The Yellow Door, based in Montreal, operates intergenerational programs designed to bring youth and the elderly together. Their mission is to promote mental and physical health while preventing urban social isolation. The organisation provides opportunities for individuals to connect, access resources, develop new skills, and be part of a larger community.

Challenge:

The Yellow Door faced several challenges in managing its volunteer program. The staff had limited time to dedicate to the program, making it difficult to ensure best practices were followed. Training was not as effective as desired, which meant, among other things, that volunteers often did not report hours or became lax with program rules, both of which impacted the quality of the program and sometimes even the safety of clients or volunteers. Additionally, there was a general lack of commitment from applicants and volunteers, affecting the stability and reliability of the program.

Solution:

To address these issues, a needs assessment was conducted to identify key areas to focus on. A review of program documentation and the organisation’s webpage helped highlight opportunities for clarity and accessibility. Guidance was provided to the Generations Program Coordinator and Executive Director on best practices for volunteer screening. Strategies were suggested to improve training attendance and effectiveness, ensuring that volunteers remained engaged and well-prepared. Additionally, recommendations were made on ways to enhance volunteer appreciation through events and other methods, fostering a greater sense of commitment and belonging among volunteers.

Result:

As a result of these efforts, The Yellow Door’s volunteer program became more structured and efficient, allowing staff to save time and focus on program development. New screening processes eliminated less reliable applicants, increasing the overall commitment level. Volunteer recruitment improved, bringing in more engaged individuals who were committed to the program’s mission. Procedures became more streamlined and effective. Adherence to program guidelines increased, leading to a more stable and reliable volunteer network. According to the Generations Program Coordinator, “[Karen’s] work has made a lasting impact on our program.” (See testimonial)