Volunteer | Senior Voices

How it works

Most volunteers have their first visit about two weeks after they apply.

Apply online
Fill out the short application with your contact details, when you are free, and why you want to volunteer.
Open the application
Go to orientation
Learn how visits work, how to keep visit notes, what stays private, and when to get staff.
Read the first-visit guide
Meet your senior friend
We introduce you to a resident at a partner community, based on shared interests and your schedule.
Visit every week
Go back to the same person at the same time each week. Tell the coordinator early if your schedule changes.
Write a short note after each visit
Write down who they mentioned, what they enjoyed, and what to pick up next time. Read it before you go back.
How to write visit notes

Who can apply: Students and adults. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian may need to join the next step.
Time: About one hour a week at a regular time, plus a few minutes to write your visit note. Plan for travel time too.
Cost: Free.
Training: One orientation before your first visit.
Service hours: We can document completed hours for school or other programs.

First few minutes: Say hello, ask about their day, and notice what is going on in the room.
Most of the hour: Talk, play cards or bingo, work in the garden, or join an activity the community has planned, like a seated balloon game.
Last few minutes: Say what you enjoyed and ask what they would like to do next week.
After you leave: Write your visit note while it is fresh.

Schedule or program questions: The Senior Voices coordinator.
Something happening during a visit: Community staff on site. Volunteers keep people company. They do not provide personal or medical care.
An emergency: Call 911, then tell staff.

The application takes about five minutes.