Senior Services Southwest Michigan needs you!
We are seeking volunteers who believe in our mission: To promote and enhance the independence and well-being of older adults, adults with disabilities and those who care for them. Please join us as we strive to make a difference in the lives of individuals throughout our community.
Volunteering has been said to be the “secret ingredient” to staying healthy and fulfilled. Giving back is not just good for you, but it makes a difference for others that last a lifetime. If you would like to make that difference and find yourself with some free time, why not consider committing a few hours to volunteering.
Opportunities specifically for people age 55 and better are available through our national service programs – RSVP, Foster Grandparent Program, and Senior Companion Program.
If you would like additional information about volunteering or have questions on how to begin, please contact Tracie Wheeler at 269-382-0515 or click here.
Immediate Volunteer Opportunity in Albion
Together you and Meals on Wheels can help seniors stay living at home by delivering meals with a friendly smile and hello. It’s more than just a meal, volunteers deliver companionship and hope to seniors facing isolation, hunger and loss of independence.
Immediate openings in Albion on Thursdays, Fridays, and Battle Creek on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays. Drivers use their own vehicle and may be paired with a hopper who takes meal to the door. Routes are 1.5 to 2 hours starting around 10:15 a.m. Albion routes begin at Forks Senior Center, and in Battle Creek at Kool Family Center. Regular, short-term or substitute scheduling.
For questions or to apply contact Karren Scullion at 866-200-8877 ext. 351. Application, copy of drivers license, confidential criminal history, driver record checks required.
Greenhouse Garden Volunteers Needed
Greenhouse Garden Assistant volunteers help Kalamazoo Valley Food Innovation Center to seed, weed and harvest a passive solar greenhouse or hoop house, that will supply locally grown produce to the Meals on Wheels kitchen at Senior Services of Southwest Michigan. Volunteers make a positive impact on the health of older adults by growing fresh produce for their meals. This is a new and exciting collaboration between Senior Services and KVCC.
- Prepare garden for seeding – tilling, cultivating, weeding, spreading organic material
- Perform maintenance – weeding, watering, sunning, fertilizing
- Care for plants – pruning, pest scouting, tying, thinning, tucking plants
- Harvest, process, pack produce
- Maintain a clean garden by clearing rubbish, litter
- Work with hand tools, basic light machinery
Shifts are for 2 volunteers on Tuesdays and Thursdays 2:00 to 4:00 PM in winter months (October through March) and 9:00 to 11:00 AM in summer months (April through September). Flexible scheduling may be offered with supervisor approval. Training provided, including produce safety. Hoop House is located at 224 E. Crosstown Parkway in Kalamazoo across from Senior Services.
For questions or to start application process contact Jon Garcia with Meals on Wheels at 269-382-0515 ext. 300 or jgarcia@seniorservices1.org. Those interested will complete applications with Senior Services and KVCC.
Opportunities to Make a Difference
Meals on Wheels
Deliver meals and a friendly check on home-bound seniors.
MMAP
Help older adults understand Medicare, Medicaid, and other insurance benefits, and sign up for Medicare Part D.
Tuesday Toolmen & Chore Services
Make minor home repairs and accessibility modifications, or do fix-up tasks and cleaning to help seniors maintain a safe home.
Volunteers 4 Seniors
Help seniors stay living at home by giving rides to non-emergency medical appointments or the grocery store, visiting with them, or assisting with sorting and reading mail.
To see current volunteer opportunities that may be right for you, click here
Those interested in volunteering must complete a volunteer application. Some volunteer positions require a confidential criminal history check, driving record and/or reference check. Volunteers are provided with excess accident and liability insurance coverage at no cost that supplements any insurance they may have. We are not currently accepting court-order community service placements.
Current Meals on Wheels Volunteers, click here to log in to the Volunteer Information Center (VicNet).