EXCEPTIONAL NEEDS. EXCEPTIONAL VOLUNTEERS.

Woods ServicesVolunteer Orientation

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Founded in 1913 by Mollie Woods

Private, nonprofit organization

Currently serves over 1,000 clients

Serves children, adolescents and adults

Licensed by the State of Pennsylvania

Provide a wide array of services that include residential, educational, therapies, life skills and vocational training, job placement, senior activities and health services

MISSION

Woods provides a broad range of human services to people with special needs and challenges. The

primary goal is to maximize each individual’s potential through the delivery of high-quality

services in a safe, caring and healthy environment. Woods strives to help individuals

lead full and rewarding lives through the acquisition, development and retention of skills,

as well as exposure to a variety of life experiences.

RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Mollie Woods

Woodlands

Crestwood

Beechwood

CLIENT NATURE

Expect to be asked a lot of questions

Clients may test you and ask for things they cannot have

Be aware that clients have diet and behavior plans

Clients respond well to consistency

Clients do not necessarily have a social filter

Many physically disabled clients

DAY PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Holland Day Program

The Yellow Daffodil

The Woods Enterprises

The Stabler Center

The BeechTree

Educational Programs:

Mollie Woods Education

Woodlands Education

Crestwood Education

MOLLIE WOODS DEMOGRAPHICS

There are 170 students in the Gardner Education Center (GEC) from the Mollie Woods and Woodlands programs

Age range is 7-21 y/o

Male to female ratio overall at Woods= 69% to 31%

GEC serves students from 5 different states: PA, NJ, DE, NY and OH

Students in GEC have multiple disabilities ranging from ID, OHI, PI, PDD, Autism, etc.

WHAT DOES THE CLASSROOM LOOK LIKE?

Client to staff ratio= 2.5 to 4 students per 1 staff

Classes are self-contained

They have “special” such as art, music, adapted physical education, health, library, cooking…

What is a Sensory Room?

What is a Token Economy?

Point Store

Clubs

WHAT ARE THE GREATEST NEEDS OF THE MOLLIE WOODS CLIENTS?

Language stimulation

Support to remain focused and on task

Actively engaged staff, interns, volunteers

Lead by example…

Appropriate assistance on classroom assignments

Complete Social Inclusion

PURPOSE OF THE VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

To provide a mutually beneficial experience for both you, the volunteer, and our clients.

VOLUNTEER POLICY

Conduct/Dress

Identification

Confidentiality

Highlight Client’s Rights

Drug, tobacco, alcohol and smoke free campus

Cell Phones, Pictures and Social Media

CLIENT RIGHTS & ABUSE

It is the policy of Woods Services to respect and safeguard all rights to which clients are entitled.

SURVEY

THE POWER OF SILENCE…

http://www.teachertube.com/viewVideo.php?video_id=245034&title=SPECIAL_NEEDS

Discuss the meaning of the video…

COMMUNICATING WITH CLIENTS

Patience is essential

Nonverbal communication

Facial expressions

Body language

Electronic communication devices

Keep your speech simple

Do not interrupt clients

Do not make promises to clients

Assume clients can understand everything you say

Lessons learned:

Do not make assumptions about anyone.

A person’s disability may be obvious. What a person can understand, can learn, can do and what their potential is, is not obvious.

Use people-first language

Get to know the clients you spend time with and look beyond the disabilities in order to discover the positive attributes they possess.

QUESTIONS