In an effort to provide our volunteers with a safe environment and to better serve those individuals placed in our care, all volunteers of Westminster Rescue Mission are asked to review and agree to the following guidelines.
Below is a brief walk-through of our volunteer procedures and policies to familiarize yourself with.
Campus Location
658 Lucabaugh Mill Road Westminster, MD 21157
When arriving for orientation, please drive to the TOP of the hill, past ‘The Sparrow’s Nest’ and enter through the double doors of the front office, centered in the walkway.
Signing-In
You will be welcomed by a receptionist who will assist you in signing in and the creation of a badge. It is important that you check back in and return the badge when your time has concluded.
Mission Statement
We ask that you familiarize yourself with our Mission Statement and agree to say or conduct yourself in accordance with our Mission Statement.
Mission Statement: The Westminster Rescue Mission exists to advance the Kingdom of God by partnering with local churches, businesses, social services organizations, caring supporters and volunteers to proclaim God’s Word and to provide ministries of addictions recovery, hunger relief, and other services for individuals and families in need.
Dress
For the sake of a distraction-free environment to the clientele we serve while conducting volunteer responsibilities, we ask that all volunteers dress conservatively.
Please do no tight, sleeveless, spaghetti strap or revealing tops. No tight, short, or revealing bottoms. Loose t-shirts and long pants are encouraged. Pants should be worn without undergarments showing.
For your safety at workstations (other than in the office), closed toe shoes are necessary.
Age
Volunteers must be at least 16 years old to serve on their own at the Mission. An adult volunteer or staff member must accompany volunteers under the age of 16 at all times.
Volunteer Stations
Your volunteer activity will be under the supervision of a designated staff person. If you do not know which staff person is responsible to supervise your activity, please contact our Development Associate, Carolyn Kinnear at ckinnear@westminsterrescuemission.org or 410-848-2222 ext 142
Volunteers should not leave their area of service without permission from supervising staff personnel.
Illegal Substances, Alcohol- Possession & Smoking
Use of or being under the influence of illegal drugs, controlled substances, or alcohol products is prohibited on WRM property.
Prescription Medication
The nature of our Recovery Program requires that we create a safe environment for our Residents:
Please leave any prescription medication put away in your car unless you need an Epipen or other life saving medication. If you are ill, we ask that you call the mission to cancel the hours you were coming to serve.
Foul Language & Violence
Please refrain from using foul language or innuendo during your time here. Any suspicion of assault, sexual harassment or other inappropriate behavior will be reported to the Development Associate, Carolyn Kinnear at ckinnear@westminsterrescuemission.org, a report will be recorded and the matter will be looked into.
Soliciting
No solicitation of goods or services to clients, and customers of the store.
Background Checks
All regular volunteers (not community service or one-time volunteers), are subject to background investigation prior to the start of their volunteer service or at any time during.
Equality
WRM does not discriminate by sex, gender, race, or sexual orientation.
Please be aware that certain volunteer tasks may require the physical ability to stand for periods of time and lift 50lb. Please notify us of any preferences or pertinent medical information regarding your ability to carry on physical volunteer services at the Mission.
Right to Dismissal
Violations of WRM policies and procedures may result in dismissal from volunteering with the Mission. Volunteers are encouraged to address any questions or concerns about policies and procedures with the on-site supervisor.
Client Interactions
As a volunteer, you have an amazing opportunity to encourage, inspire and edify our clients (residents in our Recovery Programs) through your service. WRM seeks to foster healthy boundaries when engaging with our clients who in the process of recovery and inasmuch, are moving out of a fragile time of life. In order to create healthy distinctions, we ask that you abide by the following while volunteering at WRM:
Personal Information
Do not offer any personal information, i.e. last name, telephone number, and address or work information to residents or clients.
Gifts and/or Loans
Under no circumstances may anyone give gifts of any kind, including money, or lend money to residents or those we serve. This includes the purchase of drinks, lunch or homemade items. Please give these to the Peer Recovery Counselors for the clients.
Contact / Relations
Social interaction of any kind, off WRM premises, with a client or those we serve must be approved by Recovery Staff beforehand. Exchange of contact information is explicitly prohibited.
During our clients’ time in the program, we ask that you refrain from social media interaction as well (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.).
Improper familiarity
Flirting, dating, and sexual relations are strictly prohibited.
Inappropriate Behavior or Situations
Must immediately be reported to staff member.
Over the Counter Medication
Do not offer residents or those we serve any medication, i.e. aspirin, cough medication, cough drops, or anything containing alcohol.
Personal Belongings
Please be sure to leave all personal belongings at home or in a secured vehicle.
Cell Phones
Do not lend your cell phone or any other device to a client. While in the Program, residential clients have limited access to phones and social media, and only with permission of staff or while on a pass.
Volunteer Stations
Your volunteer activity will be under the supervision of a designated staff person. If you do not know which staff person is responsible to supervise your activity, please contact our Volunteer Manager, Jaime Keller (jkeller@westminsterrescuemission.org). Volunteers should not leave their area of service without the knowledge of / permission from supervising staff personnel.
Transportation
Transportation for residents of the program or those we serve must have the prior approval of Recovery Staff.
Clients may not drive the car of volunteers unless given permission as part of the recovery plan.
Volunteers may not purchase items for the clients. To include drinks or food.
WRM Privacy Policy
All information pertaining to clients or Mission business that is acquired while volunteering must be kept confidential.
Confidentiality
All interactions with clients and personal information, testimonies, stories, and conversations are to be kept strictly confidential. We ask that you refrain from mentioning the names of WRM clients in the community.
Internal Issues
internal issues of the Mission be brought up by an employee or by a client, please do not hesitate to speak with the Volunteer Coordinator or the Chief Operations Officer to let them know.
Breach of Confidentiality
A breach of our aforementioned policy on confidentiality will lead to dismissal.
