Volunteer With Arc
What would we do without the people we count on? That one friend you can always talk to when you have a problem, or enjoy a movie with on a rainy day. Imagine achieving an important goal or experiencing something amazing for the first time and not having a single person to share it with you.
Being alone is a reality for many of our clients. Friendships are hard to come by or even non-existent. Expressing feelings and socializing are a struggle for an individual with autism or cerebral palsy, making it difficult for him or her to relate to peers on a personal level. Most of the people in our client’s lives, aside from family, are paid to be there. The Arc of the Capital Area’s Volunteer Services makes sure that people with developmental disabilities, and their families, always have someone to count on and share their lives with-- a true friend.
Download a Volunteer Application
Click Here for February Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer opportunities include:
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Respite (child) care-- offered once a month in Austin and once in Round Rock for four hours on Saturday.
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Art Classes-- offered two times a month at AMOA- Laguna Gloria. Volunteer artists are paired one-on-one with a client artist.
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Movie Night-- offered once a month at The Arc of the Capital Area. Volunteers eat pizza and watch a movie with clients.
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Mentoring/Buddies-- volunteers are matched with a compatible buddy to enjoy numerous activities around town.
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Academic coaching-- volunteers are matched with a Special Education student to tutor on various subjects and help the student reach obtainable academic goals.
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Parent matches-- parents of a child with a disability are paired to discuss various caregiving topics and for moral support.
In addition, The Arc is always looking for Spanish speakers, graphic designers, photographers, marketing professionals, writers, and other administrative support. Our committees (Events, Finance, Executive, Art) are active and our Board of Directors is dynamic.
Contact
Adria Dawidczik, Volunteer Coordinator
The Arc of the Capital Area (512) 476-7044
The Arc would like to extend a special thank you to the following local companies and universities that have volunteered with us: IBM, Wachovia, Dell, Washington Mutual, The University of Texas, Texas State University, and St. Edward’s University.
Q&A- The Arc Volunteer Experience
James Boyce and Andrew
Here’s what James has to say about his experience being a client match.
Q: Why did you become an Adult Match?
A: I had been aware of the Arc for a number of years because of their Board of Directors, and Bill's involvement. Bill included me on a number of events, and we talked often about ways I could possibly become involved. Then I received an email from Sarah Andrews about a man needing a match and I made the call to see if I was a fit. The bottom line is I finally got off my couch and make the call. The next thing I new, I had a new friend and a great one at that.
Q: What has your experience as an Adult Match been like thus far?
A: It has been absolutely fabulous. I involved my 12 year-old son Charlie from the beginning and the response from him has been something I could have never imagined. His eyes and mind have been opened to new experiences and his commitment to our friend Andrew is hard to comprehend. Since we have been matched with Andrew, we have also had the opportunity to share time with other clients of the Arc, which broadens our horizons even more. I feel that together with Andrew and Charlie, I am plowing a field that will produce fruit for many years to come.
Q: What have you gained from the experience?
A: It's simple. Charlie and I are the ones benefiting the most from our relationship with Andrew. Each and every time we are with Andrew, he teaches us a new "life lesson". In spite of his challenges, he is a very wise man and Charlie and I know to be on our toes, so we don't miss that nugget of wisdom that is sure to come.
Q: What do you feel Andrew has gained?
A: You will have to ask Andrew! I could tell you what I would hope he would say, but he can tell you better than I.
Q: How much time do you invest in being an Adult Match?
A: This is one of the great things about the Arc and getting matched. The expectations are very reasonable. I don't feel guilty when I can only talk to Andrew and cannot get by to see him or take him out for a burger. I know we will pick up exactly where we left off. That's a long-winded way of saying it varies but on average about three or four hours a month plus some phone time. There are some other times we get to see Andrew. The third Thursday of every month is Movie Night at The Arc. When I'm in town I like to get by just to say hello, and I think he appreciates it.
Q: How long do you foresee this experience lasting?
A: Andrew is part of the family now. He and my wife are already planning their next joint birthday party..... and it's in January!
Q: Why would or wouldn't you advise others to become an Adult Match for an individual with developmental disabilities?
A: I think the Arc's statement on their website says it all. "The more you give, the more you get." If you are hesitant to step up, you are like the majority of the people in the world, but there are ways to start slowly. It could be a Movie Night or another Arc event. One of the great things about the Arc is that they can, and will, find a way for you to stick your toes in the water, before you go swimming. So, I suggest you take your shoes off!
