Mission:
To connect caring volunteers to vulnerable individuals and families with goals of promoting self-sufficiency, and enriching lives through support and encouragement.
Programs:
Pals Program: Volunteer mentors spend time (2-3 times per month) in a recreational or learning activity with a child, age 3 or older, that has been referred by Brown County Child Protective Services. Volunteer mentors help the child adjust to the separation or loss of a parent, enhance self-esteem and confidence, and learn new skills. Matches are invited to attend a fun activity each month that is free of charge. Matches are based on compatibility and can continue for as long as both parties are interested though the hope would be to have volunteers engaged with their Pal for a minimum of 1 year.
Pals Activity Chaperones: Chaperones spend time with a youth in the Pals Program by attending the program’s monthly group activities. The Pals Program is a mentoring program of Brown County Health & Human Services. Children in the program are age 3 or older from a family that has been or is currently involved with Brown County Child Protective Services. The children needing a chaperone do not have an adult who is able to bring them to the activity to allow them to participate.
Parent Pals Program: Volunteer mentors spend time (2-3 times per month) with parents referred by Brown County Child Protective Services who have identified an interest in having an informal support in their lives. Mentors often spend time helping parents with minor children develop new skills that empower the family to live and function in a safe and healthy manner. Matches are based on compatibility and can continue for as long as both parties are interested though the hope would be to have volunteers engaged with their Parent Pal for a minimum of 18 months.
Family Interaction Program: Volunteers support children in out-of-home care by supervising the family interaction with their parents. The volunteers help to assure a safe and secure environment both physically and emotionally for the children. Time commitment is based upon the volunteer’s schedule and the particular visit selected by the volunteer in conjunction with the Volunteer Coordinator.
Note: This is a program in which volunteers supervise visitation between parents and their children when Brown County Child Protective Services is involved. This is not for those seeking assistance with family court ordered supervised visitation.
Volunteer Drivers: Assist with transporting children and families safely to and from authorized visits and appointments. Drivers are reimbursed for their mileage. Volunteers must have a valid driver’s license and safe driving record.
Volunteer Guardians: A legal guardian is a decision maker and an advocate for those who are incompetent due to aging, a developmental disability, chronic mental illness or alcohol and drug abuse (i.e. ward). Guardians ensure that the individual’s rights to proper housing, nutrition, and medical care are met. A guardian is expected to visit their ward at least once a month and complete an annual report. A legal guardian does not financially support the ward, take care of the ward on a day to day basis, nor personally provide a place for the ward to live. Time commitment is based on the needs of the ward.
General Volunteers: If committing to a specific program does not fit in with your interest or schedule, Brown County Health and Human Services is always seeking assistance with miscellaneous activities. For example, there is a need for volunteers able to assist with clerical duties such as filings and mailings. In addition, there are many special events throughout the year that require additional assistance with transportation, event set up, child care and so forth.
Interns: Students who are studying Social Work, Psychology, Human Development and Human Services may be placed with our Department to fulfil their field requirements. These students are typically placed within the follow units: Child Protective Services, Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health, Youth Justice, Volunteer Services, Outpatient AODA Services and Adult Protective Services. Placements are based on compatibility and are limited to the number of field supervisors available.
*Students interested in an internship with Brown County Health and Human Services should contact Jenna Durkee (920) 448-6023 or Jenna.Durkee@browncountywi.gov
Related: Volunteer Interest Form
