The Veterans’ (Vet) Café is part of Student Support Services at A-B Tech, which ensures that programs and facilities are accessible to all students. The College focuses on students as individuals and works towards full integration into the campus environment and creating equal opportunities by assisting with physical accessibility, auxiliary aids, and other reasonable accommodations for students.
A-B Tech recognizes that student Veterans have unique challenges and greatly benefit from peer support and comradery. The Café meets that need as a specific area where veteran students can get a snack, do their homework, access computers, or hang out in a relaxed and supportive environment with other Veterans.
Volunteers monitor and assist with the provision of coffee and snacks and create a welcoming and supportive environment by providing a listening ear and sharing their life experiences with students. Some Vet Café volunteers offer tutoring assistance during their shifts at the Café.
Volunteer Responsibilities:
• Be present in the Vet Café and build relationships with the students who come into the cafe
• Keep the space tidied, set up snacks and clean up at the end of shift
• Know about resources, point students towards those resources and help with questions
• Keep the volume and language at a stress-free level
Requirements:
• An application, background check and orientation/brief training are required before starting this position.
• Must be able to commute to A-B Tech in Asheville NC. This position is in-person.
• Must have a social security number, be over the age of 18. This position is not eligible for community service.
Skills Required:
• Must have patience, understanding, good computer skills and be a good listener
• Volunteers with military (either active duty or family member) experience are preferred
Specific Competencies:
1. Patient- some of the students who come to the Vet Café may be struggling with school or personal issues. Be patient with them and support them as much as you are able
2. Observant- watch for potential issues by monitoring the mood of individuals visiting the Café. Also keep an eye on supply levels and notify Veteran Services Coordinator of supply shortages.
3. Computer savy- there are computers available for use in the Vet Café. Assist students who need help with basic computer functions. There are also places for students with laptops to plug in to an extra monitor, keyboard, and mouse; so assisting with this may be helpful for students who aren’t aware that’s an option.
4. Relaxed and flexible- there may be times when there are multiple students in the Vet Café all at once or you may not see any students all day. Be flexible with your expectations and be able to keep yourself occupied during slow times.
Times:
• Vet Café is open 9:00 – 5:00 pm, Monday thru Friday. Closed for school holidays, breaks and Summer
• Shifts of two hours or more are available 9:00 – 5:00 pm, Monday thru Friday.
Attire:
• Comfortable and appropriate attire is required.
• Room temperatures are variable – please dress accordingly.
Location:
108 Ferguson, 19 Tech Drive on Victoria Rd the main Asheville Campus.
Health and Safety:
- For current COVID-19 guidelines visit https://abtech.edu/COVID
All Volunteers are required to maintain a professional relationship with students, staff, and peers, modeling professional interaction and adhere to academic integrity, and privacy guidelines. Volunteers are to model behavior that respects the rights of all people and protects others from abuse by assisting in the creation of an environment free from fear, harassment, gender and racism discrimination or exploitation.
To sign up for this volunteer project, simply
- Click the blue "respond" button above to secure your spot and receive next step instructions from our organization
- Please DO NOT SHOW UP IF YOU DID NOT RESPOND!
Hands On Asheville-Buncombe is not responsible for opportunities managed by partner agencies. If you are onsite at a volunteer opportunity and don't feel safety guidelines are being followed, please connect with onsite project organizers and if not addressed, please let us know by completing our Volunteer Experience Form.
