Volunteer Agreement & Information Packet

Volunteer Agreement & Information Packet

Thank you for your interest in serving with Hope Faith Ministries!

Hope Faith Ministries is a non-profit, non-denominational, faith-based ministry serving the homeless and less fortunate in Kansas City. It is our mission to equip and empower those we serve to be self-sustained and independent. With your help, we can break the cycle of homelessness in our community.

We simply could not provide the services we do without faithful volunteers like you. From serving in the kitchen to leading a class or Bible study, every service you provide to this ministry directly impacts our clients. Volunteers breathe life and energy into the lives of our clients, interns and staff. It is our sincere hope that you are blessed by this experience and that you enjoy your time spent serving with us.

Please take some time to read our Volunteer Guidelines and complete our Volunteer Agreement and Liability Waiver before you arrive at the center. These Guidelines are in place to ensure your safety as well as an enjoyable experience while at Hope Faith Ministries. There is also additional information about things to expect when you arrive such as dress code and parking information. At the end of your experience, we also hope that you will take a few minutes to fill out a brief, anonymous survey to tell us how we are doing. You will find these surveys at the front desk as you exit. Any feedback is appreciated as we continually seek to make this the best experience possible for our volunteers!

You will find contact information below for our Volunteer Coordinator. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns before or during your time at Hope Faith Ministries. Thank you again, and we look forward to serving with you!

Cristi Smith Volunteer and New Beginnings Coordinator Hope Faith Ministries (816) 471-4673 ext. 112 cristi@

Volunteer Guidelines

These guidelines have been established to ensure your safety and a positive experience as a volunteer. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

Dress Code

NOTE: If you do not adhere to the dress code, you will be asked to please change your attire before serving with us, so please be mindful of our policies with regards to dress code prior to arriving.

Shoulders, cleavage, midriff, thighs, and feet are to be covered at all times within Hope Faith Ministries.

Unacceptable Attire: ? Flip Flops or Sandals (closed toe shoes only) ? Shorts or skirts any shorter than 2" above the knee, Spandex, Lycra, Tights, or form-

fitting materials ? Low cut tops, tube tops, tank tops, halter tops, spaghetti straps ? Midriff length tops ? Beach wear ? Evening wear ? Clothing containing and/or promoting violence, offensive words, logos, or pictures

(drugs, alcohol, sexuality, gangs, or hate) ? Provocative Attire

Age Requirements Volunteers must meet a minimum age requirement of 5 years of age unless you have received specific pre-approval from the Volunteer Coordinator. Any volunteers under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times. If you are between the ages of 12 ? 17, you must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times. For any volunteers under age 18, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator to determine which activities may be most appropriate.

Appropriate Client Interaction The clients of Hope Faith Ministries are all unique and come from varied backgrounds. While the demographic we serve may be former pastors, college graduates, and individuals coming out of the suburbs, we also see ex-felons, sexual offenders, addicts, etc.

Clients are to be treated with respect and dignity at all times. If you experience conflict with a client or observe inappropriate behavior or anything that causes you to feel uncomfortable, please find a staff member immediately to resolve the issue. Never allow

yourself to be drawn into an argument with interns or clients. Please remain calm, understanding that our clients are under a great deal of stress. Profanity will not be accepted when working with clients, interns, staff or other volunteers.

Demonstrate empathy and active listening to our clients. Do not make decisions for them. Refer clients to staff members for questions or assistance.

We encourage you to spend time getting to know our clients, but we ask that you safeguard your personal information and safety in the process. Please do not exchange personal information (such as your address, phone number, email address, etc) or transport or meet privately with clients outside of the safety of Hope Faith Ministries.

It is important to remember that we are all here as volunteers and staff to support and help our interns and clients move forward in their lives and gain a successful, independent lifestyle. Although we encourage you to spend time investing in them, we ask that none of our volunteers date or have a romantic relationship with any of our clients or interns while serving at Hope Faith Ministries.

Due to the fact that we serve all types of families, including children, it is against our policies to allow anyone who has been charged as a sex offender to volunteer or do their community service at our facility for their protection.

Hope Faith Ministries is a drug and weapons-free facility.

Donations Please do not give the clients or interns any direct donations, including currency, as it has the potential to fund lifestyles not conducive to Hope Faith Ministries' standards. Hope Faith Ministries has the capacity to provide the majority of relief a client needs. Refer clients to staff members or interns if they express any unmet needs. Interns at Hope Faith Ministries are taken care of by the ministry, and will not require any direct donations. Refer interns to staff members if they express any unmet needs. If you feel the need to donate specifically to an intern, please give the donation to Hope Faith Ministries, designating who you wish the funds to go toward, and we will distribute the funds at an appropriate time.

Photographs We hope you remember your volunteer experience for a long time to come. You are welcome to take photographs of our facility and your group. Due to confidentiality, we ask that you not take photographs that include any of our clients' faces without their consent. Each intern may grant his or her permission to be included in your photos during your visit.

Personal Belongings We want to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable experience while you are here and we understand that it may be necessary to bring some items with you. We do not have an area for volunteers to securely store their valuables or belongings. Please limit what you bring to items that you need during your time here and are able to keep on you. Hope Faith Ministries does not assume responsibility for loss, damage, or theft of personal property.

Staff Oversight If you or a client has any questions or concerns, please find one of the following staff members who oversee volunteers and client operations: Duane Skjervem, Executive Director Carla Brewer, Client Services Director Kentrel Miller, Security Director Jeff Lee, T.I.P. and Operations Director Joe George, Discipleship Director Cristi Smith, Volunteer and Donations Coordinator Terri Blanscett, Food and Nutrition Coordinator

Faithfulness to Your Commitment Be faithful to your commitment. If you are scheduled, please allow at least 24 hours notice if you need to cancel.

Your Volunteer Coordinator will contact your group 24-48 hours before your scheduled date to confirm the number in your party and go over last minute instructions. If the number of volunteers coming in your group changes before your arrival, please call us and let us know so we can adequately prepare for your visit.

Arrival When you arrive, please have each member of your group sign in at the front desk and complete the appropriate paperwork. A staff member will meet you there and then facilitate the needs of your group as you volunteer.

Food Donations You are welcome to bring non-perishable food donations with you on your visit. Unless prior arrangements have been made, please do not bring additional food for snacks in for our clients.

Location & Parking We are located on the Northeast side of downtown at 705 Virginia Avenue, Kansas City, MO, 64106. We are on the corner of Admiral Blvd. and Virginia Avenue. Please call (816) 471-4673 if you need directions.

Street parking is available near and around Hope Faith Ministries. Please do not park in the private lots as your car is likely to be towed. We strongly advise to stow all of

belongings out of site before arriving at Hope Faith Ministries. Items that you may consider of little value, may be considered of significant value for someone without.

Volunteer Waiver

This Release and Waiver of Liability (the "Release") is executed on the date as signed by (the "Volunteer") in favor of Hope Faith Ministries, Inc., a nonprofit corporation, their directors, officers, employees, interns, clients, other volunteers and agents (collectively "HFM").

The Volunteer desires to work as a volunteer for HFM and engage in the activities related to being a volunteer (the "Activities"). The Volunteer understands that the Activities may include heavy lifting, risk of personal injury, etc.

Release and Waiver Volunteer does hereby release and forever discharge and hold harmless HFM and its successors and assigns from any and all liability, claims, and demands of whatever kind or nature, either in law or in equity, which arise or may hereafter arise from Volunteer's Activities with HFM. Volunteer understands that this Release discharges HFM from any liability or claim that the Volunteer may have against HFM with respect to any bodily injury, personal injury, illness, death, or property damage that may result from Volunteer's Activities with HFM, whether caused by the negligence of HFM or its officers, directors, employees, or agents, or otherwise. Volunteer also understand that HFM does not assume any responsibility for or obligation to provide financial assistance or other assistance, including by not limited to medical, health, or disability insurance in the event of injury or illness.

Medical Treatment Volunteer does hereby release and forever discharge HFM from any claim whatsoever which arises or may hereafter arise on account of any first aid, treatment, or service rendered in connection with the Volunteer's Activities with HFM.

Assumption of Risk The Volunteer understands that the Activities include work that may be hazardous to the Volunteer, including, but not limited to heavy lifting, risk of personal injury, etc. Volunteer hereby expressly and specifically assumes the risk of injury or harm in the Activities and releases HFM from all liability for injury, illness, death or property damage resulting from the Activities.

Insurance The Volunteer understands that, except as otherwise agreed to by HFM in writing; HFM does not carry or maintain health, medical, or disability insurance coverage for a Volunteer.

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