Gold
Key Volunteer Program - Ginny
Cain, Program Coordinator
Volunteer Opportunities
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 or 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 doctors’ 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 reimbursement.
Meal Site
Assistant - Assist at one of five lunchtime meal sites in
Isabella County. Prepare the kitchen for meals, and clean afterwards.
Welcome participants and help them feel comfortable.
Home Delivered Meal Driver - Use your own transportation to deliver lunchtime meals to homebound Older Adults one day per week. Mileage reimbursement is provided.
Animal Friends for HATS - Volunteers work 11-2 or 2-5 shift at local animal shelter to staff an information desk, answer HATS phone line, return calls, take messages, greet visitors, become familiar with animals available for adoption, assist visitors with animals and adoption process.
AARP Tax-aide Volunteer - Extensive training and reference materials available, e file training included, work with middle and low income individuals to prepare simple state and federal 1040 tax returns. Work in group setting. Computers provided.
Friendly Caller - Assist with
telephone reassurance calls to older adults on a regular basis,
following established guidelines.
CMU Ticket Takers - Check tickets at gates, security areas for CMU
football, basketball, wrestling events.
Craft Worker - Volunteers use their sewing, knitting, crocheting and
craft skills to create gingerbread and clown dolls for hospitalized
children at CMCH; caps for newborn babies; mittens, hats for elementary
children; scarves, lap robes, walker bags for nursing home residents;
quilts for infants, children and adults. Each year thousands of handmade
items are distributed to more than 48 local community service agencies.
SAC - Volunteers are entry monitors check ID’s at the Student
Activity Center at Central Michigan University, work as equipment
attendants and technical assistants in the bowling alley, or assist with
clerical projects. Volunteers donate two hours per week or 100 hours per
year in exchange for SAC privileges during that time.
Helping Hands - Volunteers with home repair or building skills perform minor repairs, install 911 signs, smoke detectors, batteries. Projects improve the safety and security of homes while helping older adults maintain their independence.
Take pictures, interview individuals, submit articles, proofread for
monthly newspaper Active Living.
Medicare Part D Prescription Assistance Counselor - Provide assistance
to recipients, families or caregivers. One to two day training is
required. Work a four hour shift weekly. Volunteer must be available
October thru December. Related experience is helpful.
Reception Ambassador - Answer phones and greet visitors at front
desk. Refer calls to appropriate staff, take messages and answer general
inquires. Assist with general office work, including routine typing.
Work a four hour shift - either 8:30 to 12:30 or 12:30 to 4:30 one day
per week.
Ride Guides and Buddies - Guides ride with an older adult First Time ICTC User to assist with medical appointments, grocery shopping, or food sites until the individual feels comfortable riding alone. Buddies will ride ICTC buses during peak hours 7:00 to 10:00 a.m. or 3:15 to 6:30 p.m. to provide assistance to all child riders.
Special Projects - In addition to the previously mentioned volunteer opportunities, the Commission on Aging also participates in several other seasonal projects, such as yard work, window washing, special requests, Fundraisers, events, annual golf outing, flu clinics, and Have a Heart.
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 e-mail at or
by
phone at 772-0748.
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