Common Ground CoOperative

What services does your organization provide?
Common Ground provides on the job support to 5 registered business partnerships that are operated by adults with developmental disabilities. We also provide an educational program to integrate adults who are interested in participating in one of the five businesses. In addition to this educational program, we also create and faciliatate workshops and programs such as fitness and nutrition, resume skills, art programs, writing skills, self awareness and more.

Do you have any age requirements?
Over the age of 18

Do you require language proficiency other than in English?
No

What time commitment(s) are you expecting from a volunteer?
Whatever they feel comfortable with

Are there any other requirements for being a volunteer?
Police reference check will be conducted

Are there any specific skills and experience required?
No

What type of volunteer positions are typically available?
Volunteer Driver, anyone who has skills that would contribute to workshops or programs and parents and other family members

Is there any training provided for volunteers?
Yes. Quality Assurance Measures (Abuse policy and prevention) is a course mandated by the Ministry of Community and Social Services for anyone working with someone who has a developmental disabilitiy.

What are the typical volunteer activities occurring at your organization?

• Helping out with deliveries for the businesses we support
• All Committees are voluntary (Finance, Steering, Membership & Fundraising)
• Board of Directors
• Facilitators who have skills that will help with programs

How will a person benefit from volunteering with Common Ground CoOperative?
By engaging with our community the benefits will be a broader understanding of the importance of social inclusion.
Mostly, volunteers say their benefit is in working with the people we serve.

Do you accept high school students?
Yes, but most of the time we have College or University students who are studying a similar field.