Become a Citizen Advocate
Volunteering as a citizen advocate focuses on building relationships to enhance the lives of those in need. There are several ways to be an advocate at ESCA.
Mentor- An advocate who assumes a role of a trusted teacher who takes a personal interest in advancing a skill of the individual and enhances the competency of a person who has a disability (hereafter referred to as a protege)
Spokesperson- An advocate who is willing to vigorously represent the best interests of a protege in a wide variety of circumstances and situations. (When an individual’s dignity is in question, or his/her rights are at risk of being compromised.
Monitor- The advocate on a continuing basis reviews services being provided to a protege and holds the service provider accountable for the quality and availability of the needed services. (a medical need not being addressed.)
Friend- A person who genuinely cares and has affection for a protege and shares of himself and her in a mutual relationship.
Guide- An advocate who can assist a protege with practical problem solving, i.e., bus riding, laundry, groceries.
Companion-An advocate willing to be with someone to help watch for safety issues. The advocate spends time on a regular basis to be with the protege and to be a concerned presence.
Protector- An advocate willing to protect a protege from at -risk conditions and to defend and guard the individual from harm or injury.
If interested in volunteering as an advocate, please email escadvocacy@gmail.com. We do need clearances and some trainings from volunteers.