Pandemic Updates
March 14th 2023 – Shepherd Wellness Community has updated its Covid 19 policies, procedures, mitigation efforts and safety protocols. These updates have been made based on current County, State, and Federal public health guidelines. Effective immediately we will no longer require proof of vaccination to attend SWC events. We have simplified and revised our Covid 19 waiver which will continue to be required at in-person dinners and programs. Please click on the image above if you would like to see or print a copy of the revised waiver. Masking will remain optional when the CDC lists community risk as low in Allegheny County. If community risk levels move to medium or higher we will once again require masking except when eating or drinking.
We STRONGLY ENCOURAGE Covid Vaccination and Boosters for anyone eligible for them.
When the community risk rate is listed as high as determined by the CDC we will require a NEGATIVE COVID rapid test, taken that day, to attend each in-person dinner/program. Please refer to our weekly newsletter/email or contact the SWC Office directly if you need to verify if testing is being required. To receive our emails please sign up on the front page of this website.
When testing is required you must either present your test result (or a photo), taken at home that day, when you check in. SWC will have tests available for you to take on arrival. Please plan accordingly – IF YOU REQUIRE TESTING AT SWC, you must arrive no later than 5:25 pm on Monday or Wednesday evenings, and no later than 6:45pm on Friday evenings. We have COVID-19 rapid tests for you to take home, please request them from a staff member if needed.
If you have a confirmed positive test after attending SWC, please contact us immediately: 412 683 4477 or office@swconline.org.
IF YOU DO NOT FEEL WELL, PLEASE DO NOT COME TO AN IN-PERSON DINNER OR PROGRAM.
How long these guidelines remain in place is subject to review based on changing conditions. Visit our Covid updates page for the latest info.
Volunteer opportunities at Shepherd Wellness Community
- Friday Wellness Dinners at our center in Bloomfield. Volunteers arrive at various times (Click the Volunteer Online button on this page for more information) and help prepare and serve dinner then clean up afterwards.
- SWC committees or Board of Directors
- Short-term work groups or committees (such as our Annual Theatre Benefit Committee)
- Special work events (such as assembling a mailing)
How You Can Be Involved
Call or email our Volunteer Coordinator during office hours to discuss volunteer opportunities. Find out how we can use your time and skills as a SWC volunteer.
Volunteer Qualifications
- Agree to follow confidentiality guidelines
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Willingness to follow instructions and work cooperatively as a team member
- Ability to work with a diverse group of volunteers and staff
- Fill out our Volunteer Information Form upon arrival for your volunteer shift and provide your contact information
- Agree to follow SWC policies (regarding food safety, alcohol, dress code, and the treatment of others)
- All volunteers will be required to fill out a health checklist and sign a COVID-19 waiver of liability. Masking is optional when the CDC lists community risk as low in Allegheny County. If community risk levels move to medium or higher we will once again require masking except when eating or drinking. We STRONGLY ENCOURAGE Covid Vaccination and Boosters for anyone eligible for them.
- When the community spread rate is listed as high we will require a NEGATIVE COVID-19 rapid test, taken that day. Test kits are available at our center or you may bring the results of a test taken that day with you. If you choose to complete a test at our center please arrive 25 minutes before your scheduled shift to complete the test. How long these guidelines remain in place is subject to review based on changing conditions
In order to maintain a safe and clean environment in our food service program and to meet Health Department standards, the following dress code has been established for food service staff and volunteers:
- Closed-toe shoes must be worn (i.e. sneakers, tennis shoes, etc.). Flip flops, open toed shoes, high heels and sandals are not allowed.
- Shirts must have sleeves and cover the entire torso. No sleeveless shirts, short tops, tank tops, camis, scoop or V-necks or thin straps. A t-shirt that you wouldn’t mind getting a stain on is ideal.
- Shorts are allowed as long as they are mid-thigh. No short shorts please.
- Clean, well groomed hair, hands and fingernails are required. Long hair must be pulled back by a clip or band. Facial hair should be neat and well-trimmed. Longer hair that cannot be pulled back must be covered with a disposable hair net. Hats, such as ball caps are acceptable to contain hair. Facial hair over 1” long must be covered with a disposable beard net.
- Excessive jewelry, colognes or perfume are not permitted. A ring or a watch may be worn, but dangling earrings or long necklaces must be removed.
- The use of gloves is required when handling food and the use of aprons is required.
Why Volunteer?
- You will work with organized, trained and caring professionals.
- You will work in a clean and safe area.
- You will enjoy hands-on work and meet other like-minded volunteers.
- You will see how your skills make a difference in the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS.
- You will feel great about yourself because you can make a positive contribution to your community.
What Motivates Our Volunteers?
- Personal satisfaction from meaningful work which contributes directly to your community
- Meeting a new and diverse group of people
- Making new friends
- Educational and interesting volunteer experience