Just One Call 

Overview

The Lancaster Downtowners Just One Call (JOC) Volunteer Program is designed to provide short-term assistance to all members of the organization. 

The Just One Call Coordinators match volunteers with member service requests.

Bobbie Zlotnik and Henry Biedryzcki are our Just One Call Coordinators. They work closely with the Just One Call Committee and Executive Director to facilitate the program.

Volunteers are giving of their time and capabilities. It is important to make all requests as far in advance as possible (72 hours is the preferred minimum.)

Members can access these services by calling 717-584-1248
or by following this link to make an online request for service.

The following is an overview of the categories of help included. 

Transportation 

Volunteer Drivers can provide regularly scheduled, periodic, and last-minute trips. When appropriate, the volunteer will assist the member to and from the front door of his or her home. 

Transportation may convey members to and from such destinations as: 

• Medical appointments 

• Shopping 

• Worship services 

• Social and educational events 

Volunteer drivers should maintain a working vehicle, valid driver’s license, and adequate insurance Coverage and provide the office with updated copies. Drivers will pay for their own gas, and any parking tickets or fines. They may accept reimbursement for parking if it is offered. Drivers are asked to report the time involved and mileage to the JOC Coordinator for record keeping. 

Just One Call Contacts and Connections

In order to proactively support older persons who live alone Just One Call offers a range of regular contacts with a volunteer. This will help to ensure that members are staying safe and well in their homes. Members may sign up for this program or the Executive Director may invite members to participate if it seems appropriate. Contact between volunteer and Downtowner member may be a simple “touch base” on a regular basis. For example, the volunteer and member may plan to text, email, or have phone contact daily or as frequently as they agree to do so. Alternatively, a member and volunteer may agree to regular (monthly, weekly, etc.) contact for conversation and general social interaction. Volunteer and member may also agree to meet in person on a regular basis such as quarterly or more often. Each partnership will determine the nature and frequency of their connection as part of a signed agreement.

 At-Home Assistance

As members grow older, help with what were once simple household chores can mean the difference
between a day of frustration and one of accomplishment. Volunteers can help with specific tasks, can
provide information about the need for home maintenance and repair, and can also help the member
negotiate with professional service providers.

Indoor Assistance may include such activities as:
  Routine maintenance and simple repairs
 Occasional meal preparation
 Technical support
 Companionship
 Checking on house/apartment, including pets and plants, when member is away

Outdoor Assistance may include such activities as:
 Light gardening and yardwork assistance
 Sweeping and cleaning walkways
 Shoveling snow

Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Loan Program

As a part of the Lancaster Downtowners, the Just One Call Committee invites all members to participate in the Downtowners Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Loan Program. The aim of this program is to facilitate the exchange of favors between members who have DME and those who have need of DME. The JOC Committee has developed a spreadsheet of members who have DME equipment that they would be willing to loan to other members. 

Health Buddies
Members are invited to participate in the Downtowners Health Buddy Program. To help a Lancaster Downtowner member navigate a doctor visit a volunteer member (buddy) can accompany them to their medical appointment. The volunteer helps the member to prepare in advance for the appointment and then serves as an extra listening ear by taking confidential notes at the doctor visit. The volunteer helps to make sure the patient has a good understanding of what the doctor recommends. Following the appointment, the volunteer gives the notes to the requesting member, who may share the notes with children or others. Health Buddies have participated in a brief training program to understand their responsibilities in this relationship.

Volunteer Guidelines: 

• Volunteers are required to provide a Pennsylvania criminal record check (available for free online from: https: //epatch.state.pa.us). 

•  Volunteers should always protect confidential information and member privacy. 

•  Volunteers should never accept gifts for their service. 

•  Volunteers should not perform services that require personal care such as bathing or showering, nor should they perform work that requires a licensed contractor. If such assistance is needed, the member should contact the Executive Director who can suggest alternate resources. 

• Volunteers should not offer advice about a member’s health and safety or finances. 

We encourage friendships to develop among members, but all request for volunteer services should go through the JOC Coordinator. Volunteers can say NO to any request that is not convenient or is outside their comfort zones.