Volunteer

You can make a tremendous impact in the lives of older adults in your community! Whether you have a couple hours per month or several hours a week, CVCOA has volunteer opportunities to fit your schedule.

Doing good is good for you and the community! 

Volunteering helps you remain connected to your community. Social connection helps you – and those you are supporting – to thrive and enjoy life. Volunteering is good for your health. It can help reduce depression, lessen chronic pain and give your brain a boost.       

 

People need a helping hand to stay in the homes and communities they love.

Join a community of volunteers dedicated to supporting Central Vermonters to age with dignity and choice!

You can provide companionship, offer respite, prepare a garden bed or stack wood. You can lead a wellness class, deliver Meals on Wheels, provide a trip to the grocery store, and more.

CVCOA is recruiting volunteers of all ages to join us in creating a caring network of support for older Central Vermonters. We are an AmeriCorps Seniors grantee and receive funds through their RSVP program. 

Volunteers make a direct and positive difference. A CVCOA volunteer coordinator will match you with a position that is right for you. We offer many opportunities for you to make a difference – in your own life as well as those of others.

Volunteer orientation and training are provided. Background checks are required to ensure the safety of our clients. Explore volunteer positions below!

Volunteer Opportunities:

Meals on Wheels Drivers

Volunteer Meals on Wheels drivers are integral to helping older adults stay healthy in their homes. Volunteers deliver a meal and a smile, providing a wellness check-in while delivering meals on their route. Training is provided on procedures and food safety. CVCOA partners with 13 nutrition sites across Central Vermont. 

Time Commitment: generally under 2 hours per week for regular drivers, 2-3 hours per month for backup drivers

Good Neighbor Volunteers

We strengthen our communities each time we help a neighbor. Good Neighbor Volunteers at CVCOA can provide companionship, rides to medical appointments, assist with grocery shopping, help to organize papers, prepare garden beds, provide respite, help with chores or simple home repairs, and more. We match you based on your desired tasks and the needs of the individual! Click here to download the Good Neighbor Volunteer position description.

Time Commitment: flexible based on your schedule

Technology Companions

Technology Companion volunteers help reduce social isolation and loneliness for older adults by encouraging engagement with technology. These volunteers help others stay connected to friends and family, and participate in lifelong learning and creative aging opportunities. Click here to view the Technology Companion volunteer position description.

Time Commitment: 1-3 hours per week

Exercise & Wellness Class Leaders

CVCOA sponsors evidence-based exercise and wellness classes to help older adults stay engaged, connected, and healthy. You can become a Tai Chi for Falls Prevention leader, lead an Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program class, and more. 

Time Commitment: 1-3 hours per week

Creative Companions

Engage in creative activities in your home while also providing motivation and social connection for people age 60+! Creative Companions contact Creative Care Kit recipients regularly to encourage conversation, tell stories, and discuss the creative activities in the kits. Click here to view the Creative Companion volunteer position description. 

Time Commitment: 2-5 hours per month

Memorable Times Program Support

Memorable Times volunteers contribute to building dementia-friendly communities by assisting with program planning and setup, engaging with participants, completing training on topics related to memory loss and related challenges, and more. The Memorable Times Online program takes place the first Wednesday of the month and the in-person Memorable Times Café is the third Wednesday. Volunteers also participate in monthly planning sessions. Click here to view the Memorable Times Program volunteer position description.

Time Commitment: 4-8 hours per month

CVCOA Events, Fundraising, and Office Support

Do you have a knack for organization and communication? You can assist CVCOA with fundraising, special events, and office work! These opportunities are great for volunteers who are looking to make a difference through short-term or one-off opportunities. 

Time Commitment: varies, based on your schedule and availability

Additional Opportunities:

CVCOA can connect you with additional opportunities with partner organizations that serve older adults. You can provide transportation through our partner transportation providers, tax-aide assistance through AARP, meal support through our local nutrition sites, and more.
 

Click Here to Get Started Today!

You can also download a PDF application to print and send back to CVCOA at 59 N. Main St., Suite 200, Barre, VT 05641.

Or email Luke Rackers, Community Engagement Director at [email protected], or Anne Greshin, AmeriCorps Seniors Program Coordinator at [email protected] for more information about volunteer opportunities.

Are you looking to make a bigger commitment? If you are 55+, meet income qualifications, and are willing to serve a minimum of 10 hours per week, you can become a Senior Companion! Senior Companions receive a modest non-taxable stipend, mileage reimbursement, paid personal leave and holidays, accident and liability insurance, paid training opportunities, and friendships that last a lifetime! Click here for more information and download the Senior Companion application.