Opportunities to connect
As with most organizations, Telecare provides opportunities for people to connect in many ways such as during class training, mingling in the office between shifts, working together on committees, and at social events.  The connections are usually not orchestrated but develop naturally as people with like interests start talking.  An atmosphere of trust allows for sharing openly and creating bonds. 

A willingness to share

For Telecare volunteer "Jen", being open about her feelings is part of her personality.  Because of her willingness to share what’s bothering her, others feel free to empathize and share their feelings in return.  "Jen" joined Telecare about seven years ago and now says that things that first spoke acceptance to her were the “welcoming hugs, smiles, inclusiveness, invitation to sit on committees, prayer, sharing life’s moments, shared coffees, and snacks in the office.” 

She says she enjoyed the laughter and warmth “during times talking, sharing and getting to know each other. Telecare has blessed me over and over again.” Jen continues, “I now feel for new members and want them to have similar experiences that I have had.” 

Volunteer Support Committee

Many meetings that Jen benefitted from have become difficult to hold during the COVID pandemic.  In response, a newly formed Volunteer Support Committee is looking after volunteer connections more intentionally.  The five-member team includes Barry Ashton who shares the committee's two-fold purpose. Firstly, to ensure that volunteers are providing quality responses to the callers, and secondly “to facilitate a sense of belonging in our Telecare team through our contacts with them and through helping volunteers use their gifts and abilities in serving the Lord in Telecare.

Just as we are here for our callers, we are here for our volunteers”. The team is organizing activities every three months and will keep in contact by phone, email or text.  He welcomes volunteers to contact them as well and encourages volunteers to reach out to the team especially after a difficult call. Barry concludes, “It is a great privilege to serve our Lord Jesus Christ together”.

FOOTNOTES

Photo by Aarón Blanco Tejedor on Unsplash