Volunteer Information

We appreciate your interest in helping with ArtBreak Studio at the Robert J. Delonis Center. There are certain procedures that have been established by the Shelter Association/Delonis Center and by ArtBreak that will help participants and volunteers have a good experience. Please read all the information presented below.

Training Tips for Volunteers

This program is intended to offer those experiencing homelessness and other challenges an opportunity to acknowledge and enhance their self-worth through creative expression.  Through various art activities, “students” are encouraged to recognize the value of their life experiences, and their artistic self-expression will hopefully enable them to transcend the difficulties of their daily lives. 
 
Many of our participants have low self-esteem, mental illness, and/or financial hardship, and may also lack a supportive partner, friends, or family.  Thus, your interactions with this population are important in creating a caring and supportive environment.

• First, make eye contact and smile with both your face and your voice.

• Greet the student simply with a phrase like “Hi, my name is…..” and make sure that you ask their name. Be sure to wear a clearly readable nametag with your first name only on it.

• Ask questions of the student that express an interest in them and what they might like to create, but do not ask personal questions. Encourage them to participate in the lesson for the day, but if they are not interested, direct them to alternative projects they could do with the supplies that are available, or let them know that it is fine if they just want to sit and watch.

• Continue open and honest communication, engaging them with supportive and caring comments.

• Respect boundaries.  Individuals may or may not like personal conversation or may have strict boundaries of their body space.  Be watchful for this and adapt appropriately.  Our sessions allow students the freedom to participate at their own pace. Some may come and go during the session.
• Contact Delonis staff at the front desk if a difficult situation arises.

 
Enjoy yourself!! If you are having a fun, positive time, chances are it will rub off!

Volunteer Responsibilities

Classes will run weekly from 1:30- 3:30PM. Instructors and volunteers should arrive at 1:00PM to assemble supplies, set-up, etc.

Volunteer Staff needed per week:

• 1 Instructor
• 2 Assistants 

Instructor

1. Prepare your project at least 10 days in advance of the date on which you will instruct by completing the Instructor Planning Guide. Materials will be provided by ArtBreak unless the Instructor chooses to provide or donate their own. Be sure to check the Art Supply Inventory to see materials already available. If you have questions about your project and/or materials, feel free to contact Becki Spangler at [email protected] or 734-741-0929.
2. Projects should be planned for one, but no more than two consecutive 2-hour sessions. Keep in mind our participants have little to no storage space. Therefore, projects from 2-part classes will need to be stored upstairs in our cabinet or with the instructor.

 
Assistants

1. Assist with the project as requested by the Instructor.
2. Help with set-up and clean-up, including name tags and participant sign-in.
3. Assist participants with the planned project and/or assist with available options if the planned project is not of interest to some participants.

 
Once you have filled out your Contact Information form, you will be contacted directly to verify scheduling.

If you have any questions, please contact Becki Spangler ([email protected]) directly.