Volunteer FAQs

What is the goal of the volunteer program?

What commitment must I make as a volunteer?

What commitment does the Office of Aging make to volunteers?

How will I be given an assignment?

How do I become an Office of Aging Volunteer?

 

Q. What is the goal of the volunteer program?

* To provide the needed assistance so the older person can remain in his/her own home.

* To enhance the older person's quality of life.

Q. What commitment must I make as a volunteer?

* Being assigned to an individual client offers flexibility and minimal time commitment (an average of 4 hours/month) for you.

* You may choose to assist with seasonal events (chicken BBQ delivery in May and Holiday box delivery in December) or with one-time volunteer requests, such as home chore/repairs or escorting a client to a medical appointment.

Q. What commitment does the Office of Aging make to volunteers?

* You will be asked to serve a client only in the geographic areas in which you've indicated you're willing to travel.

* You will be asked to help a client only with the task(s) that you've indicated you're willing to perform.

* Orientation and ongoing support is provided to ensure your assignment is meaningful and satisfying, for you and the older person you're helping.

* If you're assigned to an older person, the match will be monitored and continue only if both you and the client are satisfied.

Q. How will I be given an assignment?

* You will list your volunteer preferences when you complete the Volunteer Registration form.

* Assignments will be made according to those preferences.

* Any phone assignments will be given within your calling area.

* Any match is on a trial basis, both you and the client must be satisfied with the match for it to continue.

Q. How do I become an Office of Aging Volunteer?

1.  Contact us to receive a Volunteer Registration form:

   * You can call our office at 717-299-7979 to speak with the Volunteer Coordinator about becoming a volunteer and having a Volunteer Registration form mailed to you.

   * You can print out the Volunteer Registration form from this website, complete it and mail or fax it to our office.

   * You can visit our office to request a Volunteer Registration form.

   * You can e-mail our office at aging@co.lancaster.pa.us and ask that a Volunteer Registration form be sent to you.

2.  After the Volunteer Coordinator receives your completed form, your references will be checked.

3.  You will be contacted by the Volunteer Coordinator for an interview/orientation that can be held at your home or in our office.

4.  Following that meeting, your volunteer assignment will begin as soon as an appropriate placement is available.

5.  The Volunteer Coordinator will check with you following an assignment to determine your satisfaction with the volunteer experience.