Services

GVSS uses volunteers to provide various services without charge to our clients, such as transportation, yard work, minor repair, DME (durable medical equipment) loan, personal assistance, and office staffing.  Because of this, we must necessarily accommodate their schedules. If you want the best chance of having your trip or service request filled, you should give us at least 7 days notice. The more notice you can give us, the more likely it is we can fill your request.  On the other hand, we know that occasionally things come up quickly, so please feel free to call us; simply understand that the shorter the notice, the more difficult it may be to assist you.  Sometimes, we simply may not be able to fill the request.

Before requesting a trip, make sure you know which clinic, the address, and the doctor’s name.  If you don’t have this information, you need to call the clinic that scheduled the appointment so you can give it to the scheduler. 

Please keep in mind that even though there is no charge to you for the service, the service is not without considerable time, effort and expense by those scheduling, notifying, and providing the service.  A volunteer will attempt to contact you 3 times.  You must respond promptly. Excessive and thoughtless cancellations and lack of response can lead to the termination of services.  We ask you to respect and value our volunteers.  Three strikes and you are no longer a client.

We are not skilled trained health care providers. We are simply “neighbors helping neighbors”.  Many of our volunteers are of advanced age themselves.  Clients using wheelchairs for mobility must be able to transfer into and out of the wheelchair without assistance from the driver.

Insurance

For GVSS to remain a viable non-profit organization providing services to the community, we must take steps to protect ourselves in the event of an accident or injury. GVSS must have records of all assigned activities. Therefore, all volunteer arrangements must be made through the GVSS office, rather than through the volunteer, directly. 

Additionally, if an accident/injury/incident should occur, please notify the GVSS office staff as soon as possible. Clients must wear a seatbelt while being driven by one of our volunteers. Clients must sign a waiver and release agreement before receiving volunteer services. Clients who do not agree to all of these conditions will not be eligible to receive services from GVSS.

Acceptance of Gifts

All services provided by GVSS are without charge.  Our volunteers are not allowed to receive gifts or payments from any client.  If you wish to contribute to the organization, please send your donation directly to GVSS at the address below.

Tax Deductions

Donations to GVSS may be tax-deductible.  If you choose to donate to GVSS, you will receive a letter documenting your donation.  Please talk to your tax advisor concerning any tax deductions.

Smoke-Free Environment

GVSS promotes a smoke-free environment.  If you smoke, please do not smoke while the volunteer is present.  All volunteers are told if they smoke, they must refrain from smoking while clients are present.

Suggestions or Concerns

We want the experience with us to be meaningful for both the client and the volunteer.  If you have suggestions or concerns regarding our services, please contact the GVSS office at (515) 986-5355.