volunteers

Who Volunteers? - Our volunteers are at the heart of programs offered within the Make Yourself at Home Suite of Services and without our volunteers, we simply could not operate our programs in the way we do. Our volunteers are valued and respected for their contributions, and we strive to provide them with a variety of challenging, interesting and meaningful opportunities. Studies have shown volunteering helps you live longer, and our volunteers recognize the demonstrated benefits of volunteering. They truly believe their work with us is appreciated. Often they say in doing work with our clients, they gain more than they give.

Who are the volunteers with the Make Yourself at Home Suite of Services?

They are:

Those who are retired from work, but not from life...

Many of our volunteers enjoy the opportunity to give back to others and our community by working with programs that make use of their life experiences, skills and talents gained through employment. While we have a number of volunteers who have employment backgrounds in healthcare, teaching and social work, many of our volunteers also come from diverse backgrounds and enjoy the opportunity to try something completely new. As we have a number of different opportunities available, we always strive to find a match that best suits a volunteer's skills and interests.

Those who are looking to gain valuable volunteer experience...

While some of our programs are based on older adult, peer to peer service, other Programs such as Feeling Better Move Well do not have an age requirement. Younger adults involved or interested in pursuing careers such as gerontology, healthcare, nutrition, fitness and older adult recreation gain valuable experience and skills in their work.

Those who value support in their volunteer work...

We provide position descriptions which clearly detail responsibilities, duties, qualifications and time commitment required. Volunteers are provided with a full orientation and training program, ongoing staff support by a Volunteer Manager and Program Co-ordinators, structure and procedures to make the job easy to follow and an annual volunteer recognition gala unlike any other!

Those who are interested in new discoveries and making new friends...

Our volunteers consider themselves life-long learners and are always interested in keeping up with what's new in the field of healthy aging. They enjoy meeting other volunteers and taking in the free lectures offered through our ongoing education sessions. A wide variety of topics is covered ranging from aging related challenges to learning about the range of services available for seniors in the community.

Those who value flexibility in their volunteer commitment...

Our typical volunteer is a dynamic and busy individual with many interests and activities filling their lives. As time can be an issue, we offer the flexibility to suit busy lifestyles and afford as much time as needed away for caregiving, extended vacations and/or personal health circumstances. Our volunteers are generous of their time contributing anywhere from 1 hour per week to many hours per month, but always are able to set their own schedules.