 |
Children's Programs |
|
|
Rehabilitation Services |
|
|
Low Vision Care |
|
|
Staffing & Career Services |
|
|
Volunteer with Us! |
|
|
Employment at CLB |
 |
Donate Now! |
|
Become a Volunteer | Request a Volunteer | Tips for Volunteers | Volunteer Hours |
Request a Volunteer
Columbia
Lighthouse for the Blind (CLB) actively recruits volunteers in the
greater metropolitan Washington, DC region to provide assistance to
people who are blind or visually impaired.
Participants in the Readers & Friendly Visitors
Program are
adult volunteers who are matched one-on-one with blind or visually
impaired adults and senior citizens. Volunteers arrange weekly meetings with clients at their
homes or another mutually convenient location to assist with daily
activities, such as reading mail, grocery shopping or running
errands.
CLB receives several requests from individuals for volunteer assistance. Every attempt is made to find a volunteer for you within one month of your request; however, when there are no volunteers available to provide services, your name will be added to our wait list and you will be notified when someone is available.
Participants in the Phone-a-Friend Program are adult volunteers who are matched one-on-one with blind or visually impaired adults and senior citizens. Volunteers engage in weekly telephone conversations with clients to discuss current national events and topics.
To request a CLB Volunteer, the Volunteer Program Specialist must have a current and completed Client Information Sheet on file. This form is available online or can be obtained in large print or in Braille by contacting the Volunteer Office. For a copy of the Client Information Sheet, click here (word format) or contact the Volunteer Program Specialist at 202-454-6422.
Guidelines for Readers & Friendly Visitors
Please observe the following guidelines when a CLB Volunteer visits you in your home for services:
- Volunteers have been asked to contribute two to four hours per week. If you need additional assistance, please request a second volunteer.
- administer medications
- lend or accept money for their services
- provide financial advice
- provide psychological counseling
- perform heavy lifting
- clean
- mail letter, bills or other items
Guidelines for Phone a Friend
Please observe the following guidelines when a CLB Volunteer contacts you by phone:
- Volunteers have been asked to contact you by phone for conversational purposes. If you require face to face contact, please request a Reader and Friendly Visitor.
- In an effort to provide assistance to all individuals, there is a maximum of two volunteers per person. Special situations and circumstances will be considered and will be at the discretion of CLB.
- If you are unable to speak with your volunteer at your designated time, please provide your volunteer with a 24-hour cancellation notice.
- The use of illegal drugs and excessive use of alcohol is not allowed prior to or during volunteer visits/contact.
