Friends Volunteer Program
Offering support and companionship to home-bound seniors experiencing the effects of social isolation.
At this time, our Friends Volunteer Program is on hold.
We apologize for the inconvenience this may cause.
However, if you're still interested in volunteering in the future,
please feel free to complete the online Friends Volunteer Program Application below.
We apologize for the inconvenience this may cause.
However, if you're still interested in volunteering in the future,
please feel free to complete the online Friends Volunteer Program Application below.
There are three great ways to enrich the life of an at-risk senior, and to make a new friend!
Take a look at the volunteer descriptions and criteria, decide how you would like to volunteer, and then complete your application online.
Take a look at the volunteer descriptions and criteria, decide how you would like to volunteer, and then complete your application online.
INITIAL VOLUNTEER CRITERIA
- A desire to enrich the lives of others
- Good communication skills
- Ability to complete simple reports
- Attendance at one-time training
- Background and reference checks
- Must be 18 years of age or older
PHONE FRIENDS
Phone Friends call their assigned senior on a regular basis to provide a friendly voice and conversation. These calls are also reassurance checks. If an elder does not answer his or her phone at the scheduled time, the volunteer will call the office with a report. We then start procedures to locate the senior to assure they are in good health and safe.
Additional Criteria for Phone Friends:
Phone Friends call their assigned senior on a regular basis to provide a friendly voice and conversation. These calls are also reassurance checks. If an elder does not answer his or her phone at the scheduled time, the volunteer will call the office with a report. We then start procedures to locate the senior to assure they are in good health and safe.
Additional Criteria for Phone Friends:
- Access to phone service
- Active listening skills
- Willingness to make calls 2 – 4 times per week
VISITING FRIENDS
Visiting Friends get together with their senior once a week to play games, enjoy a chat, and go out for a drive, meal or shopping. They are our eyes and ears in the senior’s home, reporting any concerns or unmet needs, so we can then follow up to assure the elder is comfortable and safe, and not suffering from neglect.
Additional Criteria for Visiting Friends:
Visiting Friends get together with their senior once a week to play games, enjoy a chat, and go out for a drive, meal or shopping. They are our eyes and ears in the senior’s home, reporting any concerns or unmet needs, so we can then follow up to assure the elder is comfortable and safe, and not suffering from neglect.
Additional Criteria for Visiting Friends:
- Weekly visiting time
- Car insurance to meet agency requirements
LEND-A-HAND VOLUNTEERS
Lend-A-Hand volunteers will schedule visits as needed to do small repair jobs or chores such as light yard work, gardening, snow removal. Volunteers can also take the senior to run errands or to attend special events.
Additional Criteria for Lend-A-Hand Volunteers:
Lend-A-Hand volunteers will schedule visits as needed to do small repair jobs or chores such as light yard work, gardening, snow removal. Volunteers can also take the senior to run errands or to attend special events.
Additional Criteria for Lend-A-Hand Volunteers:
- A flexible schedule
- Car insurance to meet agency requirements
REQUESTING A FRIEND
If you’re interested in becoming a client of the Friends Volunteer Program, call 406-259-3111.
If you’re interested in becoming a client of the Friends Volunteer Program, call 406-259-3111.