Questions & Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about the program? We've answered the most common ones below. Click any question to see the answer. Still have questions? Contact us!
What will the volunteer do with my child? ▼
Your volunteer serves as a caring helper and peer buddy. They will meet with your family, help choose one meaningful goal that fits your daily routine, break that goal into small practice steps, and encourage your child to participate and make choices. They are not therapists or clinical providers — they are supportive helpers who work alongside your family.
Can I choose the goal my child works on? ▼
Absolutely! Goals are always developed with the student and family — never imposed on them. We deeply respect your family's interests, values, and daily routines. The volunteer will help you identify one small, realistic goal that fits naturally into your existing routine and that your child genuinely cares about.
How often will we meet with the volunteer? ▼
Here is the full schedule for Summer 2026:
🚀 Kick-Off Meeting — May 19 (9:00–9:30 pm)
The program officially begins with an online kick-off meeting where families and volunteers meet, learn about the program, and get started.
💻 Online Phase — May 20 – July 22
Volunteers check in with their paired family once a week online. Each meeting reviews the student's progress, adjusts the practice plan, and sets goals for the coming week. Families practice assigned life skills at home between meetings.
🏕️ In-Person Camp — July 23 – August 1 (3:00–5:30 pm daily)
Students attend daily in-person sessions where they practice life skills in a structured, supportive group environment with volunteers and program leads.
🏆 Final Showcase — August 2 (2:00–6:00 pm)
Students and families celebrate their growth and progress at the final showcase event. Each student has the opportunity to share what they practiced and learned.
What if my child refuses to participate? ▼
We always respect the student's communication and comfort. If your child refuses or seems distressed, the volunteer will pause the activity and never force participation. The volunteer will consult with the program lead team to adjust the goal or approach so it better fits your child's needs and interests.
Is this a therapy or clinical program? ▼
No. This is an educational and family-support program, not a clinical or therapy program. Volunteers are not RBTs, BCBAs, therapists, or medical providers. The program is guided by our professional lead team, but the day-to-day support is provided by trained volunteers who help families practice life skills in everyday routines.
Is there a cost for families? ▼
No. This program is offered free of charge to participating families. It is made possible through the partnership between True Love and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and the dedication of our volunteer team.
How is my child's privacy protected? ▼
We take privacy very seriously. Volunteers are required to keep all family information confidential. Photos, videos, and student work are only shared with your explicit permission. You decide what — if anything — is shared publicly at the final showcase or on the website. You can withdraw permission at any time.
What happens at the final showcase? ▼
The final showcase is a celebration of your child's effort, growth, and participation — not a test or formal assessment. Students can demonstrate a skill, share a poster, show photos, or simply have their volunteer or family present on their behalf. You choose what your child is comfortable sharing. The goal is to celebrate progress in a warm, supportive environment.
How much time does our family need to commit to practice? ▼
There is no fixed time requirement — it completely depends on your family's comfort level and what feels realistic for your daily routine. Practice can be as short as a few minutes during something you already do, like cooking, grocery shopping, or getting ready in the morning. The goal is meaningful participation that fits naturally into your life, not extra work or pressure. You and your volunteer will decide together what works best for your family each week.
Do we need to become therapists or experts to participate? ▼
Not at all! Families are partners, not therapists. You don't need any clinical knowledge or special training. All you need to do is share your child's interests and routines, help choose a meaningful goal, support short practice opportunities when it feels right, and give feedback on what's working. The program lead team and volunteer will guide everything else.
What simple supports can we use at home during practice? ▼
You don't need special tools — simple everyday supports work great. For example: showing a picture checklist or written steps (visual prompt), pointing to the next item without giving the answer (gesture prompt), asking "What comes next?" (verbal prompt), offering two choices like "Rice or noodles?" (choice prompt), or simply demonstrating the step first and then letting your child try. Most importantly — give your child time to respond before helping, and use the least support needed so they can build independence gradually.
What if the goal doesn't fit our family routine? ▼
Please let us know right away! Goals should never create stress or conflict with your family's daily life. If a goal feels too hard, too easy, unrealistic, or just doesn't fit your schedule, contact the program lead team and we will work with you and your volunteer to adjust or replace it. The plan is always flexible and centered on what works best for your family.
What does a volunteer actually do? ▼
Volunteers are paired with one family and serve as a caring helper and peer buddy. You will meet the family, help choose a meaningful daily life goal, break it into small practice steps, use simple prompts and encouragement during practice, record short progress notes after each meeting, and help the family prepare for the final showcase. Everything is guided by the program lead team.
What should I NOT do as a volunteer? ▼
Volunteers should not provide therapy, clinical treatment, diagnosis, or behavior intervention plans. Do not represent yourself as an RBT, BCBA, or therapist. Do not handle unsafe situations alone — always contact the program lead team. Do not share private family information, photos, or videos without permission. Do not force participation, and never change goals without program lead approval.
Do I need clinical or special needs experience? ▼
No clinical experience is required. What matters most is that you are caring, reliable, and willing to learn. You will receive orientation and guidance from the program lead team before being paired with a family. The handbook and program forms will guide you every step of the way.
What if I'm unsure how to handle a situation? ▼
Always ask the program lead team — that's what they're there for. If a situation feels unclear, outside your role, or involves safety concerns, pause and contact the lead team immediately. Never try to handle complex situations alone. When in doubt, pause and reach out.
How do I track and record progress? ▼
After each meeting, you will complete a short progress note using the Weekly Progress Monitoring Tool. Record the date, what the student practiced, what prompt level was used, evidence of progress, family feedback, and next steps. Keep notes brief, objective, and focused on observable behavior — for example, "Student completed 4 of 6 steps with visual support" rather than "did well."
How should I communicate with the family? ▼
Use approved communication channels (such as WeChat, email, or the shared program folder) and keep messages professional, brief, and focused on the program plan. Avoid late-night or overly personal communication. Always include the program lead team in important updates. Do not make promises about outcomes or give clinical advice.
Who is this program for? ▼
The program serves youth with special needs ages 8–22, including those with autism, intellectual disabilities, developmental delays, or other special needs. Students should be able to follow basic directions and demonstrate no aggressive behavior. Both online and in-person participation options are available. Active family participation is required.
What makes this program different from other programs? ▼
Unlike classroom-based programs, this program embeds skill-building directly into each family's daily routines. Goals are chosen by the student and family, not imposed. We respect both the student's interests and the family's values, and give students more opportunities to make real choices in their everyday lives. It is guided by professional experts but delivered through caring, trained volunteers — making it accessible, personal, and community-driven.
Is this program only for the summer? ▼
No — while the program launched in summer 2026, it is designed as a long-term Life Intervention Program. We plan to continue and expand the program year by year, with new volunteer cohorts (2027, 2028, and beyond) and new families joining each cycle.
How do I apply? ▼
Families and volunteers can apply through our Apply page. There are separate application forms for families/students and for volunteers. After submitting, the program lead team will review your application and contact you within a few days. You can also email us directly at lifeskillsfor365@gmail.com with any questions.
❤️ TRUE LOVE
The University of Tennessee · Knoxville
