Volunteering in Sarnia-Lambton
VOLUNTEERING: A Great Way To Grow
The Tel-Check program offers calls to older adults and individuals with disabilities who live alone in Lambton County who may be struggling with day to day life challenges. Volunteers provide clients with social contact, reassurance, and a sense of connectedness while unobtrusively monitoring physical, nutritional and mental health needs during the telephone conversation.
If you are a good listener and care to speak with individuals who need support and to feel connected, call Sarah at the Family Counselling Centre (519-336-0120 ext. 251)
What our volunteers shared about their experience:
“Being a volunteer with Tel Check gives me a feeling of satisfaction. I know that I have been and will continue to make a difference in the lives of so many.”
“I really enjoy each conversation I have with Tel Check clients because it is always something new! I always learn something new! I find it vey self gratifying.”
“I like to think that I make a difference in the daily life of these people. Calling them to make sure they are safe makes me feel good! Ut the best part is that for some of them, you will be the only person that they talk to that day…to bring a smile on their face is the best part!”
Movement can be a lot more fun as a group but many seniors are unable to follow the intensity of a regular aerobics or other fitness class. SMART classes are designed for seniors whether they need to complete the exercises in a chair, are able to stand and move or require a balance between the two. VON will provide training and support for volunteers willing to lead a class in an apartment building, church or other facility close to where seniors live!
You can live in a building with lots of other people around and still be very lonely and isolated. A team of two group visiting leaders go into a building where a lot of seniors live and lead scheduled times of guided discussion. The aim is to assist them in getting to know one another and build friendships with those around them.
Jackpot Time Bingo in Sarnia is a supporter of the VON. Each month we provide volunteers to serve the patrons at one or two Bingos. We are currently in need of two volunteers to represent VON by serving at these Bingos. Training will be provided.
It’s been a lonely couple of years for many people but especially our senior population. It’s finally time to start visiting again! Would you be willing to visit a lonely and isolated senior on a weekly basis? Right now you can only visit them in their home but as restrictions lesson you can take them out to help with errands, go for a drive, or have a cuppa joe. Our clients have lived productive lives but now find themselves alone and staring at the walls, unable to get out without a friend. They have much to offer someone who takes time to listen!
Our Adult Day Program benefits adults with Alzheimer Disease, dementia or cognitive impairment living in the community. Programming is based on the principles of Montessori Methods for Dementia to provide a safe, error free environment focusing on people and not disabilities. It takes place in a pleasant, homelike environment with a comfortable living room, dining room and patio for summer activities and BBQ. Volunteers interact with participants throughout the day and assist them in the various activities. They also assist the staff in set-up and clean-up throughout the day. Volunteers may come for a couple of hours or stay the whole day. We are currently looking for volunteers available Tuesday, Wednesday or Friday.
We are currently looking for volunteers that can help with pre-scheduled shifts at Jackpot Time. We require 2 volunteers for each shift. Scheduled hours are 7 days a week from 10a-12a, with the most help needed Monday to Friday during days (10a-4p).
We provide telephone visits to individuals who are waiting for a volunteer visitor to come to their home weekly. Volunteers simply call to have a chat and keep in touch. Calls may vary from 5-30 minutes depending on the individuals and situation. Telephone visitors call at least twice a month but if the client is lonely they may call as often as twice a week. Volunteers may choose to have from one to six clients on their call list and call the same people each month to establish a relationship.
Many seniors are not able to get out of their home to exercise or attend fitness classes. SMART volunteers visit a senior in their home once a week for twelve weeks to complete a simple exercise routine of set stretches and exercises that have been designed to prevent falls. There is no floor work or exercises with weights. Clients are expected to complete the exercise regime at least once on their own between visits. By the end of the twelve weeks clients have established an exercise routine that they can accomplish independently and safely!
Members of the Foundation Board provide strategic leadership to VON by committing to excellence in advocacy and supporting VON to achieve its important vision and mission. Board members oversee the VON Foundation, participate in fund-raising events and work to increase the visibility and knowledge of VON in the community.