VOLUNTEERING

Much of the programming and special events that the Champlain Senior Center is able to offer is due to the generosity of our volunteers. We depend on and are grateful for our volunteers who share their time engaging with our participants. Whatever skill you share, from teaching to chatting with a senior, your time at the Center enriches the lives of our participants and contributes to the overall vitality of the Center.

We welcome volunteers of all ages and skills and are appreciative of various abilities and interests. If there is a particular skill, talent or craft that a volunteer wants to share with the Center we would like to hear it. Please contact the Executive Director at 802.658.6883 or at bonnie@champsenior.org.

Some of the volunteer positions that are often available are:

Administrative Personnel: For those who enjoy answering the phones and greeting people there is a spot for you. We offer all our front desk staff gentle email and document skills training. We are also happy to have people who are proficient in Microsoft and publication software to help with front desk, data, marketing and research.

Computer Skills Teachers: From basics to the more advanced computer skills many of our seniors are interested in learning various computer skills. We have a small computer lab and we are wireless so bring your laptop and connect the seniors with the world.

Armchair (and other) Exercise Instructors: We need experienced teachers who enjoy leading senior groups in appropriate age related exercise.

Phone Assure Volunteers: These volunteers call on homebound seniors weekday mornings to check on how they are and if they need any help.

On Call Volunteers: There are volunteers who cannot commit to a consistent time to be at the Center, but would like to help out when needed. We might call on volunteers to come in during a special event, to set up tables, to assist someone for a short while, or make phone calls.

Gardening & Yardwork: The Champlain Senior center has both Flower beds and Gardens. Volunteers are needed to plant, weed, and otherwise maintain them. If you have a green thumb, we have a space for you!

Wellness Meals Personnel: Volunteers may serve noon meals to seniors and help them make nutritious choices while also sharing lunch with them. These volunteers also assist in cleaning the kitchen after meals. We are a CVAA approved meal site for seniors. Volunteers may also teach about cooking, prepare or assist in the preparation of a special meal program or work with others to raise funds for meals.

Games and Activities: Volunteers spend time with the seniors playing cards and games, or they just sit and chat with a senior.

One Event Volunteers: Activities could range from working with the Board to create a marketing strategy for a particular event to presenting a concert or making a fun brunch. If there is something special that you can do and want to share with us we welcome your phone call to the Executive Director at 802.658.3585 or email to bonnie@champsenior.org.