Georgia Options | How to Become Involved

Becoming a part of people's lives

The people Georgia Options supports are NOT looking for:
“special buddies” or to become a service project.

Georgia Options is looking to build potential friendships and relationships.
If you are interested in potentially becoming a part of a person’s circle of friends, please call 706-546-0009 ext. 22.

or, become a Citizen Advocate.
Call Athens-Clarke County Citizen Advocacy, Inc. at 706-549-0063.
People are often very vulnerable; preliminary screenings will be used.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

• Consider thinking about one person at a time, not about projects.
• Choose a person you think you might enjoy getting to know. Do you have a potential connection to someone already?
• Ask someone to introduce you to the person. Find out how the person communicates, some things about him/her, and what his/her interests are.
• Visit the person a few times in his/her home so that he/she becomes familiar with you and comfortable in your presence.
• Invite the person to have coffee or dinner with you, either in your home or at a restaurant. Ask if a staff person can accompany the person to provide assistance, especially until you are familiar with the supports the person needs.
• Invite the person to attend activities or events with you, based on mutual interests or a desire to explore whether a person might be interested.
• Provide transportation to shared events if needed.
• Introduce the person to your family and friends.
• Treat the person as an equal.
• Allow the person to reciprocate (invitations, etc.).
• Exchange cards, letters and phone calls.
• If a mutual friendship develops, understand its importance to the person for the long term.

So you want to be a Personal Support Companion?
We are looking for enthusiastic people with heart to share a life with someone. The folks Georgia Options supports have various kinds of disability. Some people need personal care assistance, others need just a few reminders, all deserve more friends and a broader community. The hours vary. The pay varies. There is no cookie cutter situation. There is no “one size fits all.” Each person we support is unique. We’re looking for unique companions.
For more information, contact Human Resources at 706-546-0009 ext. 32 or email jobs@georgiaoptions.org or hr@georgiaoptions.org

Supporting Our Work

PLEASE CALL 706-546-0009 ext. 21 for general information.

Financial Support
Learn about ways to financially support the work of the organization.

Volunteer for Administrative Support
We are looking for long-term volunteers to assist with filing, record keeping and other administrative roles.

Volunteer for Physical Labor
We always need help organizing our storage room and occasionally in supporting people to move into their new homes.

Volunteer Your Expertise
Areas where we always need expertise:
• Computer technology support
• Physical Therapy
• Adaptive Equipment
• Speech Therapy
• Nutrition
• Personal Futures Planning
• Nonprofit management
• Grant writing

Volunteer for Special Events
Throughout the year, we have events celebrating the people we support, their staff or the organization. We always need people who enjoy planning or assisting with events.

Donation of Items
• assistance with buying furniture and large appliances
• lift-equipped transportation
• gift certificates for gasoline, oil changes, etc.
• home modifications like ramps, widening doorways, etc.
• carpet cleaning or replacement
• vinyl floor replacement
• assistance in house and appliance repairs
• computers that can accommodate Windows 95 or higher.