Hope in Christ Ministries OASIS TEEN SHELTER VOLUNTEER APPLICATION

Transcription

1 Hope in Christ Ministries OASIS TEEN SHELTER VOLUNTEER APPLICATION A Brief History: During the 1990 s while Dave Frederick was serving as a pastor and volunteering as a police chaplain in Bremerton Washington, he and his wife Cindy began seeing a part of Bremerton they had never noticed before. The streets were filled with poverty, drug abuse, neglected children, homelessness, and violence. As foster parents, they came face to face with young people whose lives were spiraling downward. A decision was made to do something to help counteract the patterns of so many youth heading toward lifelong incarceration, addiction and even death. In 1996 Dave and Cindy resigned from the pastorate and founded Hope in Christ Ministries, a non-profit corporation, with the goal of bringing the hope of Christ to the pain on the streets. On July 1, 1997 they purchased The Coffee Oasis, and then located on 622 Warren Avenue in Bremerton, to provide a place for serving youth. Teen Night began at The Coffee Oasis on the first Friday evening of September That first night 4 youth came from smokers corner, located across the street from Bremerton High School, to check it out, and since that first Friday, hundreds of youth have passed through our doors. What they have found is a place and people that care for them, regardless of their background or present situation. July The Coffee Oasis relocated to 822 Burwell Street in Bremerton. This provided a much larger space to grow both the business and the ministry. August We started providing services to street youth by opening a shower room, laundry service, clothing closet and food pantry. January We expanded our business and job training by purchasing a coffee drive-thru stand on 6th and Veneta in Bremerton (affectionately dubbed CO2 ). October The Coffee Oasis purchased The Solid Rock Café in Port Orchard ( CO3 ) in order to provide youth services to South Kitsap. February We began an espresso cart business ( CO4 ) in the Norm Dicks Government Center. The ministry that began in 1997 as Teen Night has now expanded to include: Street Hope (street outreach, school outreach and community events), Oasis Center (drop-in centers, field trips, emergency resources, and concerts), Partnering Hope (mentoring, case management, and long-term resources), Hope INC (job training and living skills classes), and The Refuge (church community).

2 Hope in Christ Ministries Mission Statement Our Passion and Purpose To bring the transforming hope of Christ to the pain on the streets through providing youth services, resources and a community of healing. Core Values 1. TRUTH Our existence and conduct as a business is a reflection and response to who God is Considering and Honoring God in all our attitudes, conduct and decisions 2. EDUCATION Every work site and every work day is an educational opportunity Reproducing ourselves in the lives of our employees and trainees 3. COMMUNITY Every employee is part of the family Constantly Encouraging, Supporting, and Caring for one another 4. COMPASSION Our business exists for the blessing of those in need Deliberately Making a Difference in Individuals and Communities 5. EXCELLENCE We exist to be and do our best in everything Always seeking to be and do our best in every aspect of our business The Coffee Oasis operates both as a refuge and resource center for hopeless and hurting youth, as well as a business to help provide staff support and job-training opportunities. Our People We are called to the streets and those who are experiencing a downward spiral of homelessness, joblessness, poverty, broken families, criminal activity, addiction, vices, or gang involvement. They are our people -those whom God has called us to hope. Volunteer Prerequisites: 1. Non-judgmental compassion for youth and concern for their long-term success 2. Agreement with the guidelines and procedures used by Hope in Christ Ministries and respect to not actively or passively contradict the values or beliefs of the organization. 3. Complete Hope in Christ volunteer application and background check 4. One year commitment Volunteer Responsibilities: 1. Minimum of bi-monthly volunteering in a Hope in Christ Ministry program 2. Maintain active communication with Hope in Christ Ministry staff 3. Uphold the standards and guidelines of Hope in Christ Ministries even when not on the clock. 4. Attend Volunteer Staff trainings as required

3 Biographical Information Name (full) Maiden Name Address How long at this address? Previous address Phone (home) (other) Address Birthdate Driver's License # (state) Current Job Previous Job Criminal History I have been convicted of a crime (Yes)_ (No)_ If Yes, please list below record **Please ATTACH or mail/ two (2) Professional Character References (e.g. pastor, employer, mentor, or colleague) who can without bias, testify to your background and character. Note: They must know you well not just a new or superficial acquaintance. Are you willing to attend trainings as a Hope in Christ Ministries volunteer? Yes No Are you willing to be certified in CPR? Yes No I give permission for Hope In Christ ministries to do a back ground check on me. Signature: Date: Please include copy of your driver s license!!

4 Hope in Christ Ministries: Statement of Faith We Believe The Bible is our final authority for faith and conduct. (II Timothy 3:16-17; II Peter 1:20-21; Psalms 19:7-11; Psalm 119) There is one sovereign God who eternally exists as three co-equal persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Daniel 4:34-35; Matthew 3:16-17; John 1:1; Genesis 1: 1-2) We were all created for loving relationship with God, but have become totally broken by sin and separated from God, unable to please God or restore relationship with him. (Romans 3:10-12; 3:23; 5:12; 6:23; Revelation 4:11; Genesis 1-3) A restored relationship with God is possible only by grace through Jesus Christ, who became a man without ceasing to be God so that by dying in our place on the cross and rising from the dead, we might be forgiven and reconciled to God. (Ephesians 2:8-9; II Corinthians 5:21; Romans 6:23; Mark 10:45) The Holy Spirit draws us into relationship with God, convicting us of sin and convincing us of the good news of Jesus Christ. We must respond. To be saved we must confess our brokenness and trust ourselves to Jesus, who died that we might live. It is the renewal of a true relationship between God and humanity. This relationship is demonstrated by a Spirit-filled life. (Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 10:6-10; Luke 5:32; Acts 16:31; John 6:44; 16:7-11; Ephesians 5:18; Romans 8:1-16) The Church is the visible reality of Christ in the world, existing through the power and gifting of the Holy Spirit to glorify God and make him known. The Church is both physical and spiritual, and should seek the healing of the world for both tangible needs and spiritual bondage. The Church is the light of a new kingdom that is chasing out the darkness of Satan s reign. (Ephesians 2:19-22; I Corinthians 10:31; 12-14; Romans 11:33-36; Acts 2:38-47; Matthew 28:18-20; Ephesians 6:10-18; II Timothy 2:3-4; Colossians 2:13-15) In the future bodily resurrection of all people. Those who come into relationship with God through Jesus Christ will experience eternity with God in a new heaven and new earth; however, those who reject the relationship that God has made available through Jesus Christ will experience eternal separation from God along with Satan and his angels. (Matthew 25:31-46; I Corinthians 15:50-57; Revelation 19:11-22:19) Check and sign either statement below: I,, am in full agreement with Hope in Christ Ministries statement of faith. I,, have read Hope in Christ Ministries statement of faith and although I disagree, I do agree to respect and not contradict their convictions during my involvement with the organization. (Please note on the personal sketch page if there is anything in particular you would like to comment on regarding the Statement of Faith).

5 Personal Sketch Tell us about yourself (hobbies, strengths, weaknesses, etc.): Do you feel that there is any personal information that we should know about you before you begin volunteering? Answer the questions below ONLY if you responded in agreement with the Statement of Faith: How would you explain the gospel? What place does your commitment to Christ have in your daily life and habits? Answer the questions below ONLY if you responded in respectful disagreement with the Statement of Faith: Do you have any personal philosophy or belief (note: you will not be judged by your views, we are simply looking to understand our volunteers better)? Is there anything in particular about the Statement of Faith that you would like to comment on?

6 Volunteer Practices 1. I will always be respectful of youth, staff, volunteers and Coffee Oasis property. 2. I will spend my time with youth when at the Oasis and not only socialize with volunteers or staff. 3. I will only mentor, tutor, or be alone with youth of the same gender. 4. I will only be alone mentoring a youth if I have first formally notified the Oasis staff. 5. I will not give a ride to the opposite sex alone. 6. I will not provide transportation to any youth, regardless of the situation, outside of Coffee Oasis Volunteer hours. 7. I will not provide transportation to any youth, regardless of the situation without the permission and awareness of Oasis staff. 8. I will learn the resources available at the Oasis. 9. I will only outreach outside the Coffee Oasis in groups of two or more and with the authorization of Oasis Staff. 10. I will commit to continuing my volunteer training. 11. I will learn and help administer the guidelines for the youth within our programs. 12. I will not have physical contact with a youth, (e.g. hug) without permission. 13. I will not talk poorly of any youth or staff under any circumstances. 14. I will act as a positive role model for youth. 15. I will dress appropriately and avoid wearing provocative and/or revealing clothing. 16. I will not abuse drugs or alcohol. 17. If I find a weapon or drugs of any kind at The Coffee Oasis, I will tell the charge staff immediately so that it may be taken care of in an appropriate fashion. 18. I will not invite youth into my home overnight without the explicit permission of the Elders of the Refuge (contact can be made through The Coffee Oasis staff). 19. I will not disrespect the values and faith of The Coffee Oasis/Hope in Christ Ministries during my involvement with the organization. By signing below I, (print), agree to follow these volunteer practices. Name (Signature) Date

7 Oasis Teen Shelter Volunteer Commitment At the Oasis Teen Shelter, we ask for a commitment to forming positive relationships with youth. This entails actively committing to assisting in creating a consistent and stable environment to combat many chaotic relationships in their lives. It will take more than a week to create genuine relationships that produce fruit and bring glory to God. It will take initial and on-going training to understand issues that youth face, as well as ways to provide consistency when facing those challenges. It is understood that by signing this document you the applicant understand and accept the responsibilities of a volunteer as stated in this manual. By signing this document I,, am expected and not limited to: 1) Show up to all scheduled shifts on time. 2) Not showing up for extra shifts unannounced. I will schedule, call, or ask in advance before showing up to volunteer that night. 3) If I am going to miss a scheduled date, I will contact either another volunteer or the Program Supervisor at least 1 week in advance. 4) Staying the full time I am scheduled. If for any reason I need to leave early or show up late, I will notify the charge staff at least 1 week in advance. In case of an emergency, I will notify the Charge Staff before leaving. 5) I understand that these shifts occur during grave hours, between 9pm and 8 am. Although, I can sleep during this time, or in shifts, I agree to be available to wake up at any time necessary. A minimum of 1 staff must be awake at all times, in visible and audible range of youth. 6) I will not, under any circumstances, drive someone of the opposite sex to their morning locations. I will not drive youth until I am approved by the Program Supervisor to do so. I will ask the Charge Staff to help find adequate transportation for the individual. 7) If I am approved to assist in transportation, I will wait until the shelter closes for the morning before providing transportation. Other youth still need me until this time. 8) I will assist in all activities throughout the night. This means assisting with youth intake, night-time procedures such as cleaning, answering the crisis line, aiding youth in waking up, and any other issues that arise or duties as they are assigned. 9) I will attend initial Coffee Oasis trainings, Oasis Teen Shelter trainings, as well as on-going trainings as specified by the Program Supervisor. Thanks again for your time and commitment to be a volunteer in the Oasis Teen Shelter! (Signature) (Date)

8 Staff and Volunteer Guidelines 1) Discipline will be designed to help the children gain inner self control, acceptable behavior, and respect for the rights of others. Discipline will be fair, reasonable, consistent, and related to the child s behavior. I will use behavior management procedures, as defined by Oasis Teen Shelter. 2) I will not use cruel, unusual, frightening, unsafe, or humiliating discipline practices. These include, but are not limited to: a. Spanking children with a hand or object; b. Biting, jerking, kicking, hitting, or shaking the child; c. Pulling the child s hair, d. Throwing the child; e. Purposely inflicting pain as a punishment; f. Name calling, using derogatory comments; g. Threatening the child with physical harm; h. Threatening or intimidating the child; or i. Placing or requiring a child to stand under a cold water shower. 3) I will not use methods that interfere with a child s basic needs. These include but are not limited to: a. Depriving the child of sleep; b. Providing inadequate food, clothing, living space or shelter; c. Restricting a child s breathing; d. Interfering with a child s ability to take care of their own hygiene and toileting needs; or e. Providing inadequate medical or dental care. 4) I understand that information about a youth or their family is confidential and must only be shared with people directly involved in the case plan for the child. I will confirm with my Program Supervisor and licensor for guidance about sharing information with others involved in the child s case plan. 5) I will not smoke with or in front of youth. 6) I will not be under the influence of alcohol and/or other drugs on or before my shift. By signing below I, (print), agree to follow these staff practices. Name (Signature) Date

9 Oasis Shelter Mandatory Reporting Requirements I understand that I must report any of the following incidents immediately to my Program Supervisor, and in no instance later than 48 hours to my local CPS (Child Protection Services): 1) Any reasonable cause to believe that a child has suffered abuse or neglect; 2) Any violations of the licensing or certification requirements where the health and safety of a child is at risk and the violations are not corrected immediately; 3) Death of youth; 4) Any youth s suicide attempt that results in injury requiring medical treatment or hospitalization; 5) Any use of physical restraint that is alleged improperly applied or excessive; 6) Sexual contact between two or more youth; 7) Any disclosures of sexual or physical abuse by a youth in care; 8) Physical assaults between two or more youth that result in injury requiring off-site medical treatment or hospitalization 9) Physical assaults of staff or volunteers by youth that may result in injury requiring off-site medical attention or hospitalization; 10) Any medication that is given incorrectly and requires off-site medical treatment; 11) Serious property damage that is a safety hazard and is not immediately corrected or may compromise the continuing health and safety of youth; 12) Any emergent medical care (including unexpected health problems that require off-site medical treatment). I understand that I must report the following incidents to my program supervisor, and to the child s social worker, and/or guardian immediately or in no instance no later than 48 hours: 1) Suicidal/homicidal ideation, gestures, or attempts that do not require professional medical treatment; 2) Unexpected health problems that do not require medical treatment; 3) Any incident of medication incorrectly administered; 4) Physical assaults that result in injury but did not require professional medical treatment; 5) Use of physical restraint for routine behavior management. By signing below I, (print), agree to follow these staff practices. Name (Signature) Date

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