April is National Volunteer Month, a time to celebrate the incredible individuals who dedicate their time, skills, and hearts to making a difference in the lives of others. At Age Well, we are proud to honor the volunteers who play a vital role in supporting older adults in Northwestern Vermont. Their selfless contributions help build stronger communities, providing essential services, companionship, and advocacy for those who need it most.
As we reflect on the importance of volunteering, we recognize how each volunteer’s impact, big or small, creates a ripple effect that transforms lives and enhances the well-being of seniors across our region. We sat down with Age Well’s Director of Volunteer Services, Erica Marks, to discuss Age Well’s philosophy on volunteer recruitment and stewardship to get an inside look at our volunteer program!
To further understand the heart of Age Well’s volunteer efforts, let’s take a closer look at the history and philosophy behind National Volunteer Month, and how Age Well fosters a culture of giving.
Below: members of Age Well’s Volunteer Services Department
History of National Volunteer Month
National Volunteer Week was first established in the United States in April of 1974, by President Richard Nixon – later extending to the full month of April. Canada’s observation of National Volunteer Appreciation Week goes back to 1943, when the Canadian government recognized the volunteer efforts of women assisting their nation at home during World War II.
Today, non-profit organizations, schools, governments, and other entities around the globe celebrate National Volunteer’s Month to honor those who selflessly volunteer their services and skills to their communities.
Ways to Give Back During National Volunteer Month with Age Well
Age Well offers a variety of opportunities for volunteers living in Vermont’s Chittenden, Addison, Franklin, and Grand Isle counties. Opportunities include Meals on Wheels delivery, respite care, administrative services, friendly visiting (general companionship and errand-running), and more! To see a full list of Age Well’s volunteer opportunities for older adults in northwestern Vermont, click here.
Below: Volunteer Appreciation Event at the Intervale Barn, in Burlington, VT
Finding the Right Fit: Volunteer Match Making
With over a thousand volunteers and a wide range of opportunities, finding the right fit is our sweet spot. While safety and enjoyment are the foundation of all Age Well volunteer opportunities, our Volunteer Services Department goes above and beyond to connect individuals with roles that align with their skills, interests, and passions. By taking the time to understand each volunteer’s unique strengths and preferences, we create a personalized experience that enhances both their impact and satisfaction, fostering long-term engagement and success.
“We are matchmakers,” says Erica Marks, Age Well Director of Volunteer Services, in reference to her staff. “We match volunteers to opportunities, and oftentimes – in the case of our respite and friendly visiting programs – we match volunteers with clients.
“For example, Meals on Wheels volunteers tend to be folks who are looking for a predictable schedule – we typically rely on them to deliver meals at the same time every week. They also tend to enjoy driving and connecting with multiple clients per session. We get a lot of friend groups, couples, and business teams that really love their weekly Meals on Wheels delivery schedules – and we really appreciate them! Business teams or small groups that do Meals on Wheels deliveries are especially helpful for us, because if one person is sick or can’t deliver for whatever reason, there is typically another person in their group or on their team that is willing to do the route.
“Friendly Visiting Volunteers are caring people who enjoy building meaningful, long-term connections with one client. These relationships are deeper and more personal, as volunteers meet with their clients regularly—usually once a week—for activities they both enjoy. Volunteers might assist with errands, accompany clients to appointments, or simply spend time together doing fun things like going for a drive, working on puzzles, or playing games like cribbage. We take care to match volunteers with clients based on shared interests to make the experience mutually enjoyable.
“Another program we offer is our Respite Volunteer Program, also called the Caregiver Respite Squad. We’re looking for people who have experience or are eager to receive training in providing respite care. Volunteers in this program go through thorough training, which we provide, and in return, they commit to offering reliable, consistent respite for their assigned caregivers for three hours each week. This support has a profound impact on caregivers and those they care for, helping to reduce stress and improve overall well-being in such positive ways.”
Erica describes the match making portion of her job as, “one of the most important things we do. We really try to get to know the volunteers we work with, to get an understanding of who they are and the types of experiences they are looking to pursue as a volunteer. We like to learn about their work life, their hobbies and interests, their passions – all to ensure that every volunteer gets matched to an opportunity that they will enjoy the most. This approach not only enhances volunteer satisfaction but also helps drive long-term retention.”
Below: Age Well Meals on Wheels and Community Meal Volunteers.
Building Community Through Service
In our conversation about volunteer matchmaking, Erica also shared several heartwarming stories of particularly successful volunteer-client matches.
“Our Friendly Visiting program is very flexible when it comes to the activities volunteers do with their assigned clients. For example, we had one volunteer who often helped her client with grocery shopping. One day, the client wasn’t feeling up to it and asked if the volunteer could do the shopping alone. The volunteer was happy to help and even assisted the client in putting the groceries away when she returned. What happened next was especially wonderful – the volunteer helped the client set up long-distance calling on her phone plan so she could call her relatives, which really brightened her mood. The volunteer also helped the client adjust her TV antenna to improve the signal, allowing her to enjoy watching TV again, which also helped lift her spirits.
“Another story comes from our Respite Squad program. The client, who has severe dementia, struggles with short-term memory. Despite this, the volunteer took her to Church Street, visiting an art gallery and bookstore. This experience was fantastic for the client, as she loves interacting with others and looking at art and books. Even though she may not retain the details, the joy and connection she felt during the outing stayed with her throughout the week. The volunteer found this experience especially rewarding, knowing that she helped the client enjoy something meaningful, even if the specifics were forgotten.
“One more example involves a volunteer who had recently retired and was eager to start volunteering five days a week. She explained that after working five days a week for most of her life, she wanted to keep that routine while giving back to her community. We matched her with five clients, and she visits them daily, sometimes helping with medical appointments, grocery shopping, or doing puzzles. She has a strong desire to ensure that she’s giving her time to those who need it most!
Make a Difference During National Volunteer Month 2025
This month, we’re excited to celebrate the incredible power of giving back and invite everyone to get involved in making a real difference in the lives of older Vermonters!
National Volunteer Month is the perfect time to celebrate the invaluable contributions of volunteers, especially those who support seniors in our communities. At Age Well, volunteers are the heart and soul of our mission, playing a key role in enhancing the lives of older adults across Northwestern Vermont. From providing essential services and companionship to advocating for seniors, our volunteers are making a huge impact.
Thanks to our thoughtful volunteer matchmaking, a focus on safety, and fostering long-term connections, Age Well has built a dedicated network of over 1,000 volunteers who truly make a difference. The stories we’ve heard highlight the profound effect these selfless individuals have, not only improving the well-being of those they serve but also helping to create a stronger, more connected community.
Interested in learning more? Get started by visiting our volunteer webpage or call our Volunteer Services department at: 1-802-662-5249.
