BIS’ Volunteer Program was developed initially out of funding provided by the State Legislature through a Budget Amendment and The Philip Graham Fund. It was established to develop a unique model that focuses on individualized services that contribute to the success of our consumers in finding meaningful productive activities in the communities of their choice. Our consumers are directly involved in the establishment of the types of activities that will facilitate their ability to accomplish their own individual goals. There are four main activities and services offered which includes:

Volunteer Placements

The volunteer job placement program enables BIS consumers to work with the volunteer specialist to assess their interests and to find a suitable volunteer job in the community. The volunteer specialist may assist with interviewing and any accommodations as the consumer adjusts to the position. The volunteer specialist maintains communication with the consumer, volunteer site and case manager, as needed. The goal is to place all interested consumers in fulfilling volunteer jobs in order to maintain a productive focus and to give back to their communities. Often this is a stepping-stone to returning to work.

Speaker’s Bureau

Would you like to tell your story and inspire others? The Award-winning Speaker’s Bureau offers this opportunity. The mission of the group is to educate the community on brain injury while inspiring and motivating their audiences. They meet monthly and with assistance as needed, develop speeches, practice on one another and speak at various venues, including high schools, nursing homes, universities, rehab center, etc. In 2005, the Dunn Loring Rotary Club presented the Speakers Bureau with their annual outstanding volunteer award and was also nominated as outstanding adult volunteer group through Volunteer Fairfax.

PALS

What could be better than two people with similar interests having fun and supporting each other? This program provides opportunities for survivors of brain injury to connect with new people and socialize in the community. This is accomplished by pairing a survivor and a volunteer with similar interests.

Person-Centered Volunteering

This program offers volunteers the opportunity to work with a consumer one on one to accomplish a goal as decided by the consumer. Case Managers help consumers identify goals that work within a six month time period. Volunteers meet with consumers every week or every other week taking small steps toward the six month goal. Goals include learning healthy cooking, taking long walks, learning how to kayak, etc. The sky is the limit and this program teaches us all that with a little help, anything can be accomplished.

Eligibility

• Must be 18 years or older to volunteer.
• Must pass a criminal background check
• Must be able to manage your own self-care
• Must not be a threat to oneself or others
• Must be willing to make the commitment as designated for each program
• Must have a case manager at BIS to receive services through any of these programs.
• Must not have significant mental health history

Contact

Michelle Thyen, Director of Volunteer Programs, at 703-451-8881 for more information