Possible volunteer opportunity?

Question

I'm 16 years old. I just read a facebook note from one of my friends (who's like 30 years old... yes, I hang out with people who are older than me). One of her friends, who's in a wheelchair needs some help around the house and stuff. I don't know this woman personally, but apparently, we have a few friends in common, and she is really cool to hang out with... should I volunteer? I love helping people and stuff like that.

The only thing is, I'm not sure if my parent's would be crazy about me going to some random person's house. Well, she's not exactly a random person, but still.

What do you think?

Answer 1

Since you have some friends in common, it would be better to arrange some kind of meeting or hang out first with a couple of people, you, and this person. I know you want to help this person, but if you two don't get along, it will not be good. Get to know each other and as long as you mesh then you can decide if you want to hang out or help her out for a couple hours once a week or every other week or so. Trust me, things can go much better if you think of her more as a friend (if she turns into one) than as a person in a wheelchair who needs your help.

I'm sure your parents would be more comfortable if you (and maybe even them?) had met the person before you just go over there.

Answer 2

Why don't you arrange to meet at a coffee shop or something first? One of your parents could even go if they're uncomfortable with the situation.

On a side note, if this is a volunteer position in someone's home as opposed to in a professional organization, you really need to watch out for being taken advantage of. Normally someone in a wheel chair would pay someone to help out around the house. You don't want to start out doing two hours and week and end up being roped in to doing 5 or 6 or 10 hours a week.

Personally, I don't think I would do it, but that's just me. You could volunteer at a hospital or clinic of some sort instead. Talk to your parents if it's something you really want to do, though.

Answer 3

I think that it is a perfect opportunity to find out if you like that sort of thing i did and it turned into a corer for me it only takes two year to be a home care nurse or 6 months to be a care aid  and even if it turns out that its not your cup of tea it looks good on any college application so if you've got the time than do it and the first time you go you should have you friend take you then you can see if you compatible