Volunteer with Seniors

A Home Away From Home

Neighborhood House’s Senior Center is a home away from home for area seniors, whether they they’re looking for exercise classes, food assistance, health-related supports, or just need someone to talk to. Volunteers help by assisting staff, interacting with seniors, providing transportation, and pitching in to support special events throughout the year, such as the Senior Center Rummage Sale and Harvest Bazaar.

Contact volunteers@nhweb.org or 503-246-1663 x2117. Background check required, as well as driving check if transporting seniors.

Volunteer opportunities with seniors fall into the following areas.

Program Support

Volunteers work with staff to provide support for Senior Center events and activities. The volunteer receptionist answers the telephone, welcomes the public, answers questions, and assists seniors in registering for trips and classes. Volunteeroffice assistants help with filing, data- entry, creating flyers and posters, set-up for activities and classes, and writing articles for the monthly newsletter. Volunteers also help with Senior Center fund-raising events, such as the Harvest Bazaar and the Rummage Sale.

Supporting Seniors

Volunteers are a bright spot in the day for frail seniors. Friendly Visitors visit a homebound senior and may read, play board games, or run errands. Volunteers willing to share their professional expertise may have an opportunity to give presentations or classes at the Senior Center, or they may assist staff with Conversation Circle groups.

Transportation Support

Volunteers fulfill an important need for Neighborhood House seniors by escorting recreational and shopping trips, and may assist seniors with shopping. Transportation aides drive seniors to and from medical and dental appointments. This provides vital service to seniors who are not otherwise able to get to their appointments.