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Volunteer at Rosie’s Place!
November 19, 2013 @ 4:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Free
VOLUNTEERS AT ROSIE’S PLACE WITH SEISA!
Shift: Dinner (4:00pm to 7:30pm)
Opportunity: Catering
Date: Tuesday, November 19th
RSVP at Eventbrite link below.
WHAT IS CATERING?
Your group has chosen to sponsor the meal and the dining room staff will have the ingredients for a healthy nutritious meal here and ready to help put together with your group.
WHAT WILL I BE DOING?
Upon arriving at Rosie’s Place, head straight into the dining room — the women at the front desk can give you direction. A staff member or experienced volunteer will give you an overview and answer any questions. While here, volunteers may assist with the preparation of the meal, serving soup or working the counter where the women will ask for various items like soap and shampoo. Volunteers serve the meals and, provided that there is food left over, volunteers are invited to sit and have a meal with the women. After the meal, volunteers collect the dishes for the dishwasher, clean the tables, drain the coffee maker, etc.
DOES EVERYONE IN MY GROUP HAVE TO VOLUNTEER THE ENTIRE SHIFT?
The Dining Room Program’s ability to provide meals for 150 women is significantly impacted by volunteer’s late arrivals and early departures. All members of your group should plan on arriving at the start of the shift and plan on staying the entire time. If you find that your members are not able to make the entire shift, please let us know as soon as possible so we can work with you to identify another day or shift that works with everyone’s schedule.
HOW SHOULD I PREPARE?
Wear clothes that you are comfortable moving around in and which could possibly get dirty or wet and no open toes shoes. Unless you can pull your hair back in a pony tail, you will need to bring a baseball cap or other hat to wear while you are volunteering in the dining room. There is a small locker where volunteers can store valuables, but since space is limited and there may be many people using it, please refrain from bringing too much with you when you come.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?
Many of the women who come to Rosie’s Place, referred to as guests, are lonely and look forward to having somebody to talk to. Others may not want to talk and just want to be left alone. Don’t take this personally. Remember, many guests are dealing with difficult issues such as mental illness, substance abuse and hunger.
WHAT IS EXPECTED OF ME?
Volunteers are encouraged to be friendly and positive with guests, but to also maintain a respectful and professional relationship with them and to follow all Rosie’s Place policies and rules. Some rules may seem insignificant or strict, but understand they are in place to ensure that the women can relax and trust that they will always be treated consistently and fairly while they are here. To maintain a professional relationship with the Rosie’s Place guests, please follow these important rules:
Do not give guests money, gifts, cigarettes or rides or accept any of these things from guests.
Do not invite guests to your home or give out your address and/or phone number.
Do not promote religious causes or philosophies.
IS THE NEIGHBORHOOD SAFE?
As in any city neighborhood, caution should be exercised after dark. Volunteers taking public transportation often walk as a group to Mass Ave. after the dinner shift.
HOW ELSE CAN I HELP OUT?
Some groups do toiletry, food or book drives on behalf of Rosie’s Place. Other groups help by sponsoring special events, contributing through their corporate giving program, or buying Rosie’s Place crafts and holiday cards. To explore any of these opportunities or discuss other ways you may get more involved, contact the Volunteer Services Office by email or at (617) 318-0214.
GETTING TO ROSIE’S PLACE
Rosie’s Place is located at 889 Harrison Ave in Boston’s South End. The Rosie’s Place automated main number at 617-442-9322 also gives directions or visit www.rosiesplace.org
