Blanca out to dinner with her husband and Margaret.
By Nicole Lemire
BCArc’s Citizen Advocacy Program is an easy opportunity for community members to volunteer and form a bond with a BCArc individual.
“My favorite part of this experience has been having another friend,” said Blanca, who has developed a strong bond with Margaret since they were matched five years ago. “It’s just real, there’s no pressure. I also like the fact that I can involve my husband to join us once in a while.”
“I love how much Debbie enjoys spending time with me,” said Theresa, another advocate who is also a BCArc residential site manager. “She always calls me at work to ask when we can hang out again, tell me what she has going on for the day, let me know if it’s gonna rain that day, just anything.”
Theresa likes to mention that she and Debbie have won the Citizen Advocate Person of the Year Award. They have been together since 1999. “When we do an activity together, we often end up eating at Debbie’s favorite lunch place — Subway,” said Theresa laughing.
“My favorite part of this experience has been having another friend. It’s just real, there’s no pressure,” said Blanca.
The program was created as a way for individuals to build genuine friendships with members of the community and spend time together. Pairs are matched up based on similar interests, hobbies, and availability. It is a flexible program which requires meeting only once per month, and duos can take part in any activity that they are both interested in, such as going to dinner, seeing a movie, or just going for a walk together.
Many of the volunteers in the Citizen Advocacy Programs are BCArc employees or former employees who formed a connection with an individual and wanted to stay connected. However, any community members who are interested are welcome to volunteer.
Blanca and Margaret enjoy visiting Chocolate Springs on the weekends to have hot chocolate and cake. Blanca’s husband occasionally joins them on their outings, which she thinks has been a positive experience for everyone. “One of her favorite memories of the Program,” said Blanca, “was when the three of us all went to the theater together.”
Blanca encouraged others to join, stating. “If you do it a couple times, you get hooked. I wish I had the time to do it more often, to be honest.”
The program is always looking for more volunteers, as they have a waiting list of individuals who would like to be assigned an advocate. Anyone interested in taking part should contact Chris Ferrari, who oversees the program, or visit the Volunteer Opportunities page on the BCArc website.
