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   Greater Philadelphia Cares Frequently Asked Questions
 

FAQ

Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about Greater Philadelphia Cares: who we are, what we do, and how YOU can be a part of it! If you want to know something that's not listed here, or if you would like more information (or just to hear our wonderful voices!), you can give us a call at 215-564-4544.

What is Greater Philadelphia Cares?

Why volunteer?

Who can volunteer?

Is there any training for volunteers before they participate in service projects?

How do I sign up to volunteer?

What is the cost to volunteer?

Can I bring someone with me to volunteer?

How can my children volunteer?

What is the difference between Greater Philadelphia Cares' programs and annual events?

In what ways can I support Greater Philadelphia Cares’ ongoing programs and annual events?

How can I contact Greater Philadelphia Cares?

 

QUESTION 1: What is Philadelphia Cares?
ANSWER: An award winning nonprofit celebrating 12 years of service to the community, Greater Philadelphia Cares is committed to empowering individuals to act as citizens and realize their ability to contribute to the community in meaningful ways. By designing and managing a variety of flexible, tangible volunteer opportunities, Greater Philadelphia Cares is continuously enhancing citizen ability effectively to serve the community. From helping single mothers get their GED to preparing meals for people living with HIV/AIDS, Greater Philadelphia Cares is proving that volunteer action is a powerful force for creating change. Those in need, as well as those volunteering, are able to gain a sense of fulfillment and inclusion as we all work together to unite and improve our community.

Greater Philadelphia Cares, an affiliate of Hands On Network, is based on a model of service that is successful in 44 other cities in the US, UK, China, and the Philippines. Collectively, we continuously strive to lead volunteers to greater civic participation and increased involvement in our community, government, and world.

QUESTION 2: Why volunteer?
ANSWER: There are so many reasons to volunteer your time, energy, and knowledge. Volunteering can give your mind, soul, heart, and body a jumpstart. When individuals channel their idealism and energy into solving community problems, they build a new respect for themselves and a strong attachment to others. Volunteering can provide you with a sense of fulfillment as well as pride of citizenship in building a more caring, compassionate, and competent society. In addition, volunteering empowers you. Many volunteer jobs require you to act independently and take initiative. When you know your capabilities, you have the power to change your life and the lives of others. When you volunteer, you get as much out of it as you put into it; and often, you get a whole lot more.

QUESTION 3: Who can volunteer?
ANSWER: Anyone can volunteer. No matter your age, availability, or interests, we can find volunteer opportunities to suit your needs. Greater Philadelphia Cares designs and manages projects to fit today’s busy schedules.

Individual volunteers can choose to participate in any of our many ongoing programs, monthly calendar projects, or annual events. No matter how little time you have to give, we can match you with a local non-profit agency that welcomes your talents and appreciates your time.

Greater Philadelphia Cares designs and manages customized service projects for group volunteers. Groups can be of any size, and any type. Whether you want your group to volunteer for just one afternoon, a few days, or you want to set up an ongoing volunteer opportunity for the long-term, Greater Philadelphia Cares will help to find a service project that will meet the needs of your group. To get started, you can fill out the “ Group Volunteering Application” on our website and fax it to 215-564-4543. For more information about planning group volunteer projects, please call 215-564-4544.

QUESTION 4: Is there training for volunteers before they participate in service projects?
ANSWER: We ask that new Greater Philadelphia Cares volunteers take a few moments to complete our online orientation before participating in our programs and events. You will be introduced to the history and mission of our organization, and learn how easy (and meaningful) it can be to fit a few hours of giving into your busy schedule. You'll be energized by our new format!

QUESTION 5: How do I sign up to volunteer?
ANSWER: All of our monthly projects are lead by a volunteer project leader. Please refer to our monthly calendar at-a-glance for a complete list of projects and corresponding project leaders. Call or email the project leader, using the contact information listed, to sign up to volunteer.

QUESTION 6: What is the cost to volunteer?
ANSWER: There is no cost to volunteer; the only donation we ask is of your time and commitment to serve the social, educational, and environmental needs of the Greater Philadelphia community.

QUESTION 7: Can I bring someone with me to volunteer?
ANSWER: YES! Please bring along your family and friends to volunteer with you - the more, the merrier! Be sure to tell them about our orientation.

QUESTION 8: How can my children volunteer?
ANSWER: We invite children to volunteer with their parents at our “Family Friendly” projects. These projects are listed in our Monthly Calendar of Events and have a symbol next to them indicating that they are family friendly.

QUESTION 9: What is the difference between Greater Philadelphia Cares' programs and annual events?
ANSWER: Programs are ongoing volunteer opportunities that occur throughout the year. Events are volunteer opportunities that occur annually.

QUESTION 10: In what ways can I support Greater Philadelphia Cares’ ongoing programs and annual events?
ANSWER: You can help support our year-round programs and events by making a monetary donation, or by inviting your company or organization to donate to Greater Philadelphia Cares. Individuals can also help support Greater Philadelphia Cares by making a monetary donation, or by inviting their company or organization to donate to Greater Philadelphia Cares.

Contributions, no matter how small, will enable us to provide new and more meaningful volunteer opportunities in 2005. To make a donation, you can visit the 'Donate' page on our website or call us at 215-564-4544.

Companies and organizations can support Greater Philadelphia Cares by becoming a corporate sponsor. Corporate sponsorship helps keep the spirit of volunteerism alive by establishing a foundation of support that allows us to create positive change in our community. We provide a year of benefits and recognition to our corporate partners. Working together, we strengthen our community by strengthening the link between companies and the community agencies that we work with – agencies that truly benefit from our combined effort. To learn more, please visit the 'Corporate Sponsorship' page on our website or call us at 215-564-4544.

QUESTION 11: How can I contact Greater Philadelphia Cares?
ANSWER: Greater Philadelphia Cares' contact information is as follows:

Greater Philadelphia Cares
100 South Broad Street, Suite 2200
Philadelphia, PA 19110

Phone: 215-564-4544
Fax: 215-564-4543

You can contact individual staff members, via email, by visiting our staff directory.

 

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