Buddy Program: Program Description
4-30-10
PROGRAMS AND SERVICES MANUAL
POLICY
BUDDY PROGRAM: PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
GOAL
The goal of the Buddy Program is to improve the quality of life of people living with HIV/AIDS (PHAs) by providing practical support and companionship, by encouraging healthy lifestyle choices, and by assisting PHAs in maintaining autonomy and independence to the greatest degree possible.
RATIONALE
People with HIV/AIDS are living well longer than ever before. During the course of living with HIV/AIDS a PHA may from time to time need support, be that emotional or practical. The Buddy Program helps to meet those needs. Buddy volunteers can provide ongoing assistance with some of the practical tasks necessary to live independently day to day. Even the best support teams may not be able to be available 24 hours a day. Buddy volunteers can provide the needed support when other caregivers cannot.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Buddy Program provides practical and/or emotional support for persons living with HIV/AIDS.
Volunteers are matched in one-on-one relationships that may be ongoing or on an as needed basis.
Volunteers provide three to five hours of support a week. The specific time and place are negotiated with the client. The match continues for as long as the support is requested or until the death of the client.
STAFFING
The Buddy Program is staffed by a Program Coordinator and volunteers.
RECORDS
Individual files containing the Program Coordinator's notes on the match are maintained on all clients and volunteers. These files also contain:
Form
Completion
Buddy Volunteer Application
By volunteer upon completion of orientation to Buddy Program
Buddy Request Form
By Coordinator conducting intake interview with client requesting a buddy
Client Consensual Agreement
By client during intake interview
Client Conflict of Interest
By client during intake interview
Volunteer Consensual Agreement
By volunteer upon completion of Buddy training
Volunteer Conflict of Interest
By volunteer upon completion of Buddy training
EVALUATION
The Buddy Program is evaluated in the following ways:
1. Ongoing volunteer feedback is sought at volunteer team meetings.
2. The contact evaluation form, How are We Doing?, is distributed periodically to clients for feedback on the Program.
3. The Buddy Program Coordinator periodically contacts clients in the Program and seeks feedback on how well the program is serving their needs and to determine if there are any suggestions for improving the Program.
4. Periodically, focus groups are organized with clients, volunteers, and/or representatives from other community based AIDS organizations to evaluate the Program.
