Frequently Asked Questions
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Who should I contact if I have questions about volunteering at Touchstone Health Partners?
Michael LaGarde, the Volunteer Coordinator for Touchstone Health Partners. He can be reached at michael.lagarde@touchstonehealthpartners.org or at (970) 494-4239.
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Why volunteer with Touchstone Health Partners?
Touchstone Health Partners is a unique non-profit in need of regular volunteers. Put briefly, we offer affordable access to comprehensive care that is focused on evidence-based treatments with proven results, in an environment free of judgment. In providing these services we take a stand against mental health stigmas and improve the overall health of our community. (For more information see the “Who We Are” section of our website.)
For us, the time you spend volunteering means an increased capacity to offer services to our clients. For you, the time you spend volunteering is a chance to build new and meaningful relationships, to directly serve others in serious need, and to engage an important community issue in a positive way.
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I looked through the Opportunity Directory, but could not find any position that appealed to me because of the required screening / required time commitment / my own interests. Are there any other ways to volunteer?
Yes. Although the directory is updated regularly, occasionally one or more volunteers are needed to complete various projects. If you want to assist Touchstone Health Partners but cannot find an appropriate opportunity, you are strongly encouraged to contact our Volunteer Coordinator to see if your abilities and interests can be matched to our needs.
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Is it really necessary for me to undergo a criminal history check / motor vehicle record check / Child Protection Registry report / drug test?
Yes. While Touchstone Health Partners fully appreciates the potential inconvenience and the invasiveness of the application process for certain positions, it is indeed a necessity. The clients we serve have a myriad of conditions and illnesses ranging from the mild to the severe. Many of our clients are also facing one or more of the following : homelessness, unemployment, poverty, substance abuse, physical health issues, or family dysfunction. The population we serve is, as a whole, one of the most vulnerable cross-sections of society. Additionally, much of what we do centers around medical care, which by necessity introduces additional laws and regulations. In this context, Touchstone Health Partners has a clear legal and ethical responsibility to gather some basic information on individuals interacting with clients and confidential records.
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Do all volunteers at Touchstone Health Partners have to go through background checks and drug tests?
No. Those requirements are only for positions that involve any of the following:
- Interacting directly with clients
- Interacting directly with the family of clients
- Handling clients’ medical records or information of any kind
- Driving or operating an agency owned vehicle
There are a number of meaningful volunteer positions available which involve none of these activities (some of which can even be done from home). All that you need to provide for these positions is your basic contact information, your preferred area of service, and a schedule of your availability.
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Why do you require a six month time commitment for certain volunteers?
Due to the desired volunteer-client relationship that is integral to most positions as well as the time and resources that go into properly processing each volunteer, we ask that applicants make a minimum six month time commitment.
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Are there any internship or work-study opportunities available at Touchstone Health Partners?
Yes. We regularly take on students who donate their time to provide services for the specific purpose of gaining experience and knowledge in accordance with requirements of a higher education institution. Also accepted on a more limited basis are students who meet the qualifications for an educational institution’s work-study program and are compensated for their service through that program for their service to Touchstone Health Partners. The number of intern and work-study positions fluctuates based on center needs, staff availability, student interest, and student ability. Open positions may or may not be listed in the opportunity directory. If interested in pursuing an internship or a work-study program please contact the Volunteer Coordinator.
