OUR VISION

No senior will go hungry or experience social isolation.

OUR MISSION

The mission of the Meals on Wheels People is to enrich the lives of seniors

and assist them in maintaining independence by making nutritious food,

social contacts, and other accessible resources. To the extent possible we will also

serve disabled and institutionalized, and other nutritionally at-risk populations.

We accomplish this through an organization that is community-based,

emphasizes volunteer involvement, and is financially sound.

OUR VALUES

Integrity

We work in a trustworthy and ethical manner demonstrating honesty and fairness.

Respect

We value the self- worth and dignity of individuals and honor their choices.

Inclusion

We are strengthened by diversity of ages, cultures, abilities and ideas.

Creativity

We are innovative and willing to take risk.

Compassion

We treat each individual with care as a member of the Meals on Wheels People family.

Commitment

We demonstrate quality performance and dedication to our mission.

Confidentiality Agreement I agree that I shall treat personal information about individual clients (recipients of Meals on Wheels People services) as privileged communications and hold it confidential. I shall not disclose information for any purpose, other than referral of concerns to Meals on Wheels People staff. Standard of Conduct It is our agency’s policy and in compliance with our contractual obligations to not recruit volunteers with criminal history in the following areas:

Theft including but not limited to: fraud, forgery, grand theft auto, burglary, etc. Violence including but not limited to: assault, harassment, abandonment, abuse,

molestation, rape, intimidation, arson, etc. Drugs including but not limited to: possession, distribution, use, manufacture, etc.

The above list is not meant to be inclusive of all crimes. If you have criminal history that is referenced by another term but generally falls within these categories you are required to communicate that to your MOWP Supervisor prior to determining the suitability of a job match. Failure to do so may result in immediate termination from volunteering. Volunteers must meet with the appropriate Meals on Wheels People staff person for orientation and training prior to volunteering. Volunteers must treat everyone with respect, courtesy, patience, integrity and dignity; use of abusive, obscene or discriminatory language is not permitted. Volunteers are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of all proprietary or privileged information to which they are exposed while serving as a volunteer, whether this information involves a staff person, volunteer, client or other person, or involves overall Meals on Wheels People business. Volunteers and their associates, friends, family or acquaintances may not use any participant’s financial situation or health condition for any personal gain. Volunteers may not accept loans, gifts of money, property or payment for services from a participant. Assuming positions of guardianship, power of attorney or personal representative on behalf of a participant is prohibited. Volunteers are also prohibited from conducting any kind of financial transactions on behalf of participants or soliciting them on behalf of businesses or other organizations.

Code of Ethics As a volunteer representing Meals on Wheels People, your conduct and interaction with staff, other volunteers and the public is expected to always be professional and courteous. By volunteering, you are making a commitment to staff and seniors to carry out, to the best of your abilities, the tasks you have pledged to perform. The Volunteer Code of Ethics clarifies the expectations and principals for Meals on Wheels People volunteers. Should a volunteer display unprofessional, dishonest or disrespectful behavior or exhibit a lack of self-discipline, the volunteer will be asked to leave the premises. Such behavior could be grounds for termination of volunteer status. As a Meals on Wheels People Volunteer, I pledge to:

Respect • Respect others even though I may not agree with them • Display courtesy, sensitivity, consideration and compassion for all people • Use good judgment in recognizing the scope of authority of staff members

Safety

• Keep safety at the forefront of all volunteer activities

• Follow the rules presented to me in training • Respect and use equipment and supplies as they are intended • Report all injuries immediately to a staff person Do not perform work while under the influence of drugs (including the use of

prescription drugs for purposes other than which they were prescribed) or alcohol

Quality

• Perform all tasks to the best of my ability • Ask for help when needed • Recognize training is essential to maintain safe practices

Self-Discipline

• Recognize my limitations and those of others • Set boundaries for myself – know my limits with seniors and other activities • Hold myself accountable for the commitments I undertake

Communication

• Recognize I communicate both verbally and non-verbally • Listen to the needs of others • Advise staff of relevant information regarding the seniors and involvement at the centers

Commitment

• Recognize that commitment comes from within • Respect that seniors count on me to honor my commitments • Work together with staff and other volunteers to meet Meals on Wheels People goals

Welfare

• Value my role in the maintenance and growth of the organization • Strive to promote a positive environment • Respect and support all seniors

At Meals on Wheels People we are fortunate to have over 9,500 individuals volunteer to help us achieve our vision that no senior will go hungry or experience social isolation. We are extremely grateful to each and every volunteer who takes the time to make a difference in the life of a senior.

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Donate Dinner Greeter Donate Dinner is a fundraising campaign that takes place at independent grocery stores the five days before Thanksgiving and is one of the largest volunteer events in the Portland metropolitan area. More than 1,200 volunteers are needed to greet customers and hand out cards asking them to “donate a dinner to a homebound senior” by simply telling the cashier when they check out. Last year we raised more than $205,000 to provide hot meals to seniors thanks to this campaign. General Responsibilities

Greet shoppers at the entrance to one of our partner grocery stores Speak with shoppers about Donate Dinner and explain how they can participate Hand out Donate Dinner reminder cards to shoppers At the end of the shift, remove stray donate dinner cards from shopping carts/baskets for re-use

Average Time Commitment:

A two hour shift is available between 10am and 8pm, Saturday-Wednesday Requirements

Outgoing personality and welcoming demeanor Skilled at putting people at ease while interacting with them for brief moments of time Flexible to adapt to a variety of personalities and communication styles Desire to take pride and ownership in promoting the donate dinner fundraiser Most shifts require standing however accommodations may be made. Please notify your MOWP

supervisor when you sign up for your shift. Ability to adjust to cool or windy conditions as work is performance at the entrance to stores. It is our agency’s policy and in compliance with our contractual obligations to not recruit volunteers with

criminal history in the following areas: Theft including but not limited to: fraud, forgery, grand theft auto, burglary, etc. Violence including but not limited to: assault, harassment, abandonment, abuse,

molestation, rape, intimidation, arson, etc. Drugs including but not limited to: possession, distribution, use, manufacture, etc.

The above list is not meant to be inclusive of all crimes. If you have committed crimes that are referenced by another term but generally fall within these categories you are required to communicate those to your MOWP Supervisor prior to determining the suitability of this job match.

Safety Guidelines Meals on Wheels People values its volunteers and their contributions to this organization. We want our volunteers to enjoy their time with us and have a rewarding experience. One aspect of that experience includes helping volunteers to understand how to work safely. Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind as you perform your job. This is not an exhaustive list but we hope it provides you with some guidelines so you can fully enjoy your time with us. If you are feeling ill please notify your MOWP supervisor that you will not be arriving for your schedule. This includes: the sniffles, sneezing or coughing, sore throat, queasy or upset stomach/intestinal issues Report all accidents, injuries and illnesses to the center's manager / supervisor immediately. While volunteers are not covered under the Meals on Wheels People insurance or worker’s compensation policy, we are concerned about everyone working in a safe environment and we will take corrective action when necessary. If you come across unsafe working conditions or have ideas on how to make the work environment safer, please communicate those to your MOWP supervisor.

ProtectingourSeniorsPolicyCreated: April 2013   The following training is to be included as a part of every volunteer’s orientation program.  

Thank you for being a part of the Meals on Wheels People organization. It is through the caring, concern and talents of all our volunteers and partners that Meals on Wheels People was able to serve over 1,192,155 meals in fiscal year 2012 to home bound seniors and seniors in our dining halls. Your participation in the Protective Behaviors Training Program is just one more way that you demonstrate your dedication. This training is designed to prevent physical, financial, sexual, and emotional abuse of Meals on Wheels People Participants. Meals on Wheels People protects seniors in multiple ways:

• We adhere to a multi-step volunteer screening processes • Volunteers agree to our Codes of Conduct, Ethics and Confidentiality policies • We have a policy prohibiting unacceptable behaviors • Volunteers and staff participate in this protective behavior training

VOLUNTEER SCREENING POLICY

The foremost goal of the volunteer screening policy is to protect the safety and well-being of seniors, staff and volunteers while providing a contingent workforce to ensure the delivery of our core services

Volunteers who will have unsupervised access to seniors or confidential information are background checked upon initial recruitment and every two years in Washington as required by our contractual obligations

If screening reveals criminal history involving certain offenses related to, but not limited to theft, violence or drugs, the volunteer may be prohibited from participation

SUPERVISION OF VOLUNTEERS

• Volunteers who have regular, close, physical contact with seniors are closely supervised • Volunteers in a position of authority or supervision with seniors are closely supervised • Volunteers who handle substantial amounts of cash are closely supervised

BENEFITS AND LIMITATIONS OF THE VOLUNTEER SCREENING POLICY

Volunteer screening is a tool that Meals on Wheels People uses to help protect seniors, but it is not foolproof Many predators do not have criminal records Your job as a volunteer is to be vigilant and report any behavior or activity that does not appear appropriate based

on: Your personal experience or Warning signs identified in this document

CODES OF CONDUCT

• Codes of Conduct, Ethics and Confidentiality are in effect and enforced for staff, volunteers and seniors • The codes list the minimum standards set by Meals on Wheels People. The location at which you volunteer may

be stricter or have additional standards. Inquire as to what those are on your first day • Breach of these standards will be taken seriously and may result in immediate termination from volunteering in

any capacity POTENTIALLY INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR

Invitations to visit a volunteer's house where others are not included Excessive displays of interest in a particular senior (such as all female seniors or only those with intellectual

limitations) Unprofessional, dishonest, disrespectful behavior or exhibiting a lack of self-discipline Private conversations with seniors should be within sight of others who are aware of the conversation Be aware of unusual or inappropriate gifts, trips, affection or attention from a volunteer Be aware of relationships between volunteers and seniors that become private or secretive

FINANCIAL ABUSE • Volunteers and their associates, friends, family or acquaintances may not use any participant’s financial situation

or health condition for any personal gain • Volunteers may not accept loans, gifts of money, property or payment for services from a participant • Assuming positions of guardianship, power of attorney or personal representative on behalf of a participant is

prohibited • Volunteers are prohibited from conducting any kind of financial transactions on behalf of participants or soliciting

them on behalf of businesses or other organizations

EMOTIONAL ABUSE Infliction of mental or emotional anguish by threat, humiliation or other verbal or nonverbal means is unacceptable • Treat seniors with respect. The use of profanity or obscene or abusive language is not acceptable. • Making jokes or derogatory remarks about someone’s age, ethnicity, cognitive abilities, etc. is unacceptable • Seniors are not to be disciplined by volunteers

PHYSICAL ABUSE

• Corporal punishment is never allowed no matter what • Rushing or pushing a senior who is moving slowly is UN acceptable. • Hugs should respect both senior and volunteer limits and never be secretive. Always ask before you touch

someone else. Do not assume it is acceptable. • Touching should avoid areas a traditional swimsuit would cover

RECOGNIZING SEXUAL PREDATORS

• A sexual predator could be anyone. There is no “look” or behavior pattern that sets them apart. Sexual Predators: Target vulnerable populations (such as children, seniors and individuals with intellectual

disabilities) Come from all backgrounds Can be male or female Are generally very likeable and have warm personalities May have limited relationships with other adults

• Reminder: not everyone who comes to a Meals on Wheels People event is a volunteer who has been screened and can be assumed to be “safe”

Additionally

• If a senior needs assistance taking their medications, you may provide water only. You cannot handle the medication or administer it.

• Be aware of seniors sensitivity to noise, temperature, sound and touch • Volunteers are not allowed to transport participants/seniors in their vehicle. • For seniors requiring assistance with toileting it is a best practice if two volunteers are present

• Personal information about a senior can be shared with staff only

Potential Warning Signs that a Senior may be at risk: Has problems sleeping Cowers in the presence of a particular person Is emotionally upset, agitated, withdrawn or non –responsive Exhibits unusual behavior usually attributed to dementia such as sucking, biting, rocking, etc. Significant weight loss or gain not attributed to other causes Information from other sources (neighbors, friends, family members tell you they are concerned). Reports of rude or unacceptable behavior by clients, their family or friends.

What you should do: You are a gatekeeper, an important link in checking on the client’s daily well-being. It is your responsibility as a volunteer to report any concern you have to your MOWP supervisor immediately. Thank you for participating in our training. #370 6/13