Do I need knowledge of community services?
No. As part of your orientation and training, we will provide an overview of community services. As well, you will learn about the HelpLink project, our participating agencies, their mission and services and we will share how these agencies and others are working together to improve community conditions.
What kinds of programs will I be enrolling people in?
You will help those in need, many for the first time with a variety of program applications including public assistance programs (food stamps, cash assistance, medical assistance, child care subsidies, and energy assistance), adult and child health insurance and a variety of other possible federal, state and community programs.
How often will I need to volunteer?
The more you assist in this process the more comfortable you will become in understanding and applying for services to help individuals in need. That being said, we would like all volunteers to commit to no less than four hours per month.
How will I be assigned to an agency?
Each agency will have specific days and hours for volunteers to assist in this process and we will certainly work with your schedule. If you are volunteering once a week for example, you might enjoy working morning hours in one agency and the next week afternoon or evening hours at another. That being said, it is important for agencies and volunteers to develop a comfort level with each other so we would recommend developing a relationship at no more than one or two agencies.
Who are the local agencies that will be the HelpLink sites?
Currently, there are eight agencies in the HelpLink Network: Berks Community Action Program (BCAP); Berks Encore, Boyertown Area Multi-service, Catholic Charities, Centro Hispano, Friend, Inc. Community Services, Salvation Army Reading Corps and United Community Services. Please visit the “Agency Descriptions” link on our website for more details on the network agencies.
How much training will there be?
There will be a total of 6 hours of initial training devoted to the online software application system, how to screen individuals and communicate with diverse populations in order to effectively guide the application process. In addition, you will receive an agency orientation if the agency is new to you. We will also provide an overview of the HelpLink Resource Guide and referral process if you need to refer individuals to other local resources.
What kind of computer skills will I need?
You will need to know basic computer operations including opening multiple window applications at one time and must be comfortable navigating the Internet.
I have time to commit to this project but I’m not comfortable working on a computer. Can I still participate?
Once you complete an initial online application survey, United Way staff will conduct a personal interview with each volunteer applicant to determine your eligibility to participate. If your lack of computer experience is the only barrier to participation in the project, you may be invited to attend the training session at which time we can assess whether your comfort level has increased and your skill level is adequate to participate in the project. If not, we have many other meaningful opportunities we can suggest for your involvement.
How does this project help people become financially stable?
A number of factors have come together to create a perfect storm in the economic environment in our country and community. The United Way is proposing to provide leadership for a new community-wide initiative that will help individuals and families to establish long term financial stability. Phase One is to assist individuals in accessing needed community services and financial supports (the HelpLink Network). Pending the success of phase one, Phase Two is to establish a one-stop Prosperity Center which would provide all of the services of the HelpLink Network but also include additional services and programs to begin to move people toward long term financial stability. Such services would include financial literacy, budget counseling, and credit repair, access to mainstream banking services and savings programs. Other services might include GED and ESL classes to help people acquire education and skills needed for better jobs. As well, basic employment, training and small business development services and programs may be offered along with access into the Career Link system.
For more information, contact Sharon Mast, Director of Volunteer Engagement, United Way of Berks County, at 610-685-4574 or email sharonm@uwberks.org.