Buffalo Peace House
Volunteer Manual
Office Phone & Fax: (716) 627-9800
Location: 4263 Saint Francis Dr. Hamburg, NY 14075
Mailing Address: PO Box 370, Athol Springs, NY 14010
“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted”
- Aesop
Welcome to the Buffalo Peace House and Thank you for volunteering with us!
It is with your time, effort and help that our mission is achieved.
Thank you,
~ Board and Staff of the Buffalo Peace House.
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Contents
I.
Board of Directors and Staff Directory 2014....................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
II.
Hours of Operation .........................................................................................................................................5
III.
Buffalo Peace House Mission .....................................................................................................................5
IV.
Cultural Diversity and Cross-Cultural Awareness.............................................................................5
V.
What is a Refugee?..........................................................................................................................................5
VI.
The Benefits of Volunteers to Buffalo Peace House ..........................................................................6
VII.
The Benefits of Volunteering .....................................................................................................................6
VIII.
Volunteer Commitment and Policy .........................................................................................................6
IX.
Grievance Procedure .....................................................................................................................................7
X.
Volunteer Services Selection, Relocation and Termination ..........................................................7
XI.
Dress Code .........................................................................................................................................................7
XII.
Volunteers as representatives of BPH ....................................................................................................7
XIII.
Confidentiality ..................................................................................................................................................7
XIV.
Conflict of Interest ..........................................................................................................................................8
XV.
Sexual Harassment .........................................................................................................................................8
XVI.
Workplace Harassment ................................................................................................................................8
XVII.
Falsification of Information ........................................................................................................................8
XVIII.
Maintenance of Records ...............................................................................................................................8
XIX.
Equal Opportunities.......................................................................................................................................8
XX.
Substance Abuse..............................................................................................................................................9
XXI.
Safety Procedure .............................................................................................................................................9
XXII.
BOUNDARIES ....................................................................................................................................................9
a.
Conduct ...........................................................................................................................................................9
b.
Proselytizing .................................................................................................................................................9
c.
Solicitation .....................................................................................................................................................9
d.
Gift/Donations .......................................................................................................................................... 10
e.
Transportation .......................................................................................................................................... 10
f.
Off Limit Areas .......................................................................................................................................... 10
g.
Personal Phone Calls .............................................................................................................................. 10
h.
Smoking Policy .......................................................................................................................................... 10
i.
Lunch and Breaks .................................................................................................................................... 10
j.
Electronic Usage/Communication .................................................................................................... 10
k.
Parking ......................................................................................................................................................... 10
XXIII.
Inclement Weather Policy ........................................................................................................................ 10
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Buffalo Peace House
Board of Directors and Staff Directory 2014
Board of Directors
Eileen Charleton
Board Chair
43 Heussy Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14220
Cell: 716-254-1413
Email: echarleton@gmail.com
Lay missionary, retired educator, workshop and retreat
facilitator
Mary E. Callahan
Board Co-Chair
5484 Allen Drive
Hamburg, NY 14075
Cell: 716-941-3804 (Shared w/husband James)
Email: jamespcallahan@aol.com (Shared w/husband James)
Educator, fundraiser, and refugee advocate
Roy Herberger
Treasurer
418 N. Division St.
Buffalo, NY 14204
Cell: 716-852-2076
Email: royhope@aol.com
Pastor, community activist, and refugee advocate
Administrative Team
Naima Moussa
House Manager
Cell: 917-319-3601
Email: bilanaima@gmail.com
Angela Giuseppetti
Administrator
Cell: 716-417-8724
Email: amg36@buffalo.edu
Delia Becker
Administrator
Cell: 716-860-8541
Email: delia@visonebecker.com
Marissa Doessinger, Previous Administrator
Email:
marissa.doessinger.sp14@semesteratsea.org
Volunteers
Laura Kowal 716-341-9219
lkowal@lakeshorecsd.org
Margaret Bye 716-310-1264
margaret@yahoo.com
Patrick J. Wrafter
Finances
34 Harbor Point Common
Buffalo, NY 14202
Home: 716-847-0718 / Cell: 716-432-3137
Email: patrickwrafter@verizon.net
CPA, retired finance committee chair
Paula Penepent
71 Roycroft Parkway
Elma, NY 14059
Home: 716-683-3136 / Cell: 716-864-2696
Email: ppenepent@gmail.com
Nurse, theologian, and refugee activist
Additional Contacts:
Amy Baker
Grant Writer / Website Developer
Email: bakeralthea369@aol.com
Father Ross, Pastor at St. Francis
4263 Saint Francis Drive
Hamburg, NY 14075
Home: 716-627-2710 x11
Email: fr.ross@verizon.net
Linda Drajem
Grant Writer Volunteer
Cell:
Email: ldrajem@roadrunner.com
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Ryan Neumeister
369 Hudson St., Buffalo, NY 14201Cell: 716-861-7388
Email: ryanneumeister@hotmail.com
Associate at Capital Markets Advisors, LLC
I.
Dennis Callahan
Volunteer Helper and Overseas House Issues
Cell: 212-501-9030
Email: denniscallan@hotmail.com
Hours of Operation
Buffalo Peace House has office hours Monday –Friday, 9am-5pm.
In accordance with our tenancy, the Buffalo Peace House has on site staff 24/7 when residents are
occupying the shelter.
II.
Buffalo Peace House Mission
The mission of the Buffalo Peace House is to provide safe housing, facilitate access to legal counseling
and provide nutritional meals to those seeking asylum in the United States.
III.
Cultural Diversity and Cross-Cultural Awareness
During your volunteer work here at the BPH, you will encounter many different cultures including
different beliefs, values, traditions, etiquettes and behaviors. What is acceptable to one group or
individual may be different than your own.
We encourage all volunteers to become aware and embrace these differences and similarities.
Moreover we encourage you to resist making judgments and to keep an open mind as it will make
for a more enjoyable and valuable experience for both you and the resident. It will become evident
that when an individual becomes aware of others, they too will have a better understanding of their
own culture. The results of this cross-cultural awareness will help an individual grow and become
more compassionate, humble and knowledgeable.
Volunteers are role models for our residents and should practice patience, open mindedness, and a
willingness to learn about the residents we all serve.
Common cultural differences to be aware of include but not limited to: body language (such as eye
contact), hygiene, time/punctuality, personal space, clothing, educational values, gender roles etc.
IV.
What is a Refugee?
A refugee is an individual who flees their country because of a well-founded FEAR of persecution for
reasons of race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership of a particular social group. A
refugee either cannot return home, or is afraid to do so.
Resettled Refugees in the United States
After a Refugee has fled their home, they seek legal refugee status in a country of asylum. After
receiving legal refugee status the UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) refers
the individual for resettlement in a third country. Only about 1 percent of all refugees are referred
for resettlement. According to the 2009 UNHCR annual report there are over 16 million refugees
worldwide. For those seeking resettlement in the United States, they go through rigorous
application process, review and screenings through the State Department and Department of
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Homeland Security, and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. If the individual/family is
approved they are matched with an American resettlement organization that will facilitate their
resettlement to the United States. In Buffalo there are four resettlement agencies: Journey’s End
Refugee Services, International Institute of Buffalo, Catholic Charities, and Jewish Family Services.
Refugees seeking Asylum in the United States
An asylum seeker is “an individual outside his or her country of origin seeking refugee status based
on a well-founded fear of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, social group or
political opinion, but whose claim has not been legally substantiated. Often, an asylum seeker must
undergo a legal procedure in which the host country decides if he/she qualifies for refugee or
another form of legal status. International law recognizes the right to seek asylum, but does not
oblige states to provide it.” (www.refugees.org Frequently Asked Questions)
Individuals seeking asylum come to America in various ways, sometimes underground and other
times coming on a different legal status but want to stay as an asylee. These individuals have one
year after arrival onto U.S. soil to apply for asylum in which they have to prove a 10% chance that
they would be in danger if returned to their home country for reasons of race, religion, nationality,
political opinion or membership in a particular social group. If individual is in U.S. for more than 1
year, if they are to win an asylum case they have to prove a 50% chance that they will be tortured if
they return to their home country.
V.
The Benefits of Volunteers to Buffalo Peace House
Volunteers help the Buffalo Peace House complete their mission by providing services that assist
the organization as well as to the individual residents in achieving well-being and self-sufficiency
skills.
Volunteer activities may include working with resident individuals or groups to teach English, work
on skill building, teaching American customs/values, or welcoming and engaging them in their
current U.S. community. Volunteers may also help BPH advocate for clients, help in special events
or educate others about our organization.
VI.
The Benefits of Volunteering
There are multitudes of reasons why people volunteer. Some do it as a gesture of faith or morals.
Some are compelled by family values and community enrichment. Still others want to gain a skill or
experience. Whatever one’s reason is for volunteering, it is an empowering and enriching experience
that is just as beneficial to the volunteer as it is to the individual or organization being helped.
VII.
Volunteer Commitment and Policy
Buffalo Peace House Volunteers will discuss their length of commitment, weekly/monthly schedule,
days of incompatibility with their schedule, (holidays, vacation, etc.) and anticipated start and end
date prior to starting their volunteer service with BPH.
Volunteers must inform BPH of any temporary or permanent changes to the predetermined
schedule as soon as possible.
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VIII.
Grievance Procedure
Buffalo Peace House wants all volunteers to find their service through us enjoyable and engaging.
If any volunteer is unhappy with their assignment, schedule, or for any other reason they are
encouraged to approach a BPH staff member to resolve the issue at hand.
IX.
Volunteer Services Selection, Relocation and Termination
The Buffalo Peace House will select and allocate volunteer services based on the needs of the
organization. The BPH reserves the right to alter or terminate the services of any volunteer at the
discretion of this organization. Volunteers may also wish to request changes to their schedule or
activities which would need to be approved by BPH. Furthermore a volunteer may wish to resign
their services at the BPH in which case we ask that you notify the BPH via in person, phone or email.
Excessive absenteeism either notified or not will be taken into consideration for termination of
volunteer services.
X.
Dress Code
Volunteers of Buffalo Peace House are representatives of this organization and should present
themselves in a professional image to the residents and to the community. Attire should be neat and
clean and clothing should not distract clients, other volunteers, community members, or staff from
completing their duties or the mission of the organization. Our residents come from
traditional/conservative backgrounds, cultures and values and we want them to feel comfortable
amongst volunteers and staff. To ensure the comfort of our clients in this shelter and within the
presence of BPH volunteers we request that all volunteers refrain from wearing the following
clothing: spaghetti straps, short skirts or shorts, clothing that is sheer or reveals cleavage, gluteal
cleft or midriff, or that is torn or stained. Jeans are acceptable to wear so long as they are not reveling,
baggy or loosely secured. Certain attire might be required for certain events, tasks or other occasions
in which the volunteer would need to use their judgment to dress for the occasion. At any time a
volunteer can ask a BPH staff member questions about attire and proper dress for particular
occasions. Volunteers that do not comply with the BPH dress code will be sent home to adjust their
attire. BPH dress code for volunteers can be characterized as “casual” as it relates to any other office
setting.
XI.
Volunteers as representatives of BPH
Volunteers are unofficial representatives of this organization and should conduct themselves in a
professional manner in their dress, work, and conduct. Volunteers are not official representatives
of the organization and should seek authorization prior to any act that can be indicated as such.
XII.
Confidentiality
While working with residents, volunteers will find that they are entrusted with private information
(whether it be one’s life story, medical history or other) and we request that all volunteers refrain
from sharing this information with anyone outside of BPH. Volunteers agree to keep confidential
any information they become privy to regarding a client, staff or the organization itself. Information,
especially that which may suggest injury/harm to the resident or any other volunteer, resident or
staff member should be immediately expressed to a BPH staff member. If at any point you feel
uncomfortable working with a resident, volunteer, or staff member, or need guidance in a particular
situation, please inform an appropriate BPH staff member or board member immediately.
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XIII.
Conflict of Interest
Any individual who has a conflict of interest with any aspect of their work (personal, financial or
ethical) shall not serve as a volunteer at this organization. Those who find themselves in a situation
of conflict should disclose the nature of the conflict immediately to a BPH staff member.
XIV.
Sexual Harassment
All volunteers, staff and clients must abide to provide a workplace environment that is free from
sexual harassment. Sexual harassment in the workplace whether paid or unpaid is against the law
and will not be tolerated. Sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for
sexual favors, and other physical or verbal conduct of a sexual nature when: (1) submission to the
harassment is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of employment or volunteer
status; (2) submission to or rejection of the harassment is used as the basis for employment or
volunteer status decision affecting the individual; or (3) the harassment has the purpose or effect of
unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile,
or offensive working environment.
Any act that is reasonably expected or perceived to cause offense, embarrassment, humiliation or
imply necessity or compliance as relating to a condition of a sexual nature in the workforce is strictly
forbidden. Sexual harassment does not refer to occasional compliments of a socially acceptable
nature. It refers to behavior that is not welcome, that is personally offensive, that debilitates morale,
and that, therefore, interferes with work effectiveness. If you feel that you have been the recipient
of sexually harassing behavior, report it immediately to a BPH staff member or board member right
away.
XV.
Workplace Harassment
The BPH will not tolerate inappropriate conduct from its employees or volunteers, that might create
an intimidating, hostile or offensive working environment and which has the purpose or effect of
unreasonable interfering with an individual’s work performance or otherwise adversely an
individual’s race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation or disability as well
as of one’s relatives, friends or associates. If you find yourself in such a situation, please see a BPH
staff member or board member right away.
XVI.
Falsification of Information
Falsification of information, including material omission or misrepresentation, on a volunteer
application is grounds for immediate dismissal.
XVII. Maintenance of Records
Each volunteer will submit to a system of individual records to keep track of their dates and hours
of service, duties preformed. BPH staff will keep records of each volunteer including information
and documentation obtained during orientation or any other time, volunteer submitted records,
evaluation of work, etc. Volunteer personal records will be granted the same confidentiality as staff
personnel records.
XVIII.
Equal Opportunities
BPH does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, nationality, religion, ethnic or national
origins, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation or disability. Employees and volunteers are
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expected to work within this equal opportunities framework. Clients, employees, guests and
volunteers are to be treated with respect. And as a volunteer, you can expect to be treated in
accordance with this policy.
XIX.
Substance Abuse
The unlawful manufacturing, distribution, dispending, possession or use of a controlled substance
or being under the influence of alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs or other intoxicants by volunteers
at any time on the BPH premises or while on BPH business is strongly prohibited. Drugs prescribed
by a physician may be taken during work hours. Volunteers should notify their supervisors if the
use of properly prescribed medication could affect their work performance. Violations of the
Substance Abuse Policy will be subject to disciplinary action and may result in termination of
services.
XX.
Safety Procedure
Health and safety of our residents, employees, and volunteers is very important to us. Always tell
your BPH staff member or board member about injuries or accidents, no matter how small. If you
see something that appears to be a safety or health hazard, report it to the BPH staff member or
board member.
In the event of an accident, regardless of whether there was injury caused or not, a formal report
must be written by the parties involved and a report issued to a BPH staff member or board member.
In the event of a fatality, the responsibility for writing the report falls upon the witnesses of the
accident, and the decedent’s BPH staff member or board member.
**Call 911 for any emergency that includes fire, medical or personal attack**
Many times, clients will ask you for advice on a particular matter. Please refrain from giving advice
unless you are qualified to do so. Instead bring their concern to the attention of a BPH staff member
or board member who can assist you. If you have questions or concerns and are not sure about a
client’s questions or behavior simply report it to your Supervisor.
XXI. BOUNDARIES
a. Conduct: Every volunteer is expected to maintain professional boundaries with
residents of the Buffalo Peace House. The exchange of phone numbers, addresses, emails
or any other contact information is extremely discouraged and contact with residents
while at BPH must strictly be arranged through a BPH staff and approved. If a situation
arises where a resident comes to you with problems or questions outside of your
volunteer duties please inform a BPH staff member or board member and direct the
resident to do the same.
b. Proselytizing: It is expected that every volunteer and staff member engage in their
work and with residents in an exclusively professional manner. Therefore there will be
no attempt to convert one from one faith or belief to another or to otherwise promote
one faith over another, nor will the volunteer act in such a way that can be taken as an
attempt to convert to or promote a particular faith. Therefore no proselytizing is allowed
either at the Buffalo Peace House shelter or within the company of BPH residents or
residents.
c. Solicitation: Volunteers are prohibited from soliciting or distributing literature (either
in physical form or electronically) from any vendors or contractors at any time or for
any purpose in the residence/workplace. Emails, mailing lists, bulletin boards, etc. are
restricted for the sole purpose of official BPH related communications.
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d. Gift/Donations: Please do not give gifts or donations directly to any resident. Please
have that gift or donation be approved and/or received by a BPH staff member.
e. Transportation: No volunteer should transport a client without prior approval from a
BPH staff member and the understanding that should any sort of accident take place it
will be the sole responsibility of the volunteer. Volunteers will not drive any BPH client
for any reason without first signing the BPH Volunteer Vehicle Use Policy and giving
copies of their NYS insurance card and driver’s license to BPH for filing.
f. Off Limit Areas: Under no circumstances may a volunteer enter a resident’s room or
the room of the staff members. Explicit permission must be granted to enter the
director’s office and must be supervised.
g. Personal Phone Calls: Volunteers may have need to make or receive occasional calls
on their personal phones during their volunteer service hours but should keep personal
calls to a minimum both in frequency and in length so as not to interfere with the work
performance of oneself or others. The company phone may only be used after
receiving explicit permission to do so.
h. Smoking Policy: Volunteers are strictly prohibited from smoking inside the building
or on the grounds of the BPH or St. Francis of Assisi Church complex. In case you do have
to take a five minute break and smoke, go across the street (be mindful of the traffic and
use the crosswalk).
i. Lunch and Breaks: Most volunteers will be conducting their volunteer service
activities for less than 4 hours and therefore it is unlikely a lunch or break will be
warranted. However if you need a lunch or break while volunteering for more than 4
hours at a time please notify a BPH staff member when you are going to take your
lunch/break. Lunch/break should not exceed more than 30min-1hr depending on the
length of services for that day. We have kitchen facilities including a refrigerator,
microwave, stove and utensils (cups, plates, silverware, etc.) that you may use. Whatever
you use please clean it immediately afterwards. Please only bring food for the day and
do not leave food in the refrigerator longer than 3 days.
j. Electronic Usage/Communication: Volunteers are not to use computers, printers or
wifi without explicit permission before doing so. Volunteers when communicating to or
on behalf of BPH (if you have been granted permission to do so) should do so in a polite
and professional manner. Confidentially of any messages sent or received through BPH
should not be assumed and is considered the sole property of the Buffalo Peace House.
Email documentation will be reviewed for breaches of law or organizational policy in
which violations may result in disciplinary action or termination of volunteer services.
k. Parking: Volunteers can find parking in the parking spaces located in the front of the
BPH in the St. Francis of Assisi R.C. Church lot which BPH is tenant to.
XXII. Inclement Weather Policy
Inclement Weather Policy as Relating to Volunteer Attendance and
Performance:
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Volunteers are not expected to place themselves or their vehicles at risk
to meet their service commitment during times of inclement weather or
hazardous road conditions.
If at any time you feel that it would be a safety risk to you or your vehicle to
come in to volunteer, please call and let us know as soon as possible so that
we may plan accordingly.
VOLUNTEER TRAINING FORM
This Volunteer manual is an important document to help you become acquainted with BPH. This
Manual will serve as a guide; it is not the final word in all cases. Individual circumstances may call
for individual attention.
Please read the following statements and sign below to indicate your receipt and acknowledgement
of the BPH Volunteer Manual. If you have questions concerning any of the provisions in this
agreement, or would like further clarification, please ask a BPH staff or board member.


I have received and will read a copy of the BPH Volunteer Manual. I understand that the
policies, rules and departmental responsibilities described in it are subject to change at the
sole discretion of BPH at any time.
I understand that my signature below indicates that I have read and understand the above
statement and have received a copy of the BPH Volunteer Manual.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I have participated in the training session for the Volunteer Orientation at Buffalo Peace House. I
was offered the opportunity to ask questions, and I have read and understood the rules and policies
by which the Buffalo Peace House operates. By singing below I indicate my willingness to abide by
these rules and policies. I further understand that failure to comply with these policies and rules
may result in discharge from volunteer services at the Buffalo Peace House.
Volunteer (Print Name):_______________________________________________________________ Date: ________________
Volunteer Signature: __________________________________________________________________ Date: ________________
Parent/Guardian (Print Name):______________________________________________________ Date: ________________
Parent/Guardian Signature: __________________________________________________________ Date: ________________
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BPH Staff (Print Name):_______________________________________________________________ Date:_________________
BPH Staff Signature: __________________________________________________________________ Date:_________________
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Buffalo Peace House Volunteer Information Form
Name: _______________________________________________________________________________
Address: _____________________________________________________________________________
Phone Number:
________________________________________________________________________
Email: _______________________________________________________________________________
Education:
Name, Location
Graduate? Degree?
Major/Field of Study
High School
College
Other
Do you have any experience working with Asylum seekers of refugees? If so, please explain.
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
__
Do you have any other volunteer experience, relevant work experience or any other skills you would
like to mention?
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
___
Do you have any experience teaching English as a second language?
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
__
How many hours per week would you be available to volunteer? ___
We offer three different volunteer opportunities, please check all that you would be interested in.
___ ESL instruction: This would involve coming in at least once a week and conducting an individual or
group ESL lesson for our residents.
___ Trips with residents: This would involve arranging times to come to the house to take residents on
trips. Trips could be anything from grocery shopping to a trip to the movies or a tour of Niagara Falls.
This opportunity involves no commitment and it will depend mostly on what the volunteer would like
to do.
___ Office Volunteer: Office volunteers are asked to come in at least five hours per week, preferably
from 5 pm to 10 pm one day a week. Duties will include resident intake, general office work (answering
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phones, responding to emails) and being available to assist residents with any questions or problems
that may arise. Office volunteers are also welcome to plan outings or in-house activities with the
residents.
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