Volunteer Opportunities

We are currently recruiting for volunteers through many of our programs. Check out what is available below!

The Long-Term Care (LTC) Ombudsman Program is offering volunteer positions in nursing homes and assisted living homes. Each volunteer will work closely with LTC residents and staff to solve problems, handle complaints, and serve residents as an advocate and confidant. Ongoing, timely documentation of all LTC Ombudsman duties is required.

As a Medicare Counselor you can help adults 65 and over and people with disabilities and their caregivers learn about Medicare, make informed choices about the health care to which they're entitled, and solve Medicare-related problems. There is also a need for those interested in assisting with administrative functions of the program.

Volunteer pairs of the Rainbow Connections Volunteer Program meet on a weekly basis to engage in activities that help combat social isolation that many older adults experience. Some choose to stay in getting to know one another by sharing stories in a more intimate, quiet setting. Other pairs choose to go out, maybe to the movies or for a meal. The one thing that is clear is that folks are building connection and community, two important antidotes for social isolation. Contact Michael Chifalo with questions. Learn more about our LGBTQ+ outreach and programming.

Be a friend to an older adult! Respite & Companion Volunteers are paired with an older adult whom they visit for two hours once a week. The older adults who receive a visitor are experiencing social isolation and/or compromised health. Visits focus on companionship and activities; volunteers do not provide hands-on care. If the older adults lives with a caregiver, the visits allow the caregiver to take a break (respite).

Click here to learn more and apply for the positions listed above.

Medicare Counseling Volunteers Make An Impact!

As crucial team members of the Medicare Counseling Program, our volunteers give hundreds of hours per year in service to older adults in Colorado as SHIP Volunteers. These folks commit their time and talents to extensive and intensive training, administrative assistance and weekly counseling appointments - all to assist Medicare beneficiaries.

With this dedicated group of volunteers, the Medicare Counseling Program can serve thousands of Medicare beneficiaries throughout Boulder County. Dealing with extremely complicated cases, filled with minute details, requires keen listening skills, quick discernment and an ability to quickly and accurately evaluate a consumer’s situation.     

Medicare Counseling Program volunteers include Charles Bailey, Jo Walsh, Donna Burk, Susan Benson, Gerra Lewis, Donna Braun, Kevin Cummings, Matthew Henderson, Prudence Carter, Anna Warner, and Senta Vagle.    

In 1957 Dr. Martin Luther King’s asked, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?” These volunteers chose to step forward to help Medicare beneficiaries and we appreciate the contribution of each of them.

Check out Medicare Basics Classes scheduled for the first quarter of 2020!

Upcoming Classes & Events from Senior Services

Each month, we highlight events from local senior services organizations, which offer wonderful ways to create, connect, and contribute to the community.

Boulder Older Adult Services

Simple Nutrition to Balance Hormones

When: Wednesday, Jan. 22, 1-2:30 p.m.

Where: Age Well Center - West

Registration: Call 303-441-3148

Hormone imbalance not only affects a person’s
energy level, it can also create excess hunger, sugar
cravings, anxiety, hair loss, constipation, and more.
Learn the symptoms of hormonal imbalances that
can be influenced by the thyroid, adrenal glands,
and blood sugar, and how to restore gut health, stress, and nutritional deficiencies. This
program will review what to eat, how to maximize
nutrient intake, restore digestion and balance energy levels.

Erie Active Adults

How Does It Work

When: Tuesday, Feb. 18, 10-11:30 a.m.

Registration: Register online here by Feb. 11.

Do you have a smartphone, tablet or laptop? Do you want to discover what your device can offer? The High Plains Library District is excited to provide information and instruction in a hands-on workshop at the Erie Community Center. Bring your smartphone, tablet or laptop or use one of our devices.

Lafayette Senior Services

Monday Crafters - Marbled Paper

When: Monday, March. 9, 1-2:30 p.m.

Registration: Call 303-665-9052x0 or register online.

Marbled paper is great for decorating all kinds of things. Wrap gifts in it, turn it into a stylish background for art projects or use as stationary. List of supplies will be provided upon registration.

Longmont Senior Services

Everyday Mindfulness

When: Thursday, Jan. 21, 1-2:30 p.m.

Registration: Please register in advance by calling 303-651-8411.

This experiential workshop is an engaging introduction to mindfulness practice. Come discover simple, proven, and effective techniques to help: quiet the overactive mind & increase focus, turn on the body’s relaxation system, retrain the mind from autopilot, improve physical/mental/emotional well-being, and gain greater fulfillment & happiness in daily life. This class is for older adults and family caregivers of any age.

Louisville Senior Services

Denver Museum of Nature and Science

When: Friday, Jan. 31, 10:15 a.m.-4:45 p.m.

Registration: Call 303-666-7400 or go online.

Have you ever wondered about the science behind the animated filmmaking process? Participants will visit an exhibit that explores how Pixar Animation Studios brings their beloved films and characters to life. Participants will also have time to explore other museum exhibits, including the new Extreme Sports exhibit, which is included in admission. 

Project Visibility Training

What is Project Visibility?

Project Visibility is a dynamic training directed at those providing care to older adults. The goal of the training is to improve LGBTQ+ cultural responsiveness for agency personnel. The training features an award-winning film highlighting the experiences of local LGBTQ+ older adults, small group exercises, and Q&A.

Why a training on LGBTQ+ older adults?

LGBTQ+ older adults wonder about the level of sensitivity and awareness on the part of staff at facilities, businesses, and agencies. While most agencies feel that they are welcoming to all, this training will examine subtle cultural biases and offer tools to improve inclusiveness.

In this community training, participants will:

• Develop an awareness of the strengths and needs of LGBTQ+ older adults
• Explore concepts of sexual orientation, gender expression, and gender identity
• Discuss ways to address heterosexual and cisgender privilege
• Gain tools for creating an open and inclusive environment
• Receive a manual packed with resources

When: Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2020, 1-4 p.m.

Where: St. Vrain Community Hub, Room 326 (515 Coffman St, Longmont, CO 80501)

Registration: Free! Please register by Friday, Jan. 31 by emailing Michael Chifalo or calling Michael at 303-441-4518.

It Takes a Village

Pictured above are Lisa, Peter, Rob (interviewed below), and Natalie.

Project HOPE has provided support to Boulder County's fragile, low income older adults for over 25 years. The last few years, clients have received some extra special attention during the holidays by being recipients of personalized gift baskets. Robert Myers, with Liberty Home Loans, and through his association with other volunteers, calls each recipient personally, learns what they'd like, shops for the items, and personally delivers them in time for the holidays. We spoke with Robert about his background and interest in this annual holiday tradition.

Robert has called Boulder County home since 1992. His children were born and raised in the area and have graduated from CSU and CU. He's been involved in providing holiday baskets since 1997 and has volunteered with many organizations over the years.

Robert recognized the need for holiday program that support older adults, while so many programs focused on children. The baskets evolved from being general to personalized so recipients received items useful to their needs. Robert reports that this huge group effort involves family, business associates, friends, and friends of friends supporting this effort financially and with their time. Robert specifically recognized Peter S., Lisa & Brad P., Dan. P., Sam P., Caroline A., Carolyn C., and Kelly M. for their efforts!

When asked what he finds most rewarding about contributing to his community in this way, Robert said, "The spirit of giving during the holidays. Also calling the person you are helping and meeting them. It's so impactful and emotional to do something meaningful for someone else."

Thank you to Robert and his team for their contribution to clients served through Project Hope!

Caring for the Caregiver

Lynn Malkinson has volunteered on the Editorial Advisory Committee of Care Connections since the late 90s and as a teacher for Powerful Tools for Caregivers since Boulder County began offering this course in 2013. Her writing and interviewing skills shine in "Visit with a Caregiver", which appears in most Care Connections issues. Her 20 years of experience as a hospice social worker translate naturally into supporting caregivers.

What inspires you to volunteer?

Care Connections gives me a way to use my professional skills and my personal experience, having cared for my mother and husband, to do something useful in my retirement. I also enjoy writing about what I've learned. When I'm teaching, I find great value in providing a forum for caregivers to encounter one another, to share experiences, and to find they aren't alone in their challenges.

What do you find most rewarding about your volunteer contributions?

That rare opportunity to engage with other human beings at that delicate time of life when we are all most vulnerable and, in fact, most connected. Also, I love the Care Connection meetings when I get to brainstorm ideas about articles with other interested, committed people. This is stimulating and great fun.

Thank you, Lynn, for your commitment to caregivers in Boulder County!

Do you want to learn more about our programs? Want to meet more AAA staff? Do you really just want to see our pets? All of this and more is possible on our Facebook page!