Chimo’s volunteers are making an impact in the community in a variety of ways.
Chimo Community Services trains volunteers in two specific areas: Crisis Line and Outreach & Advocacy.
On the Crisis Line, volunteers provide emotional support to callers facing a diverse array of issues.
“Sometimes we speak with callers who are in significant distress,” said Thomas, a Crisis Line Volunteer. “Times are tough for everyone right now. So it feels great when you can help that caller get through their day.”
In addition to the Crisis Line, Chimo has also launched a live chat program, where trained volunteers support people in a text-chat using a web-based application. The live chat program is easy to use and launches right from Chimo’s website.
“We think this program will help us reach a different demographic who may not be interested in speaking to someone on the phone but still need emotional support,” explains Vanessa Tsang, Crisis Line Program Coordinator.
“Our trained and highly skilled volunteers are ready for the launch of this new program, and we are grateful for their support!”’
Meanwhile, Chimo’s Outreach & Advocacy volunteers work one-on-one with their clients, establishing a supportive relationship while working with each client to develop an action plan to reach their goals.
Outreach & Advocacy volunteers work primarily with people going through crises. While the clients are going through some of the most challenging circumstances of their lives, Chimo’s volunteers are a steady guiding force to access the resources they need.
“Chimo paved the way for me to understand what it means to give back to my community. I now feel like I have a greater role within my community and society in general,” says Jonathan, another Chimo Volunteer.
Stella Au, Chimo’s Volunteer Coordinator, says that since the COVID-19 Pandemic began, like most things, volunteerism has been different, but Chimo’s volunteers haven’t missed a beat.
Between Crisis Line and Outreach & Advocacy volunteers, Chimo’s volunteers have provided more than 9,000 volunteer service hours in 2020 and served more than 8,000 clients in that time.
“We’re so proud of our volunteers for all the hard work they put in to make our community a great place to live in,” Au says. “They are superheroes who show the value one person can provide their community and the power that many can have volunteering alongside each other.”
To learn more about Chimo Community Services or how to become a volunteer, visit www.chimoservices.com.
