The Place of Comfort Volunteer Training
Volunteer Orientation is held every month and gives interested people a chance to learn more about volunteer opportunities The PLACE of Comfort. The shor informational session includes PLACE of Comfort history, programs and services and specific volunteer placement needs and requirements.

Basic Training is required for many volunteers. All are welcome to attend Modules include Active Listening, Cultural Diversity, and " Life Experiences" with presenters from our HIV+ Speakers' Bureau. Basic Volunteer Training is a prerequisite for PAL, as well as volunteer positions that involve direct client support.

PAL's are trained volunteers who provide one-on-one support to people with symptomatic HIV disease. Program services are available on an ongoing or as-needed/occasional basis. PAL's generally spend about 4 hours per week with persons wanting ongoing support. The training is scheduled over two evenings.

Volunteer Opportunities at The Place of Comfort

Personal Active Listener (PAL)-
A PAL Volunteer provides ongoing, one-on-one, emotional and proctical support to someone living with HIV/AIDS. Flexible schedule, averaging four hours per week, Minimum commitment of one year required. Basic Training is a prerequisite for PAL training, volunteers must be 21 or older.

Practical Support
Volunteers provide short term, proctical support for clients on an as-needed basis. Request include transportation, housekeeping and moving assistance. Volunteers must be 18 or older.

Outreach and Prevention Education (Events)
Volunteers participate in tabling and disseminating HIV prevention and care information at community events.

Speakers in the Schools
Volunteers present the Healthy Starts program in the Orange and Seminole County Middle Schools. Volunteers share their personal stories of being infected and/or affected by HIV/AIDS.

Speakers' Bureau
Provid basic HIV 101 presentations to general population groups, clubs, businesses and organizations.

Teen to Teen
Volunteers facilitate youth-focused workshops and outreach presentations about HIV/AIDS,STDs, sexuality, communication, and diversity.

CareTeam Street Outreach
Volunteers work in teams to conduct outreach to hard-to-reach populations with the goal of locating people living with HIV who need services.

Daytime Clerical Support
We have an ongoing need for assistance with filing and data entry on weekdays. Weekly, Two-hour shifts.

Special Events
Volunteers assist in the production of The Place of Comfort's main fundraising events. Volunteers provide logistical support in a variety of roles including set-up, takedown, registration and more. Short-term commitment for day or week of event.

Warehouse Project Helpers
Volunteers are needed to help the Warehouse Specialist pick up and deliver household furnishings donations and to assist clients who are moving to a new residence.

Housing Resource Volunteers
Volunteers help compile database of affordable housing resources. Great for someone who has a real interest in finding and creating more resources for our clients. Must be computer-savvy. 8-20 hours per month, weekdays or occasional evenings.

Activity/Donation Volunteers
Volunteers help solicit donations for social events, classes, and workshops for people living with HIV?AIDS. May involve phone calling to businesses or other non-profits, composing letters of request, or making in-person visits. The types of donations we are looking for range from food and beverages to dog obedience classes to ballet tickets and so on. Great for volunteers who are "people-persons". Need varies from 4-8 hours per month.

Spanish-English Interpreter
Volunteers assist with periodic need for transportation at focus groups and social events. 1-3 hours at any time, generally evenings or weekends. Must be bi-lingual, have good "people skills," and provide own transportation.

Spanish-English Translator
Volunteers provode support for translation announcements and short documents from English to Spanish and for making phone calls to Spanish-speaking clients. 2-4 hours per month, weekdays in Orange County office. Computer/word-processing skills helpful.

Creole Language
Creole-English Interpreter
Volunteers assist with periodic need for transportation at focus groups and social events. 1-3 hours at any time, generally evenings or weekends. Must be bi-lingual, have good "people skills," and provide own transportation.

Creole-English Translator
Volunteers provide support for translation announcements and short documents from English to Creole and for making phone calls to creole-speaking clients. 2-4 hours per month, weekdays in Orange County office. Computer/word-processing skills helpful.