When you take the initiative to call our Service Request Desk and negotiate your service, several wonderful things happen. First, you arrange the service that's best for you - when it fits your busy week. Second, you may have just saved a volunteer staffing our Request Desk five or even ten phone calls! As a result, we're doing more training, paying greater attention to details, improving the way we fill service requests, and devoting more care to the people we talk with.

Most importantly, we've been able to work further ahead on the schedule. Instead of scrambling to fill service requests for tomorrow - and sometimes not being able to fill them - we're working two, three, four days out. That means less pressure, better work, and more requests getting filled.

So, our sincere thanks to those of you who've taken the initiative to call in - there's always a feeling of triumph when a request gets filled, but when two or three are filled on one call, the feeling is more like jubilation. And, we're not exaggerating! Thanks, too, to those of you who actually work the Service Request Desk - we couldn't be so successful without you, your dedication, and persistence.
 

New volunteers seem to be coming in a steady stream - and that's a good thing! We're able to sit down with each one individually and get to know them. That helps us make a better match between their intentions and experiences, and our needs. And, as we continue to grow, new ways to volunteer appear. Here are two examples:

GAP Administrator - We're looking for a volunteer to help keep our Guardian Angel Program updated in our CARE system. This task requires special attention since it involves both neighbors and volunteers, and entails inventory tracking as well. To make it more exciting, we're behind in the data entry. So, if your service can be devoted to the computer and paperwork necessary to keep this vital service running smoothly, and you're pretty good with computers - and puzzles - please let us know!

GAP Inventory Manager - There are plenty of parts and pieces, labels and flyers, boxes and batteries necessary to support our Guardian Angel Program. Help us keep these parts stocked, cleaned, tested, and ready for use in the field - about three hours per week should do it.

In spare moments (!) we're developing training opportunities for volunteers. It's our intention to make learning part of the fabric of the organization. Expect learning sessions to begin appearing shortly.

Among the first offerings we're planning are GAP 101 - An introduction to Our Guardian Angel Program, and an introductory training for Request Desk Volunteers.

We had backed off introducing the new website until we solidified our CARE data management software and its interface with the website.

With or without the interface, we plan to go live before the end of the year!

This day only - December 18th, Noon to 4:00 PM ONLY!

A different secret sale every hour at our thift shop...