Area Agency on Aging Region IV – Michigan Volunteers

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Area Agency on Aging Region IV

Older Adult Services: Food, Healthcare, Home care, Transportation Health and Safety, Economic OpportunityWorkforce Development

2900 Lakeview Ave, St Joseph, MI 49085

Phone (800) 654 - 2810

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Our mission	Committed to seeing that service systems are operated effectively and efficiently. The Agency centers its activities on the needs of its clients and their families, with an abiding commitment to Continuous Quality Improvement.

Opportunities	Campus for Creative Aging Teachers/ Coaches The Campus for Creative Aging is an all-volunteer computer learning center for people age 50 and older. Our volunteers come from the private and public sectors. They are business people, teachers, and homemakers. They come to share their expertise, to make a contribution to the community, to meet new people and be part of the team, or to learn new skills. The reasons for volunteering are as varied as the people who volunteer. What is certain is that each volunteer will make a positive contribution to the success of our Computer Learning Center. Weekly 21+, Adults Individuals Indoor On-site Weekdays Senior Companions Senior Companions are volunteers who spend 15 to 20 hours each week giving one-on-one attention to adults having difficulty with daily living tasks. Senior Companions provide the assistance many older adults and people with disabilities may need in order to live independently. A Senior Companion may go along to help with grocery shopping or for a walk. They may spend time helping to write a letter, prepare a meal or pay a bill. Senior Companions make the lives of those they serve less lonely by offering simple friendship and a helping hand. Weekly 21+, Adults Individuals Physical, Indoor, Outdoor None Weekdays Foster Grandparents Foster Grandparents spend 15 to 20 hours each week giving one-on-one attention to children with exceptional needs. Volunteers may rock babies, color with pre-schoolers, listen to school-age children read, or assist teenage parents with completing school successfully. In all cases, the relationship that grows between the Foster Grandparent and the child makes a tremendous difference in the lives of both. Weekly 21+, Adults Individuals Physical, Indoor, Outdoor None Weekdays Medicare/ Medicaid Counselors MMAP (Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program) is a free, unbiased, volunteer-staffed service which assists people who have problems or questions about Medicare, Medicaid, Medicare Supplemental Insurance, Medicare Part D enrollment, Long-Term Care Insurance and related issues. MMAP is seeking volunteers who enjoy meeting and working with other people, who love a challenge, are familiar with computers and the internet, and are interested in helping other people in their area. Weekly 21+, Adults Individuals Virtual, Office work, Indoor, Outdoor On-site Weekdays Friendly Caller for Isolated Seniors The spread of the COVID-19 virus has created unique challenges for area seniors. Many of the vital local systems our older adults have relied on for companionship and social interaction have been put on temporary pause. Area seniors need our help and support now more than ever. In response, Area Agency on Aging has launched a Friendly Caller Program for area seniors who need someone to talk to so they do not feel isolated or alone. Currently we are seeking a few volunteers who would like to serve as a friendly person to talk to seniors and give them regular ‘check-in’ calls while they are sheltering in place, and staying safe, during the COVID 19 pandemic. During these calls you will provide reassurance, help connect seniors to information regarding services they may need, and mostly, make sure they are not feeling lonely or isolated. Weekly 21+ Individuals Virtual On-site Weekdays Class Leaders Volunteer class leaders play a critical role in helping Region IV Area Agency on Aging fulfill its mission of Offering Choices for Independent Lives. High caliber training is provided to allow volunteers to have meaningful impact in the lives of those they teach. The volunteer training session is a one-time commitment, with the request that, once trained, volunteers will facilitate at least one workshop a year. Occasional 21+, Adults Individuals Event support On-site Weekdays

How you help	Join forces with hundreds of other people in southwest Michigan who give of their time, talent and energy to improve the lives of seniors and younger persons with disabilities. Whether you have just a few hours a month or 20 hours a week, you can make a significant difference in our community by volunteering through the Area Agency on Aging.

About us	Region IV Area Agency on Aging is a private, not-for-profit corporation. Established in 1974 for the business of developing age supportive commerce and services, it plays a major role in planning, funding and delivery of a host of services. Empowerment and independence of the consumer are driving themes behind its efforts. Designated by the State of Michigan to receive federal Older Americans Act funds for planning and development, the corporation manages an array of government contracts for service delivery in southwest Michigan. Its primary service area includes Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties.