Friendly Visiting / Befriending Program: Eastern Counties

The Carefor Befriending Program is volunteer-oriented and aimed at both men and women with physical disabilities. The Befriending Program matches individuals who share similar interests and hobbies, allowing them to share in these activities and enhancing the quality of life for both participants.

There are endless possibilities for how these new friends will interact with one another. Some common activities that volunteers and clients undertake include:

• Going to the movies
• Having dinner together
• Shopping
• Chatting over coffee
• Going for walks
• Going to various sporting events (baseball, hockey, football, etc)
• Getting involved in numerous sport activities
• Karaoke

Through the Befriending Program, Carefor Eastern works to enhance the quality of life for both men and women living with physical disabilities. By matching of adults with disabilities with volunteers, the program is able to assist individuals naturally integrate into the community.

Beneficiaries

Individuals 18 years of age or older, who have a physical disability, and are a resident of Ontario are eligible candidates for the Befriending Program.

To be a beneficiary of the Program, all applicants must:

• Be respectful of a client/volunteer relationship
• Attend an orientation and screening interview
• Maintain appropriate social skills

Volunteers

Individuals who are mature, reliable, good listeners, patient, open-minded, enthusiastic and flexible are the ideal candidates for the Carefor Befriending Program.

All volunteers must:

• Be respectful of others' privacy
• Attend an orientation and screening interview
• Provide two references
• Provide a police check
• Commit to at least one hour per week
• Be at least 18 years of age

For more information, call 613-932-3451 or e-mail info@carefor.ca.