Volunteers are the lifeblood of any non-profit organization, and the YWCA of Calgary is no exception. We would not be able to keep our doors open to vulnerable women without our dedicated and committed volunteers.
The basic needs store at YWCA Mary Dover House supportive housing program provides an excellent example of a program thriving thanks to the hard work of volunteers. The basic needs store offers hygiene products and non-perishable food items. We spoke to Trish Jasiewicz, YWCA Volunteer Coordinator, and Sheri Berkshire, YWCA Program Support Worker, to chat about the success of the program.
“The program has really taken off thanks to our amazing group of volunteers,” Sheri said. “We have a volunteer who has been with us faithfully since the beginning. She’s here every week. It’s comforting knowing volunteers like her are providing support to the program.”
Volunteers were invited to be a part of the evolution of the store, which aimed to make the distribution process more equitable. When the program was first implemented over a year ago, women at YWCA Mary Dover House were allowed to take five items each month.
“We wanted to find a way to do equal distribution for clients,” Sheri said. “Trish and I sat down and thought about how could we change this. We came up with the idea of doing ‘Mary Dover dollars.’ Since then it’s evolved into something really amazing.”
Short-term supportive housing clients are now given a card that represents $20 and can be used to ‘purchase’ items in the store. Volunteers were a crucial part of developing the process.
“It’s important to give volunteers the opportunity to think and create,” Trish said. “If you let them implement ideas, they understand how important they are to the success of the program. When we started the Mary Dover dollars idea, we were asking volunteers, ‘What do you think? How should we do this?’ A lot of the process was generated by volunteers as well, which gives them a sense of ownership.”
The new process ensures that not only are women supplied with basic needs, but they are also practicing crucial budgeting and planning skills.
In addition to the group of community volunteers, the store is supported by some YWCA client volunteers.
“It’s amazing to watch the clients thrive in their volunteer role,” Sheri said. “Often we will write a reference letter with the number of hours they volunteered in the store.”
In 2013, clients contributed more than 150 hours of volunteer time to assist with the store and support the community volunteers. The two groups working together are a magical team that is making a difference in the lives of women and incorporating one more component of a client’s journey toward a healthier and happier life.
“I came in glowing one night because I love our volunteers!” Trish said. “Volunteerism is really important and as a non-profit we need extra help. Our volunteers are so valuable and we’re always looking for more.”
