Though our Staff provides service from housing and medication management to counseling and drug rehabilitation, we need volunteers to help build the human element of our transitional home. One of the most valuable things our volunteers can do is to be a listening ear and a companion to a resident. through the buddy program, a volunteer is matched with one of our residents to meet for one to two hours per week to talk, listen, play games, go for walks or errands, and other activities the pair has interest in. your friendship helps the residents to keep active, be engaged in the great New Orleans community, and even fight isolationism and depression. If you are interested in the Buddy Program, please contact  Jeff Kiemen, Lazarus’ Volunteer Coordinator at jkiemen@ProjectLazarus.Net, or 504.949.3609 x521 

The residents, staff and board of Project Lazarus were saddened by the unexpected death of Project Lazarus Board of Directors member Randy Rupp on Friday, August 27, 2010.  Randy was instrumental in creating the Buddy Program, and every resident who participates in the Buddy Program will be quick to attest to the benefits of this companionship with a volunteer.  Once a client of the Buddy Program at NO/AIDS Task Force, Randy was a tireless advocate for resident services at Lazarus, as he knew how effective the "buddy program" was for him.  Knowing that buddies were assigned to residents at Lazarus met one of Randy's greatest personal goals.

Volunteering

Volunteers provide important physical and emotional support to our residents.  Their committed gift of time and dedication is vital to Project Lazarus' daily activity. While residents rely on volunteers for companionship and assistance with daily tasks, there are also opportunities in administrative support, gardening, and fund raising-among other things.

Before volunteering, individuals are asked to make an appointment with our Volunteer Coordinator as well as fill out a very general application. This interview serves several purposes for both the volunteer and  Project Lazarus. It helps answer any questions the prospective volunteer might have about Project Lazarus or their volunteer experience. It also is a chance for the volunteer to learn what is expected from them during their time spent at Project Lazarus. A schedule and list of objectives can be discussed and completed  at this time.

This interview usually takes no more than one hour, part of which includes a tour of Project Lazarus.  Volunteers perform a wide range of functions at Project Lazarus. Household tasks include cleaning, administrative support, transportation and accompaniment to residents' appointments, and gardening. Most of all, volunteers provide companionship to residents who need a smile, conversation, or a hug. It is a reciprocal relationship where volunteers receive love and friendship from the residents in return.

Volunteers with particular gifts are asked to assist with hospital visitation and vigil-bedside companionship  during the last days and hours of a resident's life. Their gifts of time and love add to the quality of life of our residents in the day-to-day operations. Volunteers provide personal ties between themselves and residents that may not exist with family members or paid staff. Special talents that volunteers might posses, such as playing an instrument, artistic talents, or game playing can be implemented into a regularly scheduled group or activity for residents to participate in. Nighttime and weekend volunteers can provide motivation to our residents with companionship during normally quiet hours.

Volunteers are also invited and encouraged to participate throughout the year in parties and get-togethers put on by Project Lazarus for various reasons. Volunteering for Project Lazarus' full schedule of fundraisers (Annual Dinner, Bon Appétit with Project Lazarus, Halloween) throughout the year is also a great way to meet the staff and other volunteers.

TO VOLUNTEER

Please contact Jeff Kiemen, Volunteer & Special Programs Coordinator, at (504) 949-3609, x521 or email him at jkiemen@ProjectLazarus.net