Volunteer Initiatives/Programs

Western Mental Health Institute

The Volunteer Services Department of Western Mental Health Institute is responsible for the development and overall coordination of all volunteer activities in the Institute. The Volunteer Services Department includes paid staff and community volunteers who believe the participation of volunteers in the Institute must be directly related to the needs of the Institute as well as meet the needs of participating volunteers. Volunteer Services is an integral part of the overall treatment process and requires that staff at every level understand and accept the role and function of the volunteer program. Participating volunteers must also understand and accept the Policies and Procedures of the Institute. The Volunteer Services Department’s major areas of focus are:

1. Recruitment, orientation, placement, training, and recognition of volunteers.
2. Assisting Institute staff in identifying appropriate Volunteer Services' needs.
3. Informing staff and community concerning Volunteer Services’ needs and activities.
4. Coordinating, receiving, recording, and distributing donations.
5. Maintaining all required records and reports on activities of volunteers.
6. Providing publicity that supports and enhances the Volunteer Services Program.
7. Maintain active participation in professional organizations and training.

The Volunteer Services Program at Western Mental Health Institute provides a vital contact with the community and offers a variety of volunteer opportunities that one may choose. Volunteers provide interaction, socialization, entertainment or other activities for the service recipients, provide staff support, inform the community of the Institute’s needs and programs, enhance the dignity and self-respect of the service recipients, and assist in the appropriate transition of the service recipients to the community.

Regular Groups (Church, religious, school, civic organizations, social clubs, etc.) provide visitation to the service recipients on a regular (weekly or monthly) basis. Groups provide activities such as games, bingo, music, short devotionals, movies, slide presentations, birthday parties, picnics, cookouts, concerts, holiday parties, etc.

Special Groups provide visitation on an occasional basis or present special programs. These groups provide the same type of activities as regular groups, provide support of an Institute activity, or provide a one time event such as a play, concert, trip, meal, tickets, or make a monetary donation, etc.

Individuals provide staff support, such as assisting Institute staff with a variety of duties in offices or departments. Volunteer may visit service recipients on an individual basis and/or may provide a specific skill that is needed.

Donors provide donations that are continually needed and the requests are varied and often unique.
Items provided include lotion, powder, deodorant, cologne, perfume, etc. for personal use by the service recipients, as well as magazines, newspaper subscriptions, new/used books, refreshments or other items for special occasions/events. Monetary donations are always needed and may be given for Service Recipients’ Canteen Funds, Christmas Fund, or other needs throughout the year.

Other donations include:

Passes/tickets: sporting events, concerts, plays, movies, fairs, etc.

Clothing :new items of all kinds/used items as requested.

Project Santa: Each Christmas “Santa” provides a special gift for each service recipient through donations of items and/or monetary donations.

Holidays: There are many ways that volunteers can participate.

For more information contact the Volunteer Services Department at 731-228-2151.