Thanks for checking out our volunteer information!
Basic Training
All volunteers are required to complete basic training. This training provides an overview of our ministry’s purpose and a solid foundation for effectively serving families and individuals with special abilities.
Basic training is available the 3rd Sunday of each month, 9:00 – 10:30am.
All volunteers over the age of 18 must be fingerprinted and complete a background check, which will be provided through Calvary.
FAQs
Q: How often will I be expected to serve?
A: You are able to serve as frequently or infrequently as you wish. We value your help, but also understand that schedules fluctuate. During basic training, you will fill out a form to specify your availability.
Q: What are your most common volunteer opportunities?
A: There are three primary ways to volunteer:
- Sunday morning services – 9:00am & 11:00am – Room 1300
- Buddy Break Respite Program – either the 4th Saturday from 9:00am – 1:00pm, or the 4th Friday from 4:00pm – 8:00pm of each month, January – October
- Midweek Respite –Volunteer as a buddy in our Special Abilities wing during our Parent Group. Parents of VIPS are invited to attend the Parent Group on the 2nd & 4th Wednesday of the month from 6:00pm-7:15pm. For families that need childcare during the Parent Support Group, we will have the Special Abilities wing open during that time.
Q: Do I need to complete basic training even if I have prior experience?
A: Yes. As a protocol, we require all of our volunteers to complete training. Once you complete training, you’re good to go!
Q: What is the age requirement to serve?
A: Junior volunteers (middle school and early high school) are a critical part of our volunteer team! While there is not a firm age requirement and we value young students serving with us, we typically do not allow junior buddies younger than 7th grade. We also may ask a junior buddy to serve alongside an adult buddy until we feel they are firmly trained and ready to buddy alone.
Q: What is Buddy Break?
A: Buddy Break is an international respite program designed to provide fun activities for kids and teens with special abilities (VIPs) and their siblings! Our heart is to form friendships with all of the VIPs and siblings, and to offer a time of rest for parents and caregivers.
Need more information? Contact paolina.laske@calvarywestlake.org or call 818.991.8040 ext. 251