
  

Benefits to the Family

• Someone outside the family being a friend to their son/daughter

• A break from the responsibilities of caring for their son/daughter

• Time to spend alone or with others

• A means of starting a social network for their son/daughter

We would love to speak with you about being a Volunteer with OPAL. Feel free to contact us for more information about the screening process, and how you can help a Special Family.