Volunteers are crucial to help VPAS provide many services in our community! Volunteer opportunities are available based on your interests, location, skills, and availability. Some volunteer positions require background checks, driving record checks and VPAS provided training, etc. Though many of our volunteers assist on a routine schedule weekly, monthly or otherwise, options may be available for one time group volunteer activities as well.
Give an hour. Give a day.
Your volunteer time makes a difference in the lives of older adults.
Opening Minds Through Art (OMA) Volunteers
Opening Minds through Art (OMA) is a national arts program developed for those living with dementia and other health concerns. These artists are partnered with volunteers who guide them through the process of creating abstract art. This program is person-centered and seeks to affirm the autonomy of each individual who participates. OMA welcomes all skill levels and offers artistic success through the creation of abstract art. All materials are provided. This is a perfect volunteer opportunity for adults who appreciate artistic expression and supporting people with various cognitive concerns through planned and guided art sessions. Contact Kathy Guisewite for more information or call 540.615.5341.
*Immediate Need: Volunteers are needed for these sessions. Volunteers are fully guided by the OMA facilitator throughout each art project, and all levels of artistic ability are welcomed. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and be comfortable working with older adults living with dementia or other cognitive concerns. No artistic ability is required. Once a volunteer is trained, they may be chosen for future OMA sessions without more training. There is a volunteer training session being held March 26 in Harrisonburg from 1-3pm! Please join us! Contact Kathy Guisewite for more information or call 540.615.5341. Click Here to get more information about OMA.
Senior Transportation Volunteers
Volunteer Drivers: Our Senior Transportation program utilizes volunteer drivers transport older adults who do not have other transportation options, to medical appointments, grocery stores, banks, and other life necessary destinations. Volunteers may choose to drive their own vehicles or they may use wheelchair accessible vans provided by VPAS. Volunteers using VPAS vehicles get hands-on training about pre-trip vehicle inspections, properly securing wheelchairs and do a 'ride along' with a seasoned driver to understand the most common routes and expectations. Transportation is only offered on weekdays and the time commitment depends on your desired availability and the needs of our clients.
*Immediate Need!! The Senior Transportation Program in Staunton, Augusta and Waynesboro needs additional volunteer drivers at this time, particularly for medical appointments. If you can help out, please submit the form below!
Health and Wellness Volunteers
Class/Workshop Leaders: Volunteers help to facilitate wellness programs including VPAS' Tai Chi for Memory and Arthritis, Matter of Balance workshops and more. Programs take place both in our Cafes and out in the community at a variety of locations. VPAS provides in depth training for all of the Health and Wellness Program leaders, regardless of a volunteers prior certifications, to ensure continuity.
Immediate Need for Matter of Balance Coaches!! Master Trainers train leaders, who are called Coaches, to work in pairs to facilitate Matter of Balance workshops that are offered in a series of 8 two-hour sessions. VPAS Is looking for volunteers to attend an 8-hour training to learn how to facilitate these workshops. Coaches are asked to be available to lead 2 workshops each year.
Meals on Wheels Volunteers
Meal Delivery: Meals on Wheels (both hot and frozen) are delivered by individual community members, faith groups, business teams, and school groups. Hot meals are delivered to those within close proximity of the kitchen in which they are prepared, several days a week. Frozen meals are delivered in bulk less frequently to recipients that live in more rural parts of the community. The time commitment for meal delivery can range from 1-2 hours and usually begins at around 10:30am weekdays.
Medicare Insurance Counseling Volunteers
Insurance Counselors: VICAP stands for Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program. VICAP has is a network of highly trained individuals who have been trained and certified to assist individuals with Medicare insurance. They help the beneficiaries and their caregivers understand various Medicare plans, compare plans to find one best suited for the individual and assist with enrollments. VPAS provides extensive training, at no cost, to those wishing to become certified counselors. Volunteers are needed year round as well as during the annual Medicare Part D Open Enrollment season when demand for assistance swells.
Fundraising Partners and Event Volunteers
Host/Sponsor a Fundraiser: VPAS is a non-profit that relies heavily on contributions from the community at large, be it individuals, faith groups, businesses, civic clubs or corporations. If you have ideas for a fundraiser that would benefit VPAS we would love to hear about it! For example, if you are part of a musical group, host a concert to benefit VPAS! If you own a bakery, develop a plan for a Caring Cookies day where all cookie sales benefit VPAS. Be creative! Contact our Executive Director Beth Bland at beth@vpas.info or 540.615.5341.
Event Volunteers: VPAS is growing our number and types of programs and events rapidly! One such event is the very popular Confident Caregivers Conference which requires a lot of volunteers for a one day commitment. Another is our Farm Market Fresh program where we pair volunteers with a staff person for a few hours in the month of June to help distribute vouchers.
The Virtual Dementia Tour is not virtual reality, it is an in-person experience that simulates what it may be like to live with dementia. Volunteers are needed to facilitate this impactful and personal experience. Each volunteer will need to go through the tour and the training for each volunteer guide role of the tour. Learn more here.
Administrative Volunteers
Administrative Volunteers are needed periodically to assist with stuffing envelopes, assembling packets, tallying surveys, data entry, and other clerical type tasks. Contact Pam Bennett, Administrative Services Coordinator for more information at pam@vpas.info or 540.949.7141.
VPAS Cafe Volunteers
VPAS Cafe Activities/Programs: VPAS Cafes are always interested in talking with volunteers wo can assist at the Cafes by presenting programs of interest; things like travelogues, overviews community resources, or sharing a special hobby or collection. Volunteers can also lead craft projects, provide musical entertainment, teach a skill, or lead a book club. Some of the VPAS Cafes have flower gardens that volunteers can help maintain. Have a great idea for a Cafe program? Let us know!
Fill out the form below and a VPAS staff will reach out to you!
If you need more information or would like to receive a Volunteer Application Packet, contact Administrative Services Coordinator Pam Bennett, pam@vpas.info or 540.949.7141.