Volunteering
The Vernon County Unit On Aging works to improve the lives of those age 60 and older and those who care about the elderly. This is only possible through the assistance of volunteers sharing their time and skills in multiple ways.
Volunteers make a difference by helping with many tasks. Some tasks can be done daily, weekly, monthly, seasonally or annually and volunteers can decide what tasks best match their interests and level of commitment. Volunteers apply through the Unit On Aging to complete an application and a background check to assure a good match with the volunteer and the program task. The following is a list of tasks and brief explanation of those tasks:
Nutrition Program - assist the mealsite manager with the following:
Table preparation and cleanup - cleaning/sanitizing tables and setup Making table decorations Food Services and cleanup - filling out containers for those receiving home-delivered meals and plates for those eating at the mealsite. Doing dishes at end of meal. Counting donations and recording data on daily participation logs. Greeting diners and calling those who were expected but did not arrive. Entertainment and activities - muscians, story tellers, bingo or card game leaders, exercise leaders. Education - share information of value to diners. Advisory Committee - attends quarterly meeting to provide input on planning and improving nutrition programming. |
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Transportation Program
Volunteer Drivers - use personal vehicle to transport individuals to and from destination. Attendant - ride on mini-bus to assist individual who needs additional assistance to and from destination. Schedualing rides and volunteer drivers. |
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Caregiver
Class Facilitator - receives training to offer evidence-based programming to caregivers.
Respite Provider - Volunteers to stay with care recipients to allow the caregiver to take a break. Friendly Caller - contacts caregivers or care recipients frequently to be a friend. |
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Health Promotion
Class Facilitator - receives training to offer evidence-based programming. Exercise Leader |
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Special Events
Assists in planning events such as banquets, fair activities, mini-bus special trips or health fair. Recruiting volunteers to assist at setup and the event itself. Soliciting donations and door prizes. Marketing and setting up displays. Serving refreshments. |
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Advocacy
Represent county at regional and state meetings such as the Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups, CWAG. Aging Advisory Committee membership - attend public hearings and quarterly meetings to help Unit On Aging Committee make informed decisions. Letter writing or calls to legislators, community representatives. |
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Office Help
Making copies.
Assembling mailings. |
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Marketing
Website Local TV Radio Posters and fliers Mailings |
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AARP Volunteer Tax Preparers
Local Coordinator www.aarp.org |
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In addition, there are related opportunities through other organization that serve Vernon County Senior Citizens:
Senior Medicare Patrol
SMP volunteers focus primarily on educating seniors on the importance of reading their Medicare Summary Notices (MSN), explanation of benefit statements, avoiding healthcare and consumer scams. protecting their personal identity, and understanding how their healthcare benefits work.
Elizabeth Conrad, SMP Project Coordinator
Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups Elder Law Center
2850 Dairy Drive, Suite 100
Madison WI 53718-6742
Phone 800-488-2596 or 608-224-0606
E-mail: econrad@cwag.org