Hide Article Text (OCR)
Mental Health Center economical for countyBy ROSEMARY KOOB Tribune Staff WriterVolunteers save the Weld Mental Health Center a great deal of money in addition to providing invaluable service to a worthwhile cause.Last year (1972) the 65 volunteers spent 4.092% hours or the equivalent of 2.7 full-time employees. Rated at $7,000 a year, the salary of a para-professional, these services would have cost $18,900. This is equivalent loan out-and-out gift to the Mental Health Center.This year this phase of activity is growing to the extent that the projected figures are possibly double those of last year.At the present time there are 55 working at one time while last year the peak was 30 volunteers at one time. Needless to say, there is a considerable turnover; however, four volunteers have been with the program since its inception in May, 1971.Heading the volunteer department is Mrs. Lanya Bump, who has been with themajor in psychology and special education of emotionally disturbed children from the University of Northern Colorado in 1969, following which she worked with children of MHC. She also did, and still does, group therapy and also conducts individual evaluation, at any age level.Volunteers arc from all walks of life. A few rules that must apply to all who work at MHC are interest in mental health, ability to relate to people in an understanding, non-judging manner, confidentiality, reliability. Except for shortterm programs, volunteers cannot be accepted unless they can plan to be available for at leaslsix months. It is important that they keep an accurate account of the hours they spend in the program and should make every effort to attend meetings and take advantage of any special meetings or training opportunities offered.There are many areas in which volunteers are used. As a eo-lherapisi, the volunteer must have had graduate workin psychology or psychiatricable to cooperate with the staff member in charge of the group and have time for conferences with this staff member other than the actual group activity.As a “Big Brother” aneducational background of some psychological training or experience in working with emotionally disturbed children such as counselors at summer camps or in institutions is desirable but not mandatary.The real requirements are that the person can get along wellwith children and can takeinstructions and guidance from the child's primary therapist. He is not expected to be the child’s therapist.In the role of receptionist the volunteer should have ability to meet the public, answer -the telephone in a pleasant manner, and to keep calm in a stressful situation. Typing, filing and general office experience is helpful.Volunteer tutors are used primarily to work with adults who are trying to get their G.E.D, degree. This calls for some educational or teaching experience on a one to oneVOLUNTEER LIBRARIAN — Pictured at the Weld Mental Health Center library is Mrs. John Dallum, volunteer librarian. Mrs. Daltum makes up files, runs off papers on a
Newspaper Details
Greeley Daily Tribune
Greeley, Colorado, US
Mon, May 07, 1973
Page 31
Full Page
Clipped by
Joanna S.
NA, 03 Mar 2022
Other Publications Near Greeley, Colorado
Greeley Republican
Greeley Daily Tribune
Greeley Daily Tribune and the Greeley Republican
Greeley Tribune
