Welcome to the Volunteer Program of Brain Injury Services. BIS’ volunteer program was developed initially out of funding provided by the State Legislature through a Budget Amendment and the Philip Graham Fund. It was established to develop a unique, in-house model that focuses on individualized services that contribute to the success of our clients in finding meaningful and productive activities, either with volunteers or by volunteering themselves in the community. Over the years, the volunteer program has strived to create programs that fill the gaps in service that exist for survivors of brain injury and has developed programs that speak to these needs.
There are five main activities and services offered which include:
The Volunteer Placement Program
The volunteer job placement program enables BIS clients to work with the volunteer placement program specialist to assess their interests and to find a suitable volunteer job in the community. The specialist may assist with interviewing and any accommodations as the client adjusts to the position. The volunteer specialist maintains communication with the client, volunteer site and case manager, as needed. The goal is to place all interested clients in fulfilling volunteer jobs in order to maintain a productive focus and to give back to their communities. Often this is a bridge to returning to paid employment.
Speaker’s Bureau
Would you like to tell your story and inspire others? The award winning speaker’s bureau offers this opportunity for the client to tell his/her story while motivating audiences. They meet every other month and with assistance as needed, develop speeches, practice with one another and present at various venues, including nursing homes, universities, rehab centers, hospitals, etc.
PALS
The goal of the PALS program is to engage in a mutually enriching friendship between a community volunteer and a client of Brain Injury Services. The hope is to socialize in the community and rebuild social skills through friendship. PALS make a one year commitment to see one another at least once a month one on one, preferably in the community, while maintaining regular communication. There are also some scheduled group activities for all participants in the PALS program.
Person-Centered Volunteering
This program offers the opportunity to build a friendship through goal oriented activities as decided by the clients. Any goals or activities that are difficult for the client to reach on their own due to their brain injuries could be feasible for this program, based on volunteer availability. Case managers and the Director of Volunteer Programs help the clients identify goals that work within a six month time period with the volunteers. Volunteers meet with clients every week or every other week depending on the goal. Goals could include gardening, cooking, computer skills, exercise, etc. Again, referrals are received from case managers of active BIS clients and then assessed for eligibility in the program by the Director of Volunteer Programs.
Special Events/Projects
Brain Injury Services hosts several special events throughout the year, whether it be a golf tournament to raise funds for BIS or an annual PALS picnic or banquet to recognize volunteers. Depending on the time of year and your skills, we may need your help with special event planning, volunteering at special events or helping BIS in unique and important ways. We are always looking for assistance in the areas of media relations, graphic design, event planning, and development. If you are interested in volunteering for Brain Injury Services outside of our matching programs, please contact Michelle Thyen, mthyen@braininjurysvcs.org or 703-451-8881, ext.232 to discuss opportunities available.
Community Volunteer~ any volunteers aged 18 and over are eligible to volunteer as a PAL; a Person-Centered Volunteer; or help with a Special Event or Project. All volunteers must undergo a criminal background check, complete and assessment and participate in a one-on-one training session. The Director of Volunteer Programs remains a support system to our volunteers while they are volunteering for one of our programs. To learn more about the volunteer opportunities that exist at BIS, please contact Michelle Thyen, Director of Volunteer Programs, at mthyen@braininjurysvcs.org or 703-451-8881, ext.232.
