Description

Volunteers will befriend people with disabilities during a wide range of activities. Volunteers will live and work in our respite houses, where different people with disabilities are welcomed each week. Each volunteer is assigned one person with disability. The volunteer will assist this person in the activities of daily living, take them on social outings and most importantly get to know them, be their friend, help them to feel valued. Each volunteer looks after one person with disability, but work within a team of approx 10 to 12 people, with a house leader to provide assistance and support as you go along.

Highlights

Volunteers get to know people with disabilities and appreciate person first, disability second. Volunteers get an understanding of disability, and what it is to have a disability. Volunteers have fun, it is a very rewarding experience. Volunteers meet many volunteers from other nations.

Qualifications

No qualifications necessary.

Minimum Education

High School

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Free

Salary/Pay

65 euro a week, all meals and accommodation

Experience Required

yes

Some contact with persons with disability, either formal or informal.

Volunteer Types

• Disability Issues
• Recreation
• Social Services, Social Work

Typical Volunteer

Students taking a gap year from study. Someone looking to gain work experience in the field of disability. People taking career breaks to try something different.

Age Range

18 to 35

This Program is open to

American, Australian, Canadian and European Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 10

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Phone/Video Interview
• Written Application
• Disciplinary Clearance Form

Typically The Application Process Time is

6 to 8 weeks

Caring and Sharing Association Break Houses's Mission Statement

Our mission is to provide quality respite breaks to people with disability and their families (or caregivers) in an atmosphere of trust, friendship and mutual respect, enhancing quality of life. There is a spiritual element to work, respectful of where each person is coming from.

Year Founded

1982

Caring and Sharing Association Break Houses is a Roman Catholic based organization. We do not require our participants to be of the same faith. Our volunteers will not be involved in religious proselytizing.