Opportunities From: Volunteers of America Minnesota and Wisconsin

Volunteers play a vital role in helping the Elder Connections team build meaningful community connections and provide reassurance and support to older adults living independently in the community. Volunteers help ensure that social events and celebrations are welcoming, successful, and enjoyable, while also offering ongoing connection and follow-up to reduce social isolation. Volunteers may choose one or more opportunities below based on their interests, skills, and availability.

Event Volunteer: Event Volunteers assist with social events and celebrations designed to increase social interaction and reduce isolation among older adults. These events provide opportunities for connection, joy, and community engagement.

Reassurance and Follow-Up Volunteer: Reassurance and Follow-Up Volunteers provide supportive phone calls to clients or interested community members following outreach events and activities. This role Page 2 of 3 focuses on listening, offering reassurance, and sharing information and resources as guided by staff.

The Elder Connections Community Support Volunteer provides a variety of services designed to assist older adults living in the community so they can remain in their own homes as long as possible while receiving reliable support and essential resources. Volunteers are thoughtfully matched with older adults by VOA staff based on individual needs and the volunteer’s skills, interests, and availability. A VOA staff member will accompany volunteers during the initial meeting to ensure a supportive and comfortable introduction.

Community Support Volunteers work closely with the Elder Connections Director and program staff to assist with food access, donation coordination, and basic resource support.

Chore Services Volunteers provide practical, hands-on assistance to help ease the day-to-day responsibilities of older adults living independently in their own homes. By assisting with household and outdoor tasks, volunteers help older adults maintain safety, comfort, and independence, allowing them to remain in their homes longer. Volunteers are thoughtfully matched with older adults by VOA staff based on individual needs and the volunteer’s skills, interests, and availability. A VOA staff member will accompany volunteers during the initial meeting with the individual to ensure a comfortable and supportive introduction. This opportunity is also well-suited for volunteer groups. Volunteers under age 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult and submit a signed guardian waiver. Many participants live near one another, allowing volunteers to support multiple neighbors within the same block or area.

Chore Services Volunteers assist with practical household and outdoor tasks, including: • Snow removal • Lawn mowing • Raking and removing leaves • Moving heavy household items • Light cleaning and general household support Tasks are carefully matched to ensure safety, comfort, and appropriateness for both the volunteer and the older adult.