The Caring Place Dedicates New Children’s Room and Volunteer Opportunities Available

In April 2009, The Caring Place lost one of its most valued volunteers, Declan Faherty, to a tragic accident. Each week, Declan spent a few hours with children in the Community Program - playing games, teaching, and simply just being a friend and role model to children who needed it most.

Before Declan passed away he created a "Wish List" - things he hoped the children living in shelter would one day have. His wish included such basic necessities as new flooring and furniture for the children’s play room, and as sophisticated as a computer resource center.

Following Declan's passing, many close friends and colleagues gathered to discuss how they could make his dream and passion for helping children a reality.

The renovation of the Children's Program and room, named “The Declan Project”, was officially underway in June 2009. With the help of his friends and colleagues, and with Maury and Jan Stump of Tudor Floors-Carpet One leading the way, it has been a very successful renovation. With the addition of the new flooring, furniture, painting, new toys and a computer resource center, the new children's room is set to be completed in June 2010.

The Caring Place will be celebrating the official opening and dedication of the new Children's Program in honor of Declan Faherty with close friends, family, staff and volunteers - thoughtfully acknowledging all who have been involved for their hard work and dedication in Declan's memory:

Mike Bell, Bell Construction, Inc.
Scott and Stephanie Braming
Howard Gutenstein and Family
William Lawrence
Marc Loesche, Hardwood Interiors
Dave Owen, Owen Painting
Larry Rinker, Custom Craft
Jan and Maury Stump, Tudor Floors-Carpet One
Rondi Wightman and Greg Stinson
Wayne Wilson, Wilson Construction

(Before and after pictures of the children’s room provided by The Caring Place, Inc.)

The Caring Place (TCP) relies on volunteers to sustain the breadth and quality of its work. TCP has assisted victims of domestic violence and their children since 1978 at no cost to the victim. Services include safe shelter and community-based programs. As a volunteer-based organization, TCP is always seeking committed individuals with a passion for ending violence in our community.

The Caring Place is currently looking for volunteers in the following areas:

• Answering Crisis Line Calls
  
• Assisting Shelter Staff with Clients’ Needs
  
• Support Group Co-facilitator
  
• Children’s Program - While most assume that victims of abuse are primarily those directly involved, TCP advocates and staff aim also to help the victim’s children. Children’s program volunteers coordinate activities and crafts for the children living in the shelter. Volunteers are needed between 8am and 8pm for shifts of at least 1 hour.
  
• Client Transportation - Many clients at the shelter are without a vehicle, which can be a significant stumbling block when attempting to schedule and attend important job interviews, court dates, and other appointments. For this position, a valid Indiana driver’s license, a reliable form of transportation, automobile insurance, and a willingness to be on-call to transport someone are required. All volunteers are called 24 hours prior to transportation requests.
  
• Emergency Response Volunteer (ERV) - Emergency Response Volunteers (ERVs) provide support for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in emergency hospital settings. ERVs are on-call and may be called upon any hour of the day. These volunteers should be compassionate, empathetic, non-judgmental individuals who can keep calm in emergency situations. Requires specialized training.
  
• English/Spanish Translator - The translator would be on-call to provide support to Spanish-speaking clients. The volunteer may be called to the shelter or hospital to facilitate communication with the client.

At The Caring Place, Inc. requires all volunteers to submit a criminal background check and attend a volunteer orientation session.

For more information on how you can get involved at The Caring Place, please call us in the Community Advocacy Center at 219.464.0840 ext. 100.