Casa Acogida grada is a home in Ñuñoa for children from newborn -5 years, who are wards of the court. The home has approximately 40 children and the goal is to reintegrate them back into their families whenever possible. Adoptions are a secondary alternative. There are 7 children/per tia in the home, and volunteers are a necessity. IAC volunteers provide loving attention, cuddling and stimulation to the children. Volunteers need to be consistent, warm and understanding. It is critical that all volunteers understand that we are guests in their home and are subject to their rules. The home is understanding about volunteers taking holidays and travel time.
Informal ESL classes are offered on Mondays from 5.30pm to 6:30pm for 10-15 students at this school for the blind in Ñuñoa, and there are usually 6 to 8 volunteers in attendance. As some of the students are both blind and multi-handicapped, it is very much a Hands-On fun activity. The volunteer team meets early in the year to develop a theme for the classes. In the first half of 2011 the focus of the classes is on physical fitness. The students are enjoying a variety of activities using balls with bells inside, scooters & skateboards. Craft and cooking activities are also planned. New ideas and volunteers are always welcome.
To view a short video about the Hellen Keller and IAC volunteer participation click here
Fundación Crescendo, founded in 2001, is a center for adults with intellectual disabilities in Ñuñoa. Workshops in crafts, computer, exercise and more help the participants achieve self determination and choice making. The center has many volunteer opportunities available beginning immediately: Computer classroom leader, dance, exercise/gym instructor, nutritionist, theater workshop and workroom assistant. Music therapy is currently given by non-IAC volunteers. Bring your own ideas/gifts and they will make a place for you!
The workshop participants are present from 9:00 until 4:00 Monday through Friday with the exception of Wednesdays until 2:00. Therefore, the prime time for volunteering is from 9:30 to 12:00 or 2:00 to 4:00. For the positions listed, Spanish is required. However, there are opportunities available in which only very limited Spanish is needed. Anyone interested in finding out more about these volunteer positions or other volunteer opportunities, please contact Patricia Arentsen (pacramer@gmail.com) Iris Calon(iris_calon@yahoo.com).
To view a short video about Fundacion Crescendo and IAC volunteer opportunities click here.
Hogar Oncologico Felipe Rivera, Maria Ayuda is a home for children who are who are receiving treatment for cancer at Calvo MacKenna Children's Hospital. The families come from all regions of Chile outside of Santiago and the child and one parent stay without cost for as long as the child is undergoing treatment, similar to a Ronald MC Donald type of home in the States.
The home is a treasure. The director and staff have been there for a very long time, and their special training and love helps the children and parents more than any medicine. All volunteers will tell you that their time in the home is a gift as they become close to both the mothers and the children. The IAC has been involved with this home for more than 20 years. IAC volunteers visit at least twice a month with craft parties (bracelet making, cooking baking, muffin decorating and bow making classes,etc.) and game days.
To view a short video about Hogar Oncologica and IAC volunteer participation click here.
Paz y Alegria is a nursing home run founded by Mother Teresa and run by the Sisters of Charity in Batuco, about 30 minutes from the IAC House. It is a home for 54 abandoned eldery people, set in beautiful gardens. IAC volunteers have been helping this home for over 30 years. The volunteers participate by visiting the elderly, assisting them during meals, with physical therapy and by providing donations through the IAC Big Blue Box.
Mision de Maria is a warm home for 32 babies and toddlers who are wards of the Court. Volunteers are very much appreciated between 9:00-13:00 or 16:00-19:00, including weekends. Volunteers can spend quality time with the kids; playing, feeding, changing and bathing. According to the home, “reliability and a strong back” are needed; volunteers are encouraged to come once a week (or more!). The home works with the rewarding Pickler Loczy method, a method developed for institutionalised kids. Pickler Locksy helps the home to offer an environment where children are respected and nurtured to become emotionally and socially mature individuals.