Why Volunteer with ITAV?

• Make a difference in someone's life.
• Act as a role model for kids.
• Meet interesting and motivated people who volunteer.
• Stand up and be counted.
• Enjoy an enriching, rewarding and fun experience.
• Be part of a team that helps make life better for those around us.
• Connect with people and better understand our community.
• Enjoy new challenges that keep life interesting.
• Foster teamwork by bringing diverse people together.
• Give back to your community.
• Meet interesting people, who you would otherwise not have the oppurtunity to meet.

What is it like to drive for ITAV?

As a driver, ride assignments are made based on your availability. Some people set asside 1 to 3 days a week, others set aside 1 or 2 mornings or afternoons a week. One driver is available 3 days per week, but requests that we assign just one drive per week. Other drivers are available 5 days per week. Rides are scheduled between 9:15 am and 4:45 pm, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. We provide rides throughout Westchester. A typical ride will schedule the initial pick up 15 minutes before a local medical appointment in Sleepy Hollow or Tarrytown and 30 minutes before an appointment in Mt Kisco, White Plains or Hawthorne. The appointments usually last from 45 minutes to an hour and a half. Drivers typically wait with a good book, run errands, or perhaps stop back home depending on the distance. The driver then meets the member at an agreed upon place for the ride home. Some rides may be a one-way trip where the ride to the appointment is in the morning and the return trip is in the aftrernoon. Other rides can be taking the member grocery shopping at Sam's or Shoprite, picking up a pharmacy order, or delivering groceries from the local food pantries. We ask our members to request their rides at least 48 hours before the ride is needed. We also confirm the ride is still needed on the day before the ride. Once confirmed, drivers call the member to arrange the pick up location. The final step is to call ITAV and report completion of the ride and the amount of time spent.

How to Volunteer with ITAV

Becoming an ITAV volunteer is relatively straight forward

1. Print the Volunteer Application, complete it and mail it to: ITAV 10591, P.O. Box 8304, Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591 Volunteer Application
2. The Volunteer Application asks for:
   • The services you are willing to provide.
   • Your name, address, cell phone, telephone, email and an emergency contact.
   • 2 references with their contact information.
     
   • Drivers are asked to submit a copy of their Driver's License, Vehicle Registration and their Auto Insurance Declarations Page
   • Your permission for ITAV to conduct a reference check and a background check.
     
   • A statement that you have read the ITAV Volunteer Handbook and the training manuals for the service you wish to offer and agree to follow the related guidelines and policies as written to the best of your ability.
3. Once your application forms are received, you will hear from someone on the Volunteer Team to set up an interview.
4. On completion of the interview and acceptance as a volunteer an orientation for your volunteer role will be arranged.

What is it like to schedule services as a Service Coordinator?

Service coordinators are expected to handle one 4-hour shift per week, either from 9am to 1pm, or from 1pm to 5pm. The work is done at home remotely using the Service Coordinator's desk top or laptop comupter and phone. A typical shift involves answering calls from members and volunteers and making calls to members and volunteers using Google Voice. Google Voice enables the Service Coordinators to answer and make calls using the ITAV number, (914) 222-5116, on their own phone. The Service Coordinator records service requests and tracks the status of these requests on the ITAV website. The Service Coordinator creates Shift Notes, recording requests and actions taken for the use of the Service Coordinator on the next shift. At the end of the shift each open request has a "Next Action Needed" comment, which is carried forward by the next Service Coordinator for update on the next shift. The work requires organizing skills to be sure requests are not missed and all necessary communications are made.