29.0 Definition
Family volunteers are parents and their immediate children under the age of 18.
OSSO Headquarters will occasionally consider non-traditional family dynamics for application on a case-by-case basis. In these cases, OSSO HQ coordinates directly with the Operations Coordinator.
29.1 Schedule
OSSO offers flexibility for families volunteering together by allowing them to choose how much they want to serve based on their circumstances (such as ages, abilities, or restrictions).
Families can select one of three levels of participation: full-time (100%), part-time (75%), or half-time (50%).
Their chosen service level determines how many volunteer shifts they will be scheduled for—for instance, a family at 50% service will only participate in half of the usual shifts.
This selection is made during an interview with OSSO headquarters.
The selected level is documented and can be found by the Directors of Volunteer Experience (DOVEs) in the list associated with the family's assigned location.
29.2 Housing
DOVEs take the family's size into consideration before assigning them a housing unit.
29.3 Food
Family volunteer food costs are part of the grocery and lunch budget for the week. DOVEs make sure there are sufficient groceries and lunch order to feed the family as well, even if the family is housed in their own apartment. To avoid over-ordering lunches, DOVEs should confirm with the family whether they plan to eat with the volunteers before placing the lunch order.
29.4 Special Activities
In some cases, family groups may be large enough to require a customized activity. When this occurs, the Operations Coordinator will coordinate directly with the orphanage to plan an activity that appropriately accommodates both the family and the children.
29.5 Christmas
Please see the Christmas Period page for details on Christmas family visits.