Senior Volunteer Opportunities in Northwestern Vermont

Whether it’s giving back to the community, building connections, or improving mental and physical well-being, volunteering is a powerful tool for promoting healthy aging. Dedicating time to helping others can not only make a difference in the lives of those you serve but also enhance your own journey toward aging well.

Benefits of Volunteering for Older Adults

You may be asking yourself: Why should I volunteer in my community? 

By dedicating your time and skills, you become an integral part of the network that fosters a sense of community and well-being. Volunteering can help you get out of the house and facilitate interaction with others that you may not otherwise meet! Whether you’re assisting with Meals on Wheels deliveries, participating in social activities, or offering companionship, your involvement directly contributes to enhancing the quality of life for individuals across your community. 

Beyond the relationships you develop, volunteering may actually contribute to positive health outcomes! Research suggests that volunteering can lower the risk of mortality, reduce physical functioning limitations, and decrease rates of depressive symptoms, hopelessness, and loneliness. 

How to Find the Best Volunteer Opportunities for Seniors

Finding the right volunteer opportunity can be a rewarding experience that aligns with your interests, skills, and availability. Here are some helpful tips to guide you in discovering the best volunteer opportunities for you: 

1. Identify Your Passions and Skills 

Start by reflecting on what excites you. Do you enjoy working with children, animals, or seniors? Are you passionate about environmental causes, education, or healthcare? Matching your volunteer work to your interests will make the experience more fulfilling and sustainable. Additionally, consider the skills you bring to the table—whether it’s a background in teaching, a love for crafting, or an ability to listen and offer emotional support. There’s an opportunity for everyone! 

2. Consider Your Time Commitment 

Be realistic about how much time you can dedicate to volunteering. Some opportunities might require a few hours a week, while others may involve more long-term commitments. It’s important to find a balance that fits into your schedule, so volunteer work remains rewarding without overwhelming your personal life. 

3. Ask for Recommendations 

Reach out to friends, family, or colleagues who volunteer regularly. They can often point you toward opportunities you might not have found otherwise. Networking with fellow volunteers can also provide insight into the best organizations to work with and open doors for future opportunities. 

4. Start Small 

If you’re unsure about a commitment, start with short-term volunteer opportunities. This allows you to get a feel for the work and the organization without a long-term commitment. It’s a great way to test the waters and see if the role aligns with your expectations. 

Remember, volunteering isn’t just about giving back—it’s also about finding a meaningful experience for yourself. Whether you choose to focus on a cause close to your heart or explore a new area of interest, the right volunteer opportunity will bring both personal fulfillment and the chance to make a positive impact on others. 

5. Research Local Organizations and Causes 

Start by exploring local charities, non-profits, or community centers. Many organizations are always on the lookout for volunteers and will often post available opportunities on their websites or social media pages. 

Popular Local Volunteer Activities for Seniors

Our Volunteer Services department helps manage and organize a volunteer force of over 1,000. In 2024, Age Well’s volunteers provided 72,945 hours of community service, and drove nearly 450,443 miles – that’s equivalent to driving around the world 18 times! Every month, an average of 1149 Meals on Wheels Delivery shifts and 1220 Friendly Visiting shifts are scheduled.  

It’s no secret—volunteers are Age Well’s superpower! You might be wondering how the volunteer department manages such a large, dedicated base of volunteers while keeping them engaged and eager to return for more meaningful community service. 

Director of Volunteer Services, Erica Marks, provides helpful clarity: “The volunteer experience must be enjoyable and fulfilling for those generously donating their time. This is crucial—it’s at the core of everything we do. Our goal is to create an environment that encourages volunteers to return and continue supporting us. Equally important, we are committed to ensuring the safety of our volunteers. We will never assign a volunteer to any task or situation that could compromise their well-being. The safety of our volunteers is our top priority.”

Age Well offers a variety of opportunities for seniors looking to volunteer in our service area (Chittenden, Franklin, Grand Isle, and Addison counties). Volunteer opportunities are available Monday through Friday from 8:30 am – 4:00 pm (no weekend or evening availability). Some of our popular volunteer programs include: 

• General Assistance for Older Adults: Helping with errands like picking up groceries or prescriptions, offering assistance with technology (TV remotes, iPads, cellphones), and helping with organizational tasks (paperwork, clothes, mail). 

• Meals on Wheels Delivery: Sign up for a local Meals on Wheels delivery route and bring meals to those in need. 

• Financial Assistance: Assist clients with visual or mild cognitive impairments in balancing their checkbooks or writing checks. 

• Administrative Support: Help with office duties, Tai Chi instruction, or our State Health Insurance Program (SHIP). 

• Community Meal Assistance: Help serve meals at our Community Meal events. 

• Medical Appointment Assistance: Volunteers accompany clients to medical appointments and other occasions requiring assistance. 

• Friendly Visiting: Matched with clients based on shared interests to develop ongoing supportive relationships that span months to years. 

• Senior Companion: Eligible volunteers provide clients with assistance with daily tasks and friendship. 

• Minor Home Repairs: This involves a variety of things such as: opening and closing storm windows, repairing screens, replacing stairs, changing batteries in smoke detectors, fixing leaky faucets, assembling furniture, etc. We are also looking for “handy” volunteers for the CAPABLE program. 

• Ramp Building: Volunteers with carpentry skills can help build ramps for clients using wheelchairs. 

• Caregiver Respite Support: Volunteers receive training to provide weekly 3-hour breaks to full-time caregivers of individuals with cognitive decline/dementia, as a part our Caregiver Respite Squad. 

• Yard Work: Assist with raking leaves, picking up brush or natural debris, and gardening. 

Below: Community meal serving, Meals on Wheels Delivery, Tai Chi practice, and Grab & Go Meal pick-ups.

How Do I Apply to Become an Age Well Volunteer? 

Get started by visiting our volunteer webpage or call our Volunteer Services department at: 1-802-662-5249.  

All volunteers must pass fill out a volunteer information form, complete Age Well’s background screening process, attend orientation and an interview. Once the signed Volunteer Information form is received, Age Well conducts a background check. This usually takes around 48 hours to be completed. Once the results are received, our volunteer coordinator will contact you for an interview, provide orientation training information, and discuss volunteer opportunities and scheduling. 

Additional training is required for the following programs: Meals on Wheels, Caregiver Respite Squad, and State Health Insurance Program. 

For more information about Age Well programs, services, and volunteer opportunities, please call the statewide Helpline at: 1-800-642-5119.  

We also invite you to explore our Age Well Impact Report to learn more about the positive impact we have in the communities we serve. To learn more about how you can get involved as a volunteer, visit our Volunteer Services page.