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Extra Hands for ALS is designed to benefit people with ALS, volunteers, and the ALS community at large. Through this program, young people have the opportunity to connect deeply with an issue and the people it affects, to become involved in their communities, and to explore possible career paths in healthcare and social services. ALS families directly benefit from the support of the student volunteers and adult mentors. Additionally, the program is intended to expand the circle of people who are actively involved with ALS and thereby unite and invigorate a nationwide ALS community.

Description:
Extra Hands for ALS is an innovative national service program that has been quickly gaining momentum since its launch in 2002. Through Extra Hands, high school and college students volunteer on a weekly basis to assist people with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, and their families with a variety of practical tasks, such as light house cleaning, washing the dishes, helping with correspondence, walking the dog, or just providing company. Student volunteers complete a brief training program and are placed on a team with another student volunteer and an adult mentor. The team is then matched with an ALS family in their area. The adult mentor works with the team to guide and coach the student volunteers and to serve as an additional source of aid for the ALS family. Mentors visit the families once each month, pitching in with whatever needs to be done, and maintaining a relationship with the ALS family and the students.

History:
Extra Hands for ALS was founded by Jack Orchard after he was diagnosed with ALS at the age of 34. Jack was featured as an American Hero by the CBS Early Show in May 2005 for his work with Extra Hands. Watch the clip from our homepage www.extrahands.org to learn more about Jack and his vision for Extra Hands.

Contact person: Corinne Lippie, Program Manager, Greater Boston, (phone), (email)

Address:

all over Boston area Boston and Beyond, MA 02459 (See a map)