Alzheimer Society of Guelph Wellington

What services does your organization provide?
The Alzheimer Society of Guelph-Wellington is a non-profit organization that was established in 1987. It is governed by a local volunteer Board of Directors and affiliated with the Alzheimer Society of Ontario (Provincial) and the Alzheimer Society of Canada (National).
The Alzheimer Society offers a variety of services including:
- Caregiver support groups
- Support groups for those experiencing the early stages of memory loss
- One-to-one support
- Education sessions and information series
- Volunteer Companion Program
- Safely Home: Wandering person registry
- Resource libraries: Activity Resource Library, Education Resource Library, and Safety Equipment Library
- Annual Allies in Aging conference held in October
- Quarterly newsletter outlining upcoming education sessions, fundraising events, and helpful information on Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.

Do you have any age requirements?
18 years of age

Do you require language proficiency other than in English?
Individuals who speak a second language are always in need.

High needs for non-English-speaking volunteers include individuals who speak: Polish, Mandarin, Tagalog, Italian, and French.

What time commitment(s) are you expecting from a volunteer?
Minimum of 10 months.

Are there any other requirements for being a volunteer?
Volunteers will be required to attend an interview, two training sessions, and acquire a Criminal Record Check. This Volunteer Coordinator will review this information with the interested individual.

Are there any specific skills and experience required?
No experience necessary. Screening and training will be provided upon joining the Alzheimer Society of Guelph-Wellington
Individuals interested in volunteering at the Alzheimer Society of Guelph-Wellington should possess compassion, patience, and an open mind.

What type of volunteer positions are typically available?
- One-to-one support to individual with dementia through Volunteer Companion Program
- Special events planning and fundraising through Fund Development
- Numerous opportunities through Office Volunteers
- Leadership through the Board Of Directors

Do you provide training for volunteers?
Yes. Two initial training sessions provided to volunteers who join the Alzheimer Society, including Dementia Overview and Symptoms of Dementia. Additional training will be provided to volunteers depending on their role.

What are the typical volunteer activities occurring at your organization?
Volunteers are involved in all aspects of the Alzheimer Society of Guelph-Wellington. Please refer to above for various volunteer roles.

How will a person benefit from volunteering with Alzheimer Society of Guelph Wellington?
Volunteers benefit from their volunteering at the Alzheimer Society of Guelph-Wellington by seeing first-hand the positive impact they have on an individual with dementia and their families. Volunteers are also able to build a meaningful relationship with individuals living in the community.

Do you accept high school students?
Yes. Opportunities for high school students seeking to fulfill a graduation requirement are welcome as office volunteers.