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 If
I’m a patient,
can I be a volunteer? |
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Yes, if you’ve been out
of your treatment program for 6 months. Otherwise,
please wait, or ask us for other agencies
that you can volunteer at. |
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| Do I have to work set hours
as a volunteer? |
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No, you can work whatever hours you want,
as long as the unit you are working in can
provide you with a safe environment to work
in. Sometimes it’s necessary to have
a supervisor in the area to help you, so
that may affect your hours. Many volunteers
work evenings and weekends, and we try to
accommodate your hours. You can even work “virtually”:
if you are working on a document, a research
design, etc., you can count those hours. |
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| Do I have to have a TB test? |
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If you’re not working with patients,
no. |
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| Do I have to come in to
a Voluntary Service Office to be oriented? |
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Yes, you do. There are 3 offices you can
come to: WLA, Sepulveda and LAAC. If necessary
we can arrange a personal, short orientation
for you, but you must have the Fire & Safety
Training, and you must also see the Privacy
(HIPAA) training. It’s necessary for
your safety, and our veterans, our first
priorities. |
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| If
I’m an employee,
can I volunteer? |
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Yes, please do! We can count your hours,
just like any volunteer, and you can become
eligible for Awards like any volunteers.
Please check the Employee Volunteer Program
segment of our website for more details. |
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| Can students volunteer? |
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Our Youth Volunteer Program allows for
young folks age 14 and up to volunteer at
our facilities. We have a special program
and awards program for the summertime, when
many youngsters want to come and experience
helping our veterans. Many youngsters experience
mentoring and valuable career inspiration
with their volunteer time at the VA, which
helps them get into college and make the
right career decision. Sadie Stewart, Assistant
Chief, Voluntary Program manages the Youth
Program and is available at (310)268-4350. |
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| Can Voluntary Service pick-up
donated materials? |
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No. Sorry, we do not have personnel nor
transport for pick-up of donated materials.
You can bring donated items to the Voluntary
Services Offices at the three main sites:
West Los Angeles, Downtown (LAAC), and Sepulveda. |
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| What kinds of things do
our veterans need? |
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See the “Wish
List” posted
on the site for current needs. We are ALWAYS
looking for support for our entertainment
program, and donations for refreshments.
Some donated materials do not meet the guidelines
set by VA Leadership, so be sure to call
(310)268-4350 before you bring things to
our office, to make sure the items are needed
at this time. |
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| What
do I get for volunteering? |
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If you work a minimum of 4 hours as a regular
volunteer, we will give you a small certificate
good for $4.50 at our VA Canteen, for your
lunch. See our Awards section of the Website
for the number of hours necessary to get
an Award and attend our Annual Recognition
Banquet. And as always, you have the privilege
of helping our veterans, who have made American
great, and provided us with the precious
freedom that we use and value every day.
There is no greater gift. |
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