"Volunteers enhance the world. The precious time that volunteers give becomes all the more precious as it travels to the heart of the receiver."
Author Unknown
Adult Day Programs
Adult Day Programs provide an organized program of activities for seniors who benefit from time away from home. Volunteers assist Day Program workers with client activities.
Board of Directors
People with special skills and experience in community development may consider volunteering on the Board of Directors.
Clerical Support
Volunteer help is occasionally needed for filing, computer work and special projects.
Footcare Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers help the nurses at clinics by cheerfully greeting the clients and assisting with coats or canes, collecting fees, booking appointments.
Fundraising
Fundraising is an important part of VON. Money raised in the community is used to support charitable programs and develop new services. Volunteers may stuff envelopes for direct mail or participate in our annual "Hike for Hospice" event.
Meals on Wheels Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers deliver noon meals Monday through Friday in Woodstock and Tuesdays and Thursdays in Tavistock to homebound individuals in need of well balanced, nutritious meals. Volunteers deliver frozen meals bi-weekly to clients in some rural areas of Oxford County as well.
Friendly Visiting
Volunteers provide companionship and share activities with lonely seniors and lonely adults with disabilities. A weekly or bi-monthly visit provides social interaction and improves quality of life. Visits may involve conversation, sharing an activity in the home, going out for coffee, walk, or drive. Visits are arranged at the convenience of the volunteer. Recognition for accomplishment is provided.
Hospice Volunteer Visiting
Specially trained volunteers provide friendship, emotional and practical support to those who have been diagnosed with a life threatening or terminal illness. Volunteers are specially trained, compassionate, understanding individuals whose knowledge and experience can bring comfort to all family members involved in the care of a loved one. They offer a listening ear and friendship to the client and caregivers throughout the disease process and bereavement support after the death.
Active Living Program for Seniors (Volunteer Fitness Instructors)
Volunteers are trained as Seniors’ Fitness Instructors to lead or co-lead a class once a week (minimum). Volunteers are mainly seniors and others who have an interest in working with older adults.
Youth Volunteer Achievement Certificate Program
Youth volunteers visit with lonely seniors and lonely adults with disabilities in their home or in a retirement home. Seniors enjoy the company of young people. Youth volunteers will share a variety of activities with the person they are matched with. Some activities may include engaging the client in conversation, reading to someone with sight impairment, writing letters, assisting them to go for a walk on foot or in a wheelchair, play cards or board games, do a craft, puzzles, occasionally attending a retirement home special event with their “friend”. A Youth Volunteer Achievement Certificate is awarded after volunteers attend 2 (2 ˝ hr training sessions) and complete 20 hours of volunteer visiting. Registration for volunteers is through the Student Services Department at High Schools or by contacting the Volunteer Coordinator at VON Oxford. Phone 539-1231 or e-mail Sheila Robinson
About VON |
