Communities For Compassion
Creating a world that cares, one person at a time
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it realistic to try to help others?
A: We find that when we just do what's needed, one person at a time and one day at a time, our help is very effective. In reality, compassionate activity can be easier, more practical, and more fulfilling than we imagine. Those who regularly engage in compassionate action tell us it is energizing, fulfilling, and enhances their sense of purpose. We all have concerns that can make the thought of helping others seem daunting, yet engaging in compassionate action actually has the effect of lifting us up and helping us gain perspective on our own lives and circumstances. Those who successfully stay with compassionate work are those who refrain from having expectations.
Q: Will I have any choice in who I help and how much time I give?
A: Yes. You can choose what services you would like to provide, when, and how often. When assigned to a Care Recipient, you have the option to accept or decline.
Q: How does Communities for Compassion define Practical Needs?
A: We define "Practical Needs" as basic, everyday things the care recipient can’t do, and no agency will do for them. A practical need may be visiting, cooking for special diets, pet care, laundry, housecleaning, and so on. These may seem simplistic, but in actuality they are essential. Under some circumstances, we might also do yard work, home maintenance, errands, and transportation.
Q: Why does Communities for Compassion provide practical services rather than financial help?
A: We aim to provide what other agencies don’t provide. We provide “renewable” resources such as help with basic practical needs that the person otherwise would not receive from other sources. There are many agencies that offer financial help, and we can assist the care recipient in locating and applying to such agencies when needed.
Q: Why do Communities for Compassion volunteers work in teams? Why is a team better than individual help?
A: When a person in need depends on just one individual, and that individual's schedule changes or they go on vacation or get the flu, their care recipient is left with no help. A team can cover for its members, and can also provide more help than one person can. Volunteers have lives beyond their service hours, and few have the time to serve a care recipient’s entire set of needs. Additionally, working on a team of supportive people is much more rewarding and practical than working alone. Team members encourage and pitch in for each other.
Q: I'd like to help, but I don’t think there are very many people in my area who need help.
A: We may not be aware that there are many homebound people in every community who do not have their most basic needs met. We don't realize that we will never see them if we don’t look for them. Communities for Compassion locates those who are less visible to the world outside their doors, so they may receive the help they need. Our experience is that there are housebound people in every community. Tell people about Communities for Compassion, and they will start telling you about people who need help. Help one person and others will be brought to your attention.
Q: I'd like to help, but cannot travel anywhere and can only volunteer a few hours a week.
A: Although we may assume that our offers to help others must be big and significant, the reality is that most people who need our help live close by, and their needs are simple. Simple does not mean insignificant! For those who cannot get up for a glass of water, cook a meal, clean the house, feed or walk their beloved pet, whoever does these small things is a superhero. Really, to a homebound or bedridden person, your strength to do everyday tasks are just as much a super power as “leaping tall buildings at a single bound” is to you. Any task you do can make the difference between their suffering and their comfort. And because Communities for Compassion volunteers work in teams, the activity is spread out among many hands that make light work.
Q: I'm already helping someone, so my time is taken.
A: If you become a Compassion Team member, and recommend the person you've been helping to become a Care Recipient, if accepted they will get help from the entire team! That will take a load off you, and provide more services for the person in need.
Q: Aren't people in need of help just people who won't help themselves?
A: It's a common misperception that everyone who is sick, frail, or disabled could do better if they tried. With a twist of fate, any of us could be in a vulnerable state tomorrow and need help. All those with genuine needs deserve our help.
Q: Does Communities for Compassion accept donations?
A: Yes. We gratefully accept donations, which are usually used for printing, training sessions, office expenses, mailing, gasoline, and other minimal costs of operation. Donations are tax deductible, and can be sent by postal mail or made through PayPal (see link).
Q: Why is organizing a schedule of help more practical than just letting the person call you when they need help?
A: Many people who need help are reluctant to ask for it, and some don’t have the energy to make many phone calls. A set schedule of help is easier for the care recipient, gives them a better sense of security, makes helpers more dependable, and is easier on the helpers. It also means the group organizer can keep track of what is and is not being done for each care recipient.
For more information, please click on the options at the top of this page