Needs From: United Way of Southwest Michigan

Do you have a couple hours to spare to teach seniors the basics of how to use a computer? Come teach a class in the Computer Learning Center!

The Center teaches skills like Excel, photo storage, MyChart, iPhones, social media, or whatever you would like to teach. Our volunteers share their expertise with others. They volunteer to contribute to the community, to meet new people and be part of the team, or to learn new skills.

We will work around your schedule. Just let us know what you want to teach and when. Our seniors will appreciate your knowledge!

Classes are held in the Computer Learning Center at the Campus for Creative Aging, 2920 Lakeview Ave., St. Joseph.

This volunteer program is designed to fight against isolation for area seniors and disabled adults. Volunteers have ongoing, weekly calls with clients to provide companionship.

Born out of the COVID-19 pandemic, Area Agency on Aging launched the Friendly Caller Program for area seniors who needed someone to talk to. During these calls you will provide reassurance, help connect seniors to information regarding services they may need, and mostly, make sure they are not feeling lonely or isolated. This program can use any volunteer. We will train. Background check required.

Here's a quote from one of our dedicated Friendly Caller volunteers:

"I’ve been making “Friendly Calls” for almost five years. It has been a heartwarming experience. I started with two “callers”, sadly one of them passed away.  My remaining caller is quite a character.  We have laughed, cried, and prayed together.  She readily shares her joys and sorrows with me.  She lets me know what she needs, and AAA has been most helpful for her.  I’m a Stephen Leader and that ministry taught me a great deal about caregiver, care-receiver relationships. AAA Friendly Caller program is a wonderful way to get involved and help a member of our community. One phone call a week can brighten a day and impact a life!!!" 

Are you savvy with Zoom? Interested in giving back to your community (from your own home!)? Area Agency on Aging and the Campus for Creative Aging are seeking a volunteer to facilitate its virtual classes!

Virtual classes, on topics like healthy cooking and computers, allow for increased access to learning opportunities not only across Southwest Michigan, but around the world.  The facilitator will schedule virtual classes based upon availability of coaches, volunteers and staff, and collaborate with staff to ensure online classes are appropriately marketed and promoted.

They will launch class sessions, manage participant access (‘admitting’ students to virtual platform) and monitor chat box and alert instructors of questions from the group. Other duties may include sending follow up emails/class evaluations to participants and collaborating to maximize class participants’ learning experience.

The commitment is 5-10 hours a week and we ask you serve a minimum of six months. Can't meet that commitment? Chat with us! We have a variety of volunteer opportunities available and can work with you and your schedule. If interested, respond here or contact Mistelle Lanko at 269-983-7058 or mistellelanko@areaagencyongaging.org.

CALLING ALL ADULT VOLUNTEERS

Area Agency on Aging's newest volunteer program is the Friendly Helper Program.

A Friendly Helper volunteer may provide companionship or assist an older adult or adult with disabilities with daily tasks around the house like lawn mowing, snow shoveling, grocery shopping, transportation, vacuuming, meal preparation, or carrying a laundry basket. As well as minor home repairs such as changing a lightbulb, connecting technology, or moving furniture. Volunteers could also assist with emergency preparedness planning.

This volunteer opportunity is completely customizable to the volunteer’s specific interest/talent/abilities and time availability. Friendly Helper tasks can be one-off things that people in the community request or ongoing assistance during a hospitalization or other circumstance.

Some recent tasks performed by the volunteers include changing light bulbs, gardening, putting plastic on windows for the winter, and tightening screws on a bedside table so it is no longer wobbly.

These services address limitations in activities of daily living and advance greater independence for clients who might otherwise struggle to remain in their homes. By offering services at no cost, The Friendly Helper Program ensures that individuals with limited financial means, have access to resources that are vital to their quality of life.

All volunteers must undergo a background check that is good for three years and pre-service training.

Memory Café Facilitators are a friendly face at each Café. They are caring and sociable to ensure everyone feels welcome. Facilitators may implement programs, encourage participation and conversations, and promote additional resources and brochures for those in attendance.

Throughout every café, the facilitator ensures a safe and welcoming environment for all participants. The Memory Café facilitators will be supported by the Campus for Creative Aging Coordinator. The coordinator develops programming, trains the volunteers, promotes the Cafes, and ensures coordination with the libraries, café participants, and all facilitators.

To be a Memory Café Facilitator, you must:

Within Berrien County, Memory Café Facilitators serve in either of the following libraries:

For more information, visit https://areaagencyonaging.org/memory-cafes/