The Greater Buffalo Chapter of the American Red Cross is currently seeking volunteers for its Ombudsman Program. The Ombudsman Program provides advocacy services responsive to the complaints and problems of residents living in long term care facilities.

An ombudsman is a dedicated volunteer certified to receive, investigate, and solve complaints made by, or on behalf of, residents in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and certified housing in the community. Ombudsmen are assigned to a facility on a weekly basis to discuss problems, concerns, or to simply lend an open ear when residents have something on their minds. They monitor the quality of care, help protect residents’ rights, provide information to the residents and their families to ensure proper treatment, and to encourage residents to express their opinions. Volunteers will experience a wide range of satisfactions as they handle advocacy issues and increase community concern and interest for the institutionalized elderly.

Ombudsmen must be at least 21 years of age with an interest and capacity to fulfill the advocate’s role, as well as having strong verbal and written communication skills. Regularly scheduled training is provided. The next scheduled training program, a total of 36 hours, will be held on September 27, 28, 29 and October 4, 5 and 6. The classes run each day from 9 a.m. through 4 p.m. and will be held at the American Red Cross, Greater Buffalo Chapter at 786 Delaware Ave.

Prospective ombudsmen must successfully complete the full 36 hours of training. Interested parties should contact (716) 878-2385 for more information.

About the American Red Cross, Greater Buffalo Chapter: The American Red Cross, Greater Buffalo Chapter prepares for and responds to community disasters and emergencies and helps people lead safe and healthy lives. In the past year alone, the Greater Buffalo Chapter provided 852 individuals with food, shelter and clothing after a fire, trained over people how to prepare for an emergency, assisted 370 military families, trained over 30,000 people in lifesaving skills. The Greater Buffalo Chapter provides services to senior and family care givers, along with transportation and housing support to persons living with HIV/AIDS. The Red Cross is a
charitable organization-not a government agency– and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its humanitarian mission.