The Gold Key
Volunteer Program provides opportunities for individuals of all
ages to volunteer their time and talents to assist Older Adults
throughout Isabella County. Our volunteers are a vital part of
the Commission on Aging. The 550+ registered volunteers form
the backbone of our agency and provide a valuable resource to
all the programs and services of the Commission on Aging.
There are many
different volunteer opportunities available through the Gold
Key Program. The following is a list of some of those opportunities
and their description:
Friendly Visitor - Be a companion to
an Older Adult who seeks social interaction but cannot leave
the house alone. Weekly visits are tailored to the needs and
interests of both the visitor and the client. Time spent with
the client may vary. Activities may include reading, playing
games, talking, writing letters, watching TV, crafts. Planned
outings to events or shopping are encouraged when appropriate.
Shopper - Help an Older Adult
with grocery shopping weekly or biweekly. May shop alone or with
the client.
Escort Driver - Use your own vehicle to transport
Older Adults to scheduled doctor's appointments, medical facilities,
or food sites. You must have a good driving record, proper insurance,
a valid drivers license, a vehicle in adequate repair and knowledge
of our city and county area. The Commission on Aging Gold Key
Program arranges all transportation and provides monthly mileage
reimbursements. You will need to maintain the mileage log on
the back of the volunteer time sheet.
Meal Site Assistant - Assist at one of
six lunchtime meal sites in Isabella County by preparing the
kitchen for meals and cleaning afterwards. Set Tables, help serve
food. Welcome participants and help them feel comfortable.
Home Delivered Meal
Driver
- Use your own transportation to deliver lunchtime meals to homebound
Older Adults. Routes are available throughout the county. If
you wish, you may pair up with another person. Monday through
Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.. Mileage reimbursement is provided.
Receptionist - Answer phones and greet Commission
on Aging visitors at the front desk. Refer calls to appropriate
staff members, take messages and answer general inquiries. Assist
with other general office work, including routine typing. Work
a four (4) hour shift, either 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 12:30
p.m. to 4:30 p.m..
Craft Worker - Volunteers use their sewing, knitting,
crocheting and craft skills to create clown and gingerbread dolls
for hospitalized children at Central Michigan Community Hospital
in Mt. Pleasant; caps for newborn babies; mittens, hats for elementary
children; scarves, lap robes, walker bags for nursing home residents;
wooden toys and quilts for infants and children. Each year several
thousands of handmade items are distributed to more than 35 local
community service agencies and schools.
Senior News - Take pictures, submit articles, proof
articles in the Isabella Senior News for spelling and punctuation
errors. Help with the labeling and the preparation for shipping
of the newspaper on a monthly basis.
Central Michigan University
/ Student Activity Center - Volunteers are entry monitors who check ID's
at the Student Activity Center (SAC). They may also work as equipment
attendants and technical assistants in the bowling alley. Volunteers
usually donate two (2) hours per weeks or 100 hours per year
in exchange for SAC privileges during that time. Volunteers for
this project must be at least 60 years of age or older.
Special Projects - In addition to the
previously mentioned volunteer opportunities the Commission on
Aging also participates in several other seasonal projects, such
as raking leaves or shoveling snow for Older Adults throughout
the county.
Helping Hands - Is a group of volunteers
with building or home repair skills. These volunteers will assist
Older Adults who are unable to clean-up, repair, fix-up or paint
their homes.
All Gold Key
volunteers go through an orientation meeting with the Program
Coordinator. A registration form is completed and with the permission
of the volunteer a criminal background check and a check of the
volunteer's driving record is completed with the Michigan State
Police.
If you are
interested in more information about the Gold Key Volunteer Program
and becoming a volunteer, you can contact the Program Coordinator,
Ginny Cain, by email or by phone at (989)
772-0748.
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