Guidebook for Volunteer Services (2) - JIRDC Home
Guidebook for Volunteer Services (2) - JIRDC Home
Guidebook for Volunteer Services (2) - JIRDC Home
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<strong>Guidebook</strong><br />
A guide <strong>for</strong> homes and departments <strong>for</strong><br />
accessing the resources of the <strong>Volunteer</strong><br />
<strong>Services</strong> Department.
Introduction<br />
In this guidebook you will find the answers to frequently asked questions about utilizing the services<br />
and programs offered by the <strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong> Department at J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center.<br />
Some in<strong>for</strong>mation contained in this document you will already know well. Other in<strong>for</strong>mation may<br />
be new.<br />
We hope this document will be of help to you. Here are a few general “rules of thumb” that may be of<br />
help to you:<br />
• Each home on campus has a member of the <strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong> staff assigned as a primary contact.<br />
This is the person you should call <strong>for</strong> any needs or requests. If this person is unavailable, or unable<br />
to help, another member of the staff will assist.<br />
• Blair Ellis Lynn Doll Paige Pitts<br />
Mulberry Ash Senior Corps Programs:<br />
Poplar Willow Foster Grandparent<br />
Maple Cedar View Senior Companion<br />
Evergreen Pine<br />
South Cedar Mimosa<br />
Hemlock<br />
Spruce<br />
Birch<br />
Elm<br />
• In general, requests to the <strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong> Department should be made by the department manager,<br />
home coordinator or social worker.<br />
• <strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong> is always open to new ideas. Please call us with your ideas and we’ll try to help.<br />
Table of Contents<br />
Page Item<br />
Internal Activities<br />
4 Requests <strong>for</strong> Resident Monetary Assistance<br />
4 Pandora’s Box<br />
4 Requests <strong>for</strong> Monetary Assistance <strong>for</strong><br />
Projects<br />
5 Donations<br />
Resident Support/<strong>Volunteer</strong>s<br />
7 Sponsorship<br />
8 Volunteen Program<br />
9 Individual <strong>Volunteer</strong>s<br />
10 Senior Corps <strong>Volunteer</strong>s<br />
Page Item<br />
Resident Support/Others<br />
11 Students and Interns<br />
12 Hilltop Parents and Friends Association Fund<br />
Raisers<br />
Special Events<br />
13 ArtFest<br />
14 Christmas Parade<br />
16 Gold Wing Road Riders Christmas Party<br />
3
Requests <strong>for</strong> Resident Monetary Assistance<br />
Monetary assistance <strong>for</strong> residents with limited account balances is provided when other sources of support<br />
are not available. The <strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong> Department will try to meet the needs of residents by<br />
offering items from Pandora’s Box, contacting sponsors <strong>for</strong> additional support, or transferring from the<br />
donated money in the Joy Fund.<br />
If you have a resident in need of additional funds the home coordinator or social worker should contact<br />
the <strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong> Department staff member assigned to your home. A determination of need will<br />
be made between that person and the staff member. Money is transferred directly to the resident’s account.<br />
In general, monetary assistance is not provided to fund resident vacations.<br />
Money <strong>for</strong> clothing assistance is provided by the Business Office <strong>for</strong> indigent residents. In unusual circumstances<br />
additional support may be available from <strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong>, but the Business Office<br />
should be contacted first. Likewise, requests <strong>for</strong> therapeutic devices should first be requested through<br />
other sources be<strong>for</strong>e seeking assistance through <strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong>.<br />
Transfer of funds is most often requested at Christmas time, but requests at other times will be considered.<br />
A $20 transfer is currently available <strong>for</strong> residents with limited account balances at the time of<br />
their birthdays. This must be requested by the home if needed.<br />
The ability to assist residents in these ways is contingent on the availability of funds.<br />
Pandora’s Box<br />
Pandora’s Box, located at the corner of the second entrance to the Center, is a depository <strong>for</strong> items donated<br />
by the community <strong>for</strong> resident use.<br />
Items available generally include new and gently worn clothing, toiletries, toys and games. We will<br />
occasionally receive items of general interest to the homes such as DVD players or other larger items.<br />
Pandora’s Box items are available to all residents. <strong>Home</strong> coordinators are asked to use judgment in requesting<br />
items <strong>for</strong> those with substantial account balances.<br />
To access Pandora's Box the home coordinator or social worker should contact the <strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong><br />
Coordinator assigned to the home. Any member of the staff may come to select items.<br />
Requests <strong>for</strong> Monetary Assistance <strong>for</strong> Projects<br />
A limited amount of funding is available to provide assistance <strong>for</strong> campus or area-wide activities. Department<br />
managers should contact the <strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong> Department to determine if funds can be<br />
made available <strong>for</strong> the proposed project or event. Traditional sources of funding (if any) should be pursued<br />
prior to contacting <strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong>.<br />
The ability to assist departments in these ways is contingent on the availability of funds.<br />
4
Donations<br />
The J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center encourages and accepts donations from individuals<br />
and groups <strong>for</strong> the purpose of supporting the activities and events of the Center and individual needs of<br />
residents. These donations are receipted through the Cashier’s Office in accordance with Center policy<br />
and practice. Withdrawal procedures from resident accounts are detailed in Policy # 1.2.6. Withdrawals<br />
from the <strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong> account (6701) must be approved by <strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong> staff.<br />
Pre-Donation<br />
All staff involved with advising, receiving or directing general donations should be educated and aware<br />
of donation options available. Currently, these are:<br />
• Donation to J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center in <strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong> account (6701), also<br />
called the Joy Fund. These funds are designated <strong>for</strong> the benefit of the residents. In addition to the<br />
general <strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong> account, sub-accounts are set up <strong>for</strong> each <strong>JIRDC</strong> home or department<br />
receiving designated contribution.<br />
• Donations to J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center designated <strong>for</strong> individual resident accounts<br />
(0801).<br />
• Donations to the Enola Group home incentive funds. These funds are designated <strong>for</strong> the use of staff<br />
and residents <strong>for</strong> activities and other purposes. These funds may be directed to specific homes.<br />
• Donations to the Enola Group <strong>for</strong> memorials are placed in the Covenant Center (chapel) fund,<br />
unless donor specifies another purpose.<br />
Questions that arise when advising a potential donor on donation options should be directed to the <strong>Volunteer</strong><br />
<strong>Services</strong> Director at J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center or to the Executive Director of the<br />
Enola Group.<br />
Donations to the J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center and the Enola Group are tax deductible.<br />
Donation<br />
All monetary donations coming in to the Center via mail or third party will be routed to the <strong>Volunteer</strong><br />
<strong>Services</strong> office. <strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong> staff will record all donations in their donations database, generating<br />
a receipt as well as an acknowledgement on behalf of the resident/department or home.<br />
• All monies are taken to the Cashier’s Office <strong>for</strong> deposit, along with an Allocated Funds Report indicating<br />
donation amount, account and account number in which the monies are to be deposited.<br />
• Cashier receipts the donation and deposits it into the appropriate account.<br />
• Original receipt is given to <strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong> Department by Cashier.<br />
• Thank you letters are generated, signed by appropriate <strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong> staff and mailed to the<br />
donor. If requested by the donor or deemed advisable, the donor is added to the <strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong><br />
5
(VS) Center Stage Mailing List.<br />
• All cash donations delivered by the donor should go directly to the Cashier, who then notifies <strong>Volunteer</strong><br />
<strong>Services</strong> of this deposit.<br />
• Cashier will receipt the donation and deposit in the indicated account. Cashier will call and/or fax a<br />
copy of the receipt to <strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong>. This contribution is recorded in the donation data base<br />
and an acknowledgement is sent.<br />
• If any individual other than <strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong> staff, write a thank you note this should be noted in<br />
an email to <strong>Volunteer</strong>.<strong>Services</strong>@jirdc.org or by calling 433-2614. This is to assure the donor does<br />
get credit <strong>for</strong> the donation but does not receive multiple acknowledgements.<br />
All in-kind donations (donations of goods or services) should be routed through the <strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong><br />
Department whenever possible. These include sponsor gifts that come directly to the resident whether<br />
delivered by the sponsor, U.S. mail or another method.<br />
• When in-kind donations are made directly to a home or department it is the responsibility of the<br />
home or department to notify the <strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong> Department (at the time of the donation) of<br />
the gift, the donor and the donor address, as well as the estimated value of the donation. Notification<br />
may be made in writing via e-mail or campus mail. A “Record of Donation” <strong>for</strong>m can be found<br />
on the <strong>Volunteer</strong> Service web page under the “Forms” button.<br />
• If an individual other than <strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong> staff will write thank you note this should be noted<br />
on in<strong>for</strong>mation sent to <strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong>, otherwise, appropriate <strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong> staff will<br />
write a thank you note to the donor.<br />
Withdrawal of Donated Funds from <strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong> Account<br />
<strong>Home</strong>s or departments wishing to access funds from the 6701 account (Joy Fund) must request authorization<br />
from the <strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong> Department.<br />
• For amounts of $100 or less the <strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong> Coordinator or <strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong> Director can<br />
authorize the withdrawal. For amounts over $100 the <strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong> Director must authorize<br />
the withdrawal.<br />
• Purchase order requests must be appropriately signed by the home staff, then authorized by the appropriate<br />
<strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong> staff member as above. <strong>Home</strong> will then take P.O. request to Purchasing<br />
Department.<br />
• Requests <strong>for</strong> transfer of funds to resident accounts may be made by email to the appropriate <strong>Volunteer</strong><br />
<strong>Services</strong> staff member. The staff member will <strong>for</strong>ward the email to the Budget Office, including<br />
authorization. Remember to password protect document attachments that give residents’ full<br />
names.<br />
6
Sponsorship<br />
Groups and individuals are always needed to sponsor residents at J. Iverson Riddle Developmental<br />
Center. Anyone interested in the sponsorship program should contact the <strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong> Office.<br />
Sponsors are asked to make an initial and annual donation of $24.00 or more. This is deposited directly<br />
into the resident’s account.<br />
Prior to assignment the resident’s guardian must sign an Authorization to Disclose Health In<strong>for</strong>mation<br />
document. This is usually completed by the social worker with a copy being placed in the individual’s<br />
home record, a copy going to <strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong> Department and the original being sent to Resident<br />
Records.<br />
The <strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong> Department will supply the sponsor with background in<strong>for</strong>mation on the resident,<br />
including his or her name, clothing sizes and particular needs. The sponsor is instructed to keep<br />
confidential all in<strong>for</strong>mation received about residents (including the resident's last name).<br />
Sponsors are encouraged to remember their residents on birthdays and other special occasions with<br />
cards, gifts, visits, or parties. Sponsors are also encouraged to participate in Christmas <strong>for</strong> the residents<br />
by sending gifts or providing money <strong>for</strong> Christmas purchases.<br />
Visits and parties may be arranged by sponsors. Sponsors have been instructed to contact the <strong>Volunteer</strong><br />
<strong>Services</strong> Department to set up these activities, but often will contact the home directly. All visits and<br />
parties should be supervised by a <strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong> staff member and/or a home staff member. <strong>Home</strong><br />
staff should contact the <strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong> Coordinator in advance if the coordinator is needed to help<br />
facilitate the sponsor visit.<br />
Photographs of residents cannot be taken by the sponsor unless prior authorization is received from the<br />
resident's parent or guardian.<br />
Sponsors are instructed that all letters, cards, or gifts sent through the mail should be addressed to <strong>Volunteer</strong><br />
<strong>Services</strong> so that the donation can be properly recorded be<strong>for</strong>e being delivered to the resident. If a<br />
gift or card comes directly to the home the staff member receiving the gift should notify <strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong><br />
via email or campus mail.<br />
The <strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong> Department should be notified as soon as possible if there are any problems or<br />
questions. The <strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong> Coordinator responsible <strong>for</strong> each area will provide a list of current<br />
sponsor matches to home coordinators or social workers upon request.<br />
7
Volunteen Program<br />
The Volunteen Program was created in 1964 to provide young people a summer service- learning experience<br />
in the human service field.<br />
Youth that are accepted into the program can participate as direct care or indirect care Volunteens. A<br />
direct care Volunteen will work directly with the residents. An indirect Volunteen will generally work<br />
as an office assistant. Young people interested in participating in the program must be at least 12 years<br />
old and/or rising seventh graders.<br />
The program begins in June and lasts <strong>for</strong> eight weeks. An email request is generally sent in the<br />
Spring of each year asking homes and departments to participate by hosting one or more Volunteens.<br />
The <strong>Volunteer</strong> Coordinator responsible <strong>for</strong> the Volunteen Program will work with each area to determine<br />
appropriate placement and schedule <strong>for</strong> the assigned teens.<br />
Supervisors of each Volunteen will receive a supervisor’s handbook that outlines the policies and procedures<br />
<strong>for</strong> this program. Each youth, upon acceptance, will participate in a mandatory orientation that<br />
will in<strong>for</strong>m him or her of responsibilities and teach the necessary skills to per<strong>for</strong>m assigned tasks.<br />
With any questions or comments concerning this program, please contact the Volunteen Coordinator at<br />
433-2614.<br />
8
Individual <strong>Volunteer</strong>s<br />
Managers are responsible <strong>for</strong> insuring that all volunteer activities are effectively administered by planning<br />
<strong>for</strong> volunteer involvement, assigning appropriate supervision, and insuring that volunteer accomplishments<br />
are communicated to the <strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong> Department.<br />
It is the responsibility of the <strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong> Department staff to insure that volunteers receive appropriate<br />
screening and orientation. It is the responsibility of the supervisor and manager to assure that<br />
volunteers receive adequate training <strong>for</strong> specific tasks. <strong>Volunteer</strong>s who are unable to adequately per<strong>for</strong>m<br />
assigned tasks despite appropriate supervision and training or who do not adhere to goals, policies<br />
and procedures of the Center should be referred to the <strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong> Department <strong>for</strong> further orientation,<br />
reassignment or dismissal.<br />
<strong>Volunteer</strong>s’ rights include:<br />
• Meaningful assignments<br />
• Appropriate orientation and training<br />
• Regular communication with staff<br />
• Recognition of service<br />
<strong>Volunteer</strong>s’ responsibilities include:<br />
• Knowing and following rules regarding abuse, neglect and exploitation of residents<br />
• Respecting resident privacy<br />
• Following the schedule that has been negotiated<br />
• Receiving and following directions from assigned supervisor<br />
• Updating training to meet continuing and upgraded needs of assignment<br />
• Respecting residents’ rights as defined by <strong>JIRDC</strong> (listed in all homes and included in volunteer<br />
packet)<br />
Timesheets are to be submitted on a monthly basis by volunteers. The volunteers are responsible <strong>for</strong><br />
completion and timely submission of these records. Blank timesheets are available on the <strong>Volunteer</strong><br />
<strong>Services</strong> Department’s web page by clicking on the “Forms” button.<br />
The <strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong> Department maintains a resident priority list <strong>for</strong> volunteer involvement. Contact<br />
your <strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong> Coordinator to check on a resident’s status on the list. Un<strong>for</strong>tunately, there<br />
are not enough one-to-one volunteers to fill all requests.<br />
Anyone wishing to apply to be a volunteer will:<br />
1. Submit an application to the <strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong> Department (available on the <strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong><br />
web page in the Forms section).<br />
2. Be screened through reference checks and/or criminal background checks, as appropriate.<br />
3. Be interviewed by a member of the <strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong> staff to determine if an appropriate placement<br />
is available. Assignment will follow, with the consent of the home or department manager.<br />
4. Be provided with appropriate general orientation, and orientation to the placement site.<br />
9
Senior Corps <strong>Volunteer</strong>s<br />
Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion volunteers provide support to individuals both on campus<br />
and in outreach stations. Foster Grandparents serve in Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba and<br />
McDowell Counties. Senior Companions serve in Burke and Caldwell Counties.<br />
<strong>Volunteer</strong>s in both programs must meet the following guidelines to be enrolled:<br />
• Must be 55 years of age or older and determined by a physical examination to be capable of serving<br />
children with exceptional or special needs, or senior adults, without detriment to him- or herself or<br />
the people served, and be willing to accept supervision as required.<br />
• Have an acceptable response to required reference/criminal background checks.<br />
• In order to receive a stipend the volunteer must meet legislatively set income guidelines.<br />
• Once enrolled, a Foster Grandparent or Senior Companion shall remain eligible to serve and receive<br />
a stipend as long as their total income does not exceed prescribed Corporation <strong>for</strong> National<br />
and Community Service income eligibility by more than 20%.<br />
• Over-income persons may be enrolled as non-stipend volunteers and may serve 20 hours a week.<br />
• Senior Corps volunteers must provide their own transportation to and from their service sites.<br />
Benefits <strong>for</strong> Foster Grandparents and Senior Companions:<br />
• Stipend of $2.65/hour<br />
• Transportation reimbursement<br />
• Meals when at site serving congregate meals<br />
• Physical/TB test provided annually at <strong>JIRDC</strong><br />
• Accident insurance while in service<br />
• Recognition<br />
• Training<br />
Service Areas <strong>for</strong> Foster Grandparents:<br />
• J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center (New assignments only to those who have been served in<br />
the past or who are age 21 or younger.)<br />
• Preschools<br />
• Public Schools<br />
Service Areas <strong>for</strong> Senior Companions:<br />
• J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center (Primarily <strong>for</strong> senior adult residents.)<br />
• <strong>Home</strong> care assignments<br />
To apply to be a Senior Corps <strong>Volunteer</strong>:<br />
Contact the Senior Corps office (438-6546) to receive an application <strong>for</strong>m and make an appointment<br />
<strong>for</strong> an initial interview. All interested applicants who meet the eligibility criteria stated above are welcome.<br />
To apply <strong>for</strong> a Foster Grandparent or Senior Companion <strong>for</strong> a resident:<br />
Check with your assigned volunteer coordinator to be sure your resident is on the priority list <strong>for</strong> Senior<br />
Corps Service. All Foster Grandparents and Senior Companion Supervisors are responsible <strong>for</strong> supervision<br />
and evaluation of service volunteers. Assistance from Senior Corps staff is available as needed.<br />
As stated above, only residents who have previously received Foster Grandparent care qualify <strong>for</strong><br />
FGP care, or those residents under the age of 21 years. Senior Companions primarily serve senior<br />
adult residents. All senior adult residents are eligible.<br />
10
Students and Interns<br />
Students and interns are welcomed at the Center, as a way to increase the competencies of professionals<br />
working in the field of developmental disabilities. The Center also looks <strong>for</strong> ways to develop individuals<br />
who may become potential employees, providing the highest quality of care <strong>for</strong> persons associated<br />
with the agency.<br />
Steps to Becoming an Intern:<br />
1. Contact appropriate department head at <strong>JIRDC</strong> within internship interest area.<br />
2. Negotiate guidelines concerning an internship.<br />
3. Complete and return a “Service Learning-Intern Application” through the <strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong><br />
Department. It is suggested that the application be submitted at least 30 days in advance of the<br />
desired start date to insure that the entire application process is complete by that time.<br />
4. Interns are required to have current TB test results. Special circumstances will be evaluated on<br />
a case by case basis.<br />
5. Intern will be provided with an “Intern/Student” ID badge through the Business Office.<br />
6. Internship hours should be recorded on a “<strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong> Time Sheet” and submitted to<br />
<strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong> Department at the end of each month. A copy of a college or university’s<br />
intern time record will be accepted in lieu of the Center’s <strong>for</strong>m.<br />
Senior Project Participants:<br />
1. Contact appropriate employee at <strong>JIRDC</strong> within area of interest.<br />
2. Negotiate guidelines concerning the senior project.<br />
3. Complete and return a “Service Learning-Intern Application” through the <strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong><br />
Department.<br />
4. Depending on the amount of time that will be spent on campus and the activity to be per<strong>for</strong>med,<br />
a student may or may not be required to have a TB test. Each situation will be evaluated on a<br />
case by case basis.<br />
5. The student’s mentor will be assigned as a supervisor during the senior project period.<br />
6. Student will be issued an ID badge through the Business Office.<br />
7. <strong>Volunteer</strong> hours are to be recorded on a “<strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong> Time Sheet” and submitted to <strong>Volunteer</strong><br />
<strong>Services</strong> Department at the end of each month<br />
11
Hilltop Parents and Friends Association Fundraisers<br />
The Hilltop Parents and Friends Association is a group of family and friends of residents from the<br />
Summit area at the J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center. The association was incorporated in 1978.<br />
They meet periodically to plan events and work in cooperation with the staff to enhance the lives of<br />
their loved ones. They are a separate entity from the J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center. The<br />
Summit Social Work Staff is the liaison to help support the association’s needs.<br />
The association has several fundraisers each year. The major fundraiser is an extensive Yard Sale that<br />
is usually held in April or May. The other fundraiser occurs during the Christmas season when one of<br />
the mothers of a Summit Resident makes a quilt. Staff from the J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center<br />
sells tickets across campus and family members also sell tickets in the community to raffle the quilt.<br />
The association uses the monies raised from the fundraisers <strong>for</strong> special resident needs and a Summit<br />
Christmas Party. At the Christmas Party, the winner of the quilt is announced and other items are also<br />
auctioned to raise additional funds.<br />
In regards to the Yard Sale, the Summit Social Work and <strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong> Staff assist the association<br />
in coordinating the event. Staff from the entire J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center is encouraged<br />
to either donate or purchase items at the Yard Sale.<br />
Details of the Yard Sale are as follows:<br />
• The Summit Social Work and <strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong> Staff assists in coordinating the Annual Yard<br />
Sale Fundraiser event <strong>for</strong> the Hilltop Parents and Friends Association.<br />
• All monies collected are managed by the Hilltop Parents and Friends Association and are used<br />
to provide special resident needs and a Summit Christmas Party.<br />
• The Yard Sale is usually held over a three-day period during the week. The first day is a staff<br />
pre-sale and is not open to the public. The last two days are open to everyone.<br />
• All donations given to the association <strong>for</strong> the Yard Sale are tax-deductible.<br />
• The Yard Sale is an event that is conducted with the cooperation of both the J. Iverson Riddle<br />
Developmental Center and the Hilltop Parents and Friends Association.<br />
12
ArtFest<br />
ArtFest is an annual competition sponsored by the General Federation of Woman’s Clubs of North<br />
Carolina and is usually held in February and March.<br />
The <strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong> Department, along with the Creative Therapy and Vocational Enrichment Departments,<br />
coordinates the collection of arts and crafts to be entered into the General Federation of<br />
Woman’s Clubs of NC ArtFest competitions. These competitions contain visual art pieces along with<br />
various crafts created by youth and adults from public schools, special education schools and North<br />
Carolina State facilities <strong>for</strong> developmentally disabled individuals. The winners from the Woman’s<br />
Club District levels in February will proceed to compete again with all of the NC Districts in the State<br />
Competition that is held in March.<br />
After the competitions have been completed, there is an awards ceremony and reception hosted by<br />
Creative Therapy, Vocational Enrichment and <strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong>. The ceremony is usually held at the<br />
Center and all of the participants and their families, the General Federation of Woman’s Clubs of NC<br />
sponsors and J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center employees are invited. The art is displayed and<br />
awards are presented to each of the participants at the reception.<br />
Preparations and details <strong>for</strong> ArtFest are outlined below:<br />
• Preparations and collection of Visual Art and Craft pieces <strong>for</strong> ArtFest begin the last week of<br />
December. Contact is made to <strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong> if there is a piece of resident’s artwork a<br />
staff member would like to have submitted. The artwork needs to have been created within the<br />
previous 12 months.<br />
• Woman’s Club members who want to sponsor ArtFest entries call in January and make this request<br />
on behalf of their club.<br />
• Each club will have 6 pieces of arts/crafts. They will have 3 pieces of visual arts and 3 crafts.<br />
Each grouping will be labeled into 3 categories consisting of Life, Liberty and Happiness. In<br />
other words, each club will have one visual art in the category <strong>for</strong> Life, one <strong>for</strong> Liberty and one<br />
<strong>for</strong> Happiness. The same ensemble is required <strong>for</strong> the craft grouping.<br />
• Creative Therapy coordinates the visual arts, mattes them and assigns titles.<br />
• Vocational Enrichment coordinates the crafts.<br />
• <strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong> collects the arts and crafts from Creative Therapy, Vocational Enrichment<br />
and South Mountain Crafts.<br />
• In order to use the participant’s full name on the entry <strong>for</strong>ms, verbal and written consent is required<br />
due to HIPAA regulations. The consent is obtained by the participant’s social worker<br />
and communicated to <strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong>.<br />
• After consent is granted, the art is released to the General Federation of Woman’s Club’s Chair<br />
who is responsible <strong>for</strong> securing the items and delivering them to the competitions.<br />
• <strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong> assists with any needs and attends the competitions if possible.<br />
• Creative Therapy usually frames the visual art pieces that win in the district competitions be<strong>for</strong>e<br />
proceeding to the state competition <strong>for</strong> a better presentation.<br />
• The awards ceremony and reception is normally held in April or May on the Center’s Campus<br />
and is coordinated by Creative Therapy, Vocational Enrichment, and <strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong>.<br />
• The arts and crafts are displayed at the ceremony and it is usually held in the evening so it is<br />
easier <strong>for</strong> everyone to attend.<br />
• Each participant is presented a certificate and monetary award that is provided by the General<br />
Federation of Woman’s Clubs of NC Chair and <strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong>.<br />
• All of the art and craft pieces are given back to the participants after the ceremony.<br />
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Christmas Parade<br />
The J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center’s annual Christmas Parade is held the first Thursday after<br />
Thanksgiving. <strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong> coordinates the parade along with a committee that consists of representatives<br />
from several <strong>JIRDC</strong> Departments. The committee also contains members from Broughton<br />
Police, Morganton Department of Public Safety, REACT, Burke County Sheriffs Department and NC<br />
State Highway Patrol who assist with traffic and security issues. The committee begins meeting in<br />
September, but <strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong> plans <strong>for</strong> the parade all year. <strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong> will decide on an<br />
inclement weather date according to other Center activities when the calendar is planned at the beginning<br />
of the year.<br />
A parade theme is decided upon either by the committee or other Center employees and all plans are<br />
centered around the theme. There are usually well over 100 entries divided into categories including<br />
floats, marching bands, large vehicles, small vehicles and walking units. The parade has a Grand Marshall<br />
that is chosen by <strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong> and approved by the Director’s Office.<br />
The marching band entries are from the local high schools. Freedom, East Burke, Patton and Draughn<br />
High Schools are the Burke County Schools. The Grand Band winner from the previous year will be<br />
the lead band in the parade. The previous year’s lead band will move to the back, immediately preceding<br />
Santa.<br />
A parade announcement inviting Center employees to attend and participate is coordinated and sent out<br />
by <strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong>. Also, <strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong> coordinates the public announcement inviting the<br />
community to attend or participate. The parade has a vast number of participants from both the Center<br />
and public organizations from all surrounding counties. There is everything from fire trucks to homecoming<br />
queens. Also, mascots from local sport teams participate in the event. The parade line begins<br />
on the road below the Ash <strong>Home</strong> and proceeds around the perimeter of the Center campus, ending at<br />
the chapel/gym drive.<br />
Floats in the parade are either designed and created from within the Center or brought in from the community.<br />
<strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong> provides a small amount of money to each Center float participant to assist<br />
with decoration supplies. This money can be obtained at the Cashier’s Desk in the Administration<br />
Building after notification from <strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong> that it is available.<br />
There are several awards available <strong>for</strong> the parade participants to win. A judge committee consisting of<br />
citizens from the community selects the winning entries. The judges meet and score the entries based<br />
on specific criteria be<strong>for</strong>e the parade begins and the winners are announced during the parade as they<br />
pass by the podium in front of the Administration Building. The winners also receive prize money that<br />
is awarded by <strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong>. The prize money is available at the Cashier’s Desk after notification<br />
from <strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong>.<br />
The parade is a very special day <strong>for</strong> everyone at the Center and almost everyone participates in some<br />
way. It is truly a highlight of the Christmas season <strong>for</strong> both the residents and community. Several<br />
thousand people attend the event and along with the Christmas lights, it is the largest event of the year.<br />
It is a wonderful occasion that brings the Center and community together like no other annual event.<br />
Preparations and details regarding the Christmas Parade are as follows:<br />
• The parade date will be the first Thursday after Thanksgiving and <strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong> will de-<br />
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cide the inclement weather date.<br />
• There will be a parade announcement of the theme, date of the parade, and award specifications<br />
sent out to all Center employees by <strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong>. Entry <strong>for</strong>ms are sent to all homes and<br />
departments in October.<br />
• In October, <strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong> will also mail out the public announcement and invitations to<br />
attend or participate in the parade.<br />
• Categories include: Band, Float, Horses, Large Vehicle, Small Vehicle, Walking Unit, and<br />
Other (must specify).<br />
• The deadline <strong>for</strong> the entry <strong>for</strong>m will usually be the first or second week in November.<br />
• If duplicate float entry plans have been received, <strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong> may ask the representative<br />
of the most recent <strong>for</strong>m received to change their entry. This will avoid duplication and give<br />
each entry a better chance of winning an award.<br />
• <strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong> monitors all entries and has the right to deny an entry if it is inappropriate.<br />
• The entry confirmations will be mailed out after the deadline.<br />
• The confirmations will contain in<strong>for</strong>mation regarding parade day, a map, set up time, set up location<br />
and safety requirements.<br />
• There will be a headquarters tent set up on the perimeter road near the Director’s Office on parade<br />
day to assist with all set ups and questions.<br />
• Throwing candy is absolutely prohibited. All candies must be individually wrapped and<br />
handed to spectators. This is a safety rule put in place to protect residents, parade participants,<br />
and spectators who may dart into the road to pick up candy.<br />
• Broughton Police, Morganton Department of Public Safety, REACT, Burke County Sheriffs<br />
Department and NC State Highway Patrol handle the traffic flow coming in and out of the Center.<br />
• Any questions, concerns, or ideas regarding the parade are welcomed throughout the year,<br />
please do not hesitate to contact <strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong>.<br />
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Gold Wing Road Riders Christmas Party<br />
The Gold Wing Road Riders is an association of motorcycle riders that have been holding a Christmas<br />
banquet at this Center since 1993. Their main purpose <strong>for</strong> holding this banquet is to support our residents<br />
by bringing gifts and donations that last year round.<br />
The party is generally held in the gym on the first Saturday in December. The Gold Wing Association<br />
usually will invite one resident and staff member from each home to join them in this event. The determination<br />
of the resident and staff member to participate will be at the discretion of each home coordinator<br />
following notification of this event by <strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Services</strong>. (Please note, this is one resident from<br />
each home, not each side or each apartment.)<br />
The event begins <strong>for</strong> residents at 11:00 when the Gold Wing members hold a parade of motorcycles<br />
around campus <strong>for</strong> all residents to enjoy. The 15 residents and 15 staff who have been selected by<br />
homes then proceed to the gym where lunch is provided, a short program is given, and gifts are distributed<br />
to all residents in attendance. The party usually ends about 1:30.<br />
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