HELPING HINTS FOR VOLUNTEERS

1.    Be a friend - a loving, caring friend - first. let your act of love be your

         witness. When people ask why you are helping them, feel free to tell

         them you want to share Christ's love with them because Christ loves

         you.

2.    Accept your vulnerability - Despite all the Love INC precautions,

         someone may try to take advantage of you.  Please alert Love INC

         if/when this happens.

    *    It is recommended to use first names only.

    *    Be cautious about divulging too much personal information.  Not

             everyone needs to know where you live, when you'll be out of

             town, ect.

3.    Use common sense - Do things in pairs.  Don't have women transport

         men alone or men transport women alone, ect.  Do not give your

         last name.

4.     Respond only to the need referred by Love INC.  If the client

         requests additional assistance, refer him/her back to Love INC.

    *    When providing transportation, you are not responsible for making any

             additional stops.  Please take the individual only to the original

             requested destination.

5.    Never give cash.  If there is an additional need, please refer them back

         to Love INC so we can verify the need.

6.     Maintain a confidential relationship with the client and respect

         his/her dignity.

7.    You are a volunteer of your church, not Love INC.  Feel free to

        invite clients to your church when appropriate.

8.    Let others know of the joy and fulfillment you find in serving

         others.  You can be a witness to the power of love and the value of

         Love INC in your church and community.

9.    Consider contacting clients at a later date, see how they are

         doing.  Perhaps the Lord would lead you into a longer term, caring

         relationship with this person.

10.    You may not be called to serve very often, but thanks for being

         available in case you are needed.

11.    You are part of the solution to unemployment and extensive cuts in

         government funding for helping service agencies.  You can make the

         critical difference between care and despair for those in need.  You can

         give personalized help and love in ways that can truly change lives in

         Christ's name.

12.    Our actions speak louder than our words.  We communicate Christ's

         love in caring, generous, and loving concern; and, when the need arises,

         we encourage you to share the Gospel with the person in need.

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