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First Presbyterian Church of Asheville
     Claimed by the Triune God, we worship only God
          and are called by the Holy Spirit
               to share the boundary breaking love of Christ
                    in our life together, in the heart of Asheville,
                         and in the whole world.

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Saturday Sanctuary - Health and Safety

Personal Safety
The safety of our neighbors, volunteers and church are very important.  While mental illness and substance abuse do not automatically cause someone to be violent, they do impact a person’s ability to think rationally in difficult situations.  We had no incidences of violence in the winter of 2009, however, we want our volunteers to be aware of warning signs and give them some tools to assist in diffusing any difficult situations before they arise.  The Volunteer Guidelines were developed in part to provide a safe environment for both volunteers and neighbors.  An additional resource is the “10 Tips for Crisis Prevention” pamphlet attached to this handbook (or found on the book cart in front of the church office).  This provides good guidelines for helping people who may be feeling stressed to feel less threatened.  Please review this pamphlet at your convenience. 

Some signs that someone is becoming agitated are:

  • Pacing
  • Darting eyes that were not darting before
  • Increased vocal volume
  • Increased fidgeting
  • Increased speed of speech
  • Increased gesturing
  • Rocking in chair
  • Pulling own hair
  • Talking to self

If you see these signs, let the Lead Volunteer know.  If you are able to gently suggest the person go to a place that seems calmer, do so.  Give this person space.

No matter how careful and prepared we think we are, there is always the possibility that unforeseen situations will arise. This is not meant to cause anyone excessive fear, but simply a reality check. We need to use good judgment as we respond faithfully to Jesus’ call to love our neighbors.

Personal Health
Many of our homeless neighbors do not have access to adequate health care.  It is our duty to prevent the spread of germs to this vulnerable population, especially during cold and flu season.  While you are in the Community Room, please follow these guidelines:

  • Please do not volunteer if you are ill
  • If a visitor seems to be ill, please let the Lead Volunteer know as soon as possible
  • When handling food, please wear gloves
  • Please wash your hands frequently
  • Please make sure hand sanitizer (on the refreshment table) is always available
  • Please make sure soap and paper towels are available in the bathroom
  • Please be sure to wipe down all surfaces with Clorox wipes or bleach solution and a paper towel at the end of the day (see guidelines for cleaning up)
  • Please wear gloves while cleaning
  • Follow guidelines for cleaning up bodily fluids as necessary.  These are found in the closet with the cleaning supplies.  Basically:
    • Wear a mask
    • Wear gloves
    • Wipe up spill with paper towels and place in plastic bag
    • Spray area with bleach solution
    • Let solution sit for 20 minutes
    • Wipe up solution and mop area
    • Double bag and dispose of paper towels outside in dumpster
    • Bleach Mop and allow to air dry

 

Set up and Clean up Opening and Closing Ritual Our Neighbors Personal Health and Safety Supportive Listening

Add your name to the Volunteer Listing online.