Heart
to Heart is an organization of volunteers dedicated to helping people with
serious mental illness live fuller, happier lives.Welcome to Heart to Heart
Heart
to Heart is an organization of volunteers dedicated to helping people with
serious mental illness live fuller, happier lives.
Heart to Heart bridges the gap between the community at large and the population of consumers of mental health services by matching trained volunteers with people with mental illness. Individuals with mental illness, who might otherwise find themselves on the outskirts of society, forgotten and lonely, are beginning their integration back to society with the help of the Heart to Heart volunteers.
As a Heart to Heart volunteer, you will become a friend to someone with whom you can talk over a cup of coffee, or go shopping or to the park for a few hours of trusting companionship each week.
If you are interested in being a special friend to a person with mental illness, or can contribute in some other way, please read on.
What are the benefits of becoming a Heart to Heart volunteer?
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Helping someone whose illness has limited their options to lead a more fulfilling life through the simple act of friendship. |
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Guiding people whose lives may be limited to their
participation in mental health treatment to become more productive and
better integrated into our community. |
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Discovering your own ability to understand and empathize
with the needs and problems of others. |
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Having the opportunity to have and be a friend to someone special. |
How much time is involved in being a Heart to Heart volunteer?
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Volunteers spend two or three hours each week enjoying social activities or simply conversing with their friend. |
Will there be any out-of-pocket expenses for me?
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There is no charge to participate in the program or the training. Your expenses will be limited to your share of whatever activities you and your friend choose. |
Do I need any special skills?
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The only skills required are those needed to be a trustworthy friend. |
How long is the training process?
What is involved?
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Heart to Heart provides a six hour training course. For additional information please call the Coordinator of Volunteers at (520) 622-5582. |
What community resources are available to me as a mental health volunteer?
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Your training will include extensive information about the many community resources available for people working with individuals with mental illness. |
What kind of support can I expect from the Heart to Heart team?
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In addition to the training, you will be assigned a
supervisor that will be available to answer your individual questions and
make suggestions to facilitate your friendship. All volunteers will be |
From where will my prospective friend be referred?
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Heart to Heart is working with mental health providers, residential programs, and clubhouses run by consumers of behavioral health services to enlist participants who need a friend. |
*For more information, please contact Carol Swanson at (520) 622-5582 or cswanson@namisa.org.