Welcome to Extended Hands
Thank you for choosing to volunteer with Extended Hands. Your time, compassion, and commitment make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families we serve. Together, we live out our mission:
People Helping People
This manual is designed to guide you as a volunteer and to help you understand our expectations, values, and the heart behind everything we do.
Contact Information
- Address: 1810 Saint Antoine, Lachine, Quebec H8S 1V4
- Telephone: 514-469-2408 ext. 4
- Website: www.extendedhands.net
Hours of Operation
- Tuesdays 9:00am – 12:00pm (Set-up)
- Wednesdays 10:00am – 1:00pm (Grocery Distribution)
- Thursdays 10:00am – 1:00pm (Hot Lunch Program)
***Doors open promptly to the public on Wednesdays & Thursdays @ 11:00am
President's Welcome
Thank you for giving your time and offering to volunteer at Extended Hands. I understand that for many this is a sacrifice, but your willingness to serve those in our community facing challenging times is deeply appreciated.
Extended Hands is a safe place. In order for us to all communicate well together and adhere to the core values that Extended Hands strives to implement, this Volunteer Manual is meant to bring clarity and offer guidance.
Let's continue to serve with love and kindness to the best of our ability for as long as we are able. We are "People Helping People."
Warmly,
Glynis Burton
Extended Hands President
Our Mission
People Helping People means we believe every person matters. We exist to serve our community with dignity, compassion, and integrity by meeting practical needs while fostering hope and connection.
Volunteers are the heartbeat of Extended Hands. Through your service, our mission becomes action.
Our Core Values
Everything we do at Extended Hands is grounded in our five core values. These values guide how we serve, how we treat one another, and how we represent Extended Hands in the community.
1. VALUE
We believe every person has worth.
- We treat all clients, volunteers, and partners with dignity.
- We honor each individual's story, background, and circumstances.
- We give our best effort because people deserve excellence.
2. RESPECT
We serve with humility and consideration.
- We listen without judgment.
- We maintain confidentiality and personal boundaries.
- We respect leadership, policies, and one another.
3. INFLUENCE
We lead by example.
- Our words and actions reflect the heart of Extended Hands.
- We understand that kindness, consistency, and integrity influence lives.
- We strive to leave every interaction better than we found it.
4. POSITIVITY
We choose hope.
- We serve with a helpful, encouraging attitude.
- We bring solutions rather than complaints.
- We create a welcoming environment for everyone.
5. TRUST
We act with honesty and accountability.
- We follow policies and procedures.
- We are reliable and punctual.
- We protect the trust placed in us by clients, donors, and leadership.
Our Values in Action
Here's what our values look like in everyday volunteering:
- Greeting clients warmly and using respectful language
- Protecting privacy when handling personal information
- Working as a team, even during busy or stressful times
- Speaking positively about Extended Hands in and outside the organization
- Showing up on time and completing assigned tasks faithfully
Volunteer Roles & Responsibilities
Volunteers may serve in various roles, including but not limited to:
- Food sorting and packing
- Distribution and client assistance
- Administrative support
- Community outreach and events
- Cleaning and organizing
As a volunteer, you are expected to:
- Follow all safety and operational guidelines
- Ask questions when unsure
- Notify leadership if you are unable to attend a scheduled shift
- Represent Extended Hands with professionalism and care
- Provide either telephone number or email to be contacted for positions needed to be filled.
***There is no compensation for volunteering at E.H., however all volunteers are eligible to receive grocery assistance upon contribution of the E.H. donation fee. Any groceries allotted are on a "as is available" basis only and must be approved by an operations director. No food shall be taken without permission under any circumstances.
***Please note that all volunteering at E.H. is a privilege and not all positions are not guaranteed
Confidentiality
Volunteers may learn personal information about clients or families. This information must never be shared outside of Extended Hands.
Confidentiality builds trust and protects the dignity of those we serve.
Safety Guidelines
- Follow all safety rules
- Use proper lifting techniques
- Report accidents or unsafe conditions immediately
- Wear appropriate clothing
Your safety and the safety of others is a priority.
Communication
If you have questions, concerns, or suggestions:
- Speak with a volunteer coordinator or staff member
- Communicate respectfully and promptly
- Remember that open communication strengthens our mission
Code of Conduct
To ensure a safe and welcoming environment:
- Treat everyone with kindness and respect
- No discrimination, harassment, or offensive behavior
- No use of alcohol, drugs, or inappropriate language
- Follow instructions from staff and volunteer leaders
Failure to follow this code may result in dismissal from volunteer service.
Zero Tolerance for Abuse
Extended Hands maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy regarding any form of abuse, harassment, or mistreatment among volunteers, staff, or clients. This includes, but is not limited to, physical, emotional, verbal, or sexual abuse.
All volunteers and clients are expected to treat each other with respect, dignity, and professionalism at all times. Any behavior that compromises the safety, well-being, or trust of others will not be tolerated.
Reporting and Consequences:
- Any incident or suspicion of abuse must be reported immediately to program leadership.
- Reports will be handled promptly, confidentially, and thoroughly.
- Individuals found to have engaged in abusive behavior will face immediate disciplinary action, which may include suspension or permanent removal from the program.
Extended Hands is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for everyone and will take all necessary measures to uphold this standard.
Volunteer Development and Community
- Workshops: Volunteers are expected to attend three workshops per year, designed to enhance skills, knowledge, and team cohesion. Attendance is considered an essential part of volunteering.
- Celebrations: Volunteers' birthdays will be celebrated monthly, as a way to recognize and appreciate the contributions of our team.
Extended Hands is committed to fostering a safe, supportive, and engaging environment where every volunteer and client feels valued and respected.
Extended Hands is a faith based organization and shall begin its mornings with prayer and encouragement prior to opening.
ALL people are welcome to volunteer at E.H. based on positions available without discrimination based on but not limited to gender, religion or race and are not required to participate in the morning prayer. However, the volunteer is required to be in attendance at the specified time as mentioned on page one and must be respectful during the morning openings.
Thank You
Your willingness to serve makes a lasting impact. Because of you, Extended Hands continues to be a place where compassion meets action.
Together, we are truly People Helping People.
This Volunteer Manual is the property of the volunteer serving at Extended Hands and is intended for their personal use only. As our work grows and evolves, Extended Hands may update this manual and at such time volunteers will be informed of any changes.