Opportunities From: HIRTA Helps

Volunteer: Veterans serving Veterans- Hospice volunteer opportunities

Veteran-to-Veteran Volunteer Opportunity
Serve Those Who Served
At WesleyLife Hospice, we believe that those who have worn the uniform share a bond unlike any other. Our Veteran-to-Veteran Volunteers honor that connection by offering presence, understanding, and support to hospice clients who are fellow veterans.
Why Veteran Volunteers Are So Important
Veterans often feel most comfortable sharing their stories, memories, and experiences—especially those from their time in service—with someone who has walked a similar path. Your presence can bring peace, validation, and deep connection during a profoundly meaningful chapter of life.
Support as a Veteran-to-Veteran Volunteer
As a veteran volunteer, you will have the opportunity to:
Companionship & Conversation
Spend time talking, reminiscing, or simply sitting together in quiet companionship with hospice clients who served their country.
Respite for Caregivers
Offer short periods of relief for family caregivers so they can rest, run errands, or take a needed break—knowing their loved one is with someone who understands military life.
Veteran Pinning Ceremonies
Play a key role in our We Honor Veterans program by participating in or assisting with our veteran pinning ceremonies. These ceremonies recognize and honor a veteran’s service, creating a moment of gratitude and dignity for the veteran and their family.
Many volunteers consider these ceremonies one of the most profoundly moving parts of their service.
About Our We Honor Veterans Program
WesleyLife Hospice is proud to participate in We Honor Veterans, a national initiative that focuses on respectful inquiry, compassionate listening, and veteran-centered care.
As part of this program, our veteran volunteers help ensure that every hospice veteran receives:

The honor and recognition they deserve
Opportunities to share their military journey
Specialized emotional support
A meaningful, personalized veteran pinning ceremony
Your shared military background enhances this work in a way no one else can.
Flexible Scheduling That Fits Your Life
Whether you’re available once a month or weekly, we’ll work with your schedule. Even small amounts of time can have a lasting impact.
Where We Serve
WesleyLife Hospice provides care in Pella and surrounding communities, including Boone, Dallas, Jasper, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Polk, Poweshiek, Story, and Warren counties. Many clients are located at the Cottages in Pella, but we meet veterans wherever they call home.
Hear from Lindsey, a WesleyLife Volunteer
"Being a volunteer for WesleyLife Hospice means the world to me. I’ve been through hospice with family members, and now I can make the experience better for others. The best part is being there for someone who might not have anyone and letting them know they’re not alone."
Ready to Serve Your Fellow Veterans?
Your military experience can bring comfort, companionship, and honor to veterans in their final chapter of life.
Contact Diana Ferriss, Volunteer Coordinator

Agency: Wesley Life Hospice

Veteran-to-Veteran Volunteer Opportunity
Serve Those Who Served
At WesleyLife Hospice, we believe that those who have worn the uniform share a bond unlike any other. Our Veteran-to-Veteran Volunteers honor that connection by offering presence, understanding, and support to hospice clients who are fellow veterans.
Why Veteran Volunteers Are So Important
Veterans often feel most comfortable sharing their stories, memories, and experiences—especially those from their time in service—with someone who has walked a similar path. Your presence can bring peace, validation, and deep connection during a profoundly meaningful chapter of life.
Support as a Veteran-to-Veteran Volunteer
As a veteran volunteer, you will have the opportunity to:
Companionship & Conversation
Spend time talking, reminiscing, or simply sitting together in quiet companionship with hospice clients who served their country.
Respite for Caregivers
Offer short periods of relief for family caregivers so they can rest, run errands, or take a needed break—knowing their loved one is with someone who understands military life.
Veteran Pinning Ceremonies
Play a key role in our We Honor Veterans program by participating in or assisting with our veteran pinning ceremonies. These ceremonies recognize and honor a veteran’s service, creating a moment of gratitude and dignity for the veteran and their family.
Many volunteers consider these ceremonies one of the most profoundly moving parts of their service.
About Our We Honor Veterans Program
WesleyLife Hospice is proud to participate in We Honor Veterans, a national initiative that focuses on respectful inquiry, compassionate listening, and veteran-centered care.
As part of this program, our veteran volunteers help ensure that every hospice veteran receives:

The honor and recognition they deserve
Opportunities to share their military journey
Specialized emotional support
A meaningful, personalized veteran pinning ceremony
Your shared military background enhances this work in a way no one else can.
Flexible Scheduling That Fits Your Life
Whether you’re available once a month or weekly, we’ll work with your schedule. Even small amounts of time can have a lasting impact.
Where We Serve
WesleyLife Hospice provides care in Pella and surrounding communities, including Boone, Dallas, Jasper, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Polk, Poweshiek, Story, and Warren counties. Many clients are located at the Cottages in Pella, but we meet veterans wherever they call home.
Hear from Lindsey, a WesleyLife Volunteer
"Being a volunteer for WesleyLife Hospice means the world to me. I’ve been through hospice with family members, and now I can make the experience better for others. The best part is being there for someone who might not have anyone and letting them know they’re not alone."
Ready to Serve Your Fellow Veterans?
Your military experience can bring comfort, companionship, and honor to veterans in their final chapter of life.
Contact Diana Ferriss, Volunteer Coordinator

Agency: Wesley Life Hospice

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 50219

Allow Groups: Yes


Volunteer: Become a Companionship Volunteer with WesleyLife Hospice

Join WesleyLife Hospice in Serving Pella and Surrounding Communities

In Pella, community and caring go hand in hand. WesleyLife Hospice invites you to share that spirit by giving the gift of time and presence to neighbors who need it most.

Why Volunteer?
Hospice care is about dignity, comfort, and connection. Your simple acts—listening to stories, sharing a walk, playing a game, or offering a warm smile—can bring peace and joy during life’s final chapter.

Volunteer Opportunities:

Companionship visitsVeteran-to-Veteran visits Music sharing Respite care Pet therapy Bereavement support

Flexible Scheduling:
Whether you can give an hour a month or a few hours each week, we’ll work with your schedule.

Serving Marion County and Beyond:
We care for families in Pella and surrounding communities, where strong traditions and neighborly values make every connection meaningful. Many of our WesleyLife Hospice clients are at the Cottages in Pella, but we also serve clients wherever they call home. We also serve the greater Central Iowa area including Boone, Dallas, Jasper, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Polk, Poweshiek, Story, and Warren counties. WesleyLife Hospice is proudly owned and operated in Iowa. 

Hear from Lindsey, a WesleyLife volunteer:
"Being a volunteer for WesleyLife Hospice means the world to me. I’ve been through hospice with family members, and now I can make the experience better for others. The best part is being there for someone who might not have anyone and letting them know they’re not alone."

Ready to make a difference in your community?
Contact Diana Ferriss, Volunteer Coordinator at dferriss@wesleylife.org or 515-229-7366, or fill out our online application today! 

Agency: Wesley Life Hospice

Join WesleyLife Hospice in Serving Pella and Surrounding Communities

In Pella, community and caring go hand in hand. WesleyLife Hospice invites you to share that spirit by giving the gift of time and presence to neighbors who need it most.

Why Volunteer?
Hospice care is about dignity, comfort, and connection. Your simple acts—listening to stories, sharing a walk, playing a game, or offering a warm smile—can bring peace and joy during life’s final chapter.

Volunteer Opportunities:

Companionship visitsVeteran-to-Veteran visits Music sharing Respite care Pet therapy Bereavement support

Flexible Scheduling:
Whether you can give an hour a month or a few hours each week, we’ll work with your schedule.

Serving Marion County and Beyond:
We care for families in Pella and surrounding communities, where strong traditions and neighborly values make every connection meaningful. Many of our WesleyLife Hospice clients are at the Cottages in Pella, but we also serve clients wherever they call home. We also serve the greater Central Iowa area including Boone, Dallas, Jasper, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Polk, Poweshiek, Story, and Warren counties. WesleyLife Hospice is proudly owned and operated in Iowa. 

Hear from Lindsey, a WesleyLife volunteer:
"Being a volunteer for WesleyLife Hospice means the world to me. I’ve been through hospice with family members, and now I can make the experience better for others. The best part is being there for someone who might not have anyone and letting them know they’re not alone."

Ready to make a difference in your community?
Contact Diana Ferriss, Volunteer Coordinator at dferriss@wesleylife.org or 515-229-7366, or fill out our online application today! 

Agency: Wesley Life Hospice

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 50219

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Distribution Days

These volunteers work in distributing the food to the guests under the direction of the Support Team. These volunteers also restock the shelves and clean up.

Agency: Pella Community Food Shelf

These volunteers work in distributing the food to the guests under the direction of the Support Team. These volunteers also restock the shelves and clean up.

Agency: Pella Community Food Shelf

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 50219

Allow Groups: Yes


Volunteer: Local Grocery Store Donations

Adult volunteers transport donations from Wal-Mart or Hy-Vee once a month to the Food Shelf.

Agency: Pella Community Food Shelf

Adult volunteers transport donations from Wal-Mart or Hy-Vee once a month to the Food Shelf.

Agency: Pella Community Food Shelf

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 50219

Allow Groups: Yes


Volunteer: Restocking

Volunteers are needed to sort, date check and restock donations.  We are also in need of occasional volunteers to help unload food from the Central Iowa Food Bank in Des Moines or local food donation drives.  There is also a need for help maintaining the organization of the freezers and coolers.

Agency: Pella Community Food Shelf

Volunteers are needed to sort, date check and restock donations.  We are also in need of occasional volunteers to help unload food from the Central Iowa Food Bank in Des Moines or local food donation drives.  There is also a need for help maintaining the organization of the freezers and coolers.

Agency: Pella Community Food Shelf

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 50219

Allow Groups: Yes


Volunteer: Food Support - Marion County

Would you like to provide support to community members looking for food resources? Help decrease food insecurity in the community through our Food Resource program.

We are seeking volunteers to provide nutrition support to community members. Nutrition support could include providing transportation to food pantries, congregate meals, the grocery store, or assisting community members with prepping or cooking meals in their home. Opportunities are based on your availability and comfort level.

Volunteer benefits

- Mileage Reimbursement

- Supplemental and liability insurance

- Annual Recognition Ceremony

- Flexible volunteer schedule

-Improving lives in central Iowa

- Meeting new people

If you would like assistance, please reach out to us at volunteer@ridehirta.com or 1.877.686.0029.

If you would like to apply, please respond to this opportunity and we will be in touch with you! 

 

     

Agency: HIRTA

Would you like to provide support to community members looking for food resources? Help decrease food insecurity in the community through our Food Resource program.

We are seeking volunteers to provide nutrition support to community members. Nutrition support could include providing transportation to food pantries, congregate meals, the grocery store, or assisting community members with prepping or cooking meals in their home. Opportunities are based on your availability and comfort level.

Volunteer benefits

- Mileage Reimbursement

- Supplemental and liability insurance

- Annual Recognition Ceremony

- Flexible volunteer schedule

-Improving lives in central Iowa

- Meeting new people

If you would like assistance, please reach out to us at volunteer@ridehirta.com or 1.877.686.0029.

If you would like to apply, please respond to this opportunity and we will be in touch with you! 

 

     

Agency: HIRTA

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 50138

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Friendly Neighbor Program - Marion County

Would you like to provide social support to your neighbors? Help lower loneliness in our community through our Friendly Neighbor Program. 


We are seeking volunteers to provide social visits to or become a pen pal with community members at risk of social isolation. Visits could include chatting with the community member in their home or assisting them with going to local places such as the library or churches. Visits are based on your availability and comfort level. We attempt to match volunteers with a community member who have similar interests. 


Volunteer benefits

- Mileage Reimbursement

- Supplemental and liability insurance

- Annual Recognition Ceremony

- Flexible volunteer schedule

-Improving lives in central Iowa

- Meeting new people


Do you know someone who could benefit from a social visit? Reach out to us today at volunteer@ridehirta.com.

    

Agency: HIRTA

Would you like to provide social support to your neighbors? Help lower loneliness in our community through our Friendly Neighbor Program. 


We are seeking volunteers to provide social visits to or become a pen pal with community members at risk of social isolation. Visits could include chatting with the community member in their home or assisting them with going to local places such as the library or churches. Visits are based on your availability and comfort level. We attempt to match volunteers with a community member who have similar interests. 


Volunteer benefits

- Mileage Reimbursement

- Supplemental and liability insurance

- Annual Recognition Ceremony

- Flexible volunteer schedule

-Improving lives in central Iowa

- Meeting new people


Do you know someone who could benefit from a social visit? Reach out to us today at volunteer@ridehirta.com.

    

Agency: HIRTA

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 50138

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Volunteer Drivers - Medical Transportation Program - Marion County

Would you like to help your neighbor access their essential medical appointments?


We are seeking volunteers to provide transportation to community members who need help gaining access to medical appointments and the pharmacy. Volunteers use their personal vehicles.

Trips are based on your availability and comfort level. If you are only available certain days of the week or have a changing schedule, we will work with your schedule. Do you only want to provide transportation in your town? We have community members who could use your help! Are you willing to drive to Des Moines? We have community members who could use your help! Our biggest request from community members for volunteer drivers is trips from Indianola to the Des Moines metro for medical appointments.

What does the onboarding process look like for volunteer drivers? Create a profile on HIRTA HelpsOrientation - We go over our policies and explain the program more. Background checks complete Assisted Rides Training - we use this software to sign up for all ride and social volunteer activities. Volunteer benefits

- Mileage Reimbursement

- Supplemental and liability insurance

- Annual Recognition Ceremony

- Flexible volunteer schedule

-Improving lives in central Iowa

- Meeting new people


How to apply?

Simply create a profile on this website, respond to the opportunities that interest you, and HIRTA Helps staff will be in touch to schedule an orientation! If you aren't sure what you would be interested in doing yet, that's okay as well! During orientation, we will go over all the opportunities available to you.

 

Agency: HIRTA

Would you like to help your neighbor access their essential medical appointments?


We are seeking volunteers to provide transportation to community members who need help gaining access to medical appointments and the pharmacy. Volunteers use their personal vehicles.

Trips are based on your availability and comfort level. If you are only available certain days of the week or have a changing schedule, we will work with your schedule. Do you only want to provide transportation in your town? We have community members who could use your help! Are you willing to drive to Des Moines? We have community members who could use your help! Our biggest request from community members for volunteer drivers is trips from Indianola to the Des Moines metro for medical appointments.

What does the onboarding process look like for volunteer drivers? Create a profile on HIRTA HelpsOrientation - We go over our policies and explain the program more. Background checks complete Assisted Rides Training - we use this software to sign up for all ride and social volunteer activities. Volunteer benefits

- Mileage Reimbursement

- Supplemental and liability insurance

- Annual Recognition Ceremony

- Flexible volunteer schedule

-Improving lives in central Iowa

- Meeting new people


How to apply?

Simply create a profile on this website, respond to the opportunities that interest you, and HIRTA Helps staff will be in touch to schedule an orientation! If you aren't sure what you would be interested in doing yet, that's okay as well! During orientation, we will go over all the opportunities available to you.

 

Agency: HIRTA

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 50138

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Fresh Conversations Volunteer - Marion County

Fresh Conversations:
Food, Fun, & Fellowship

We are currently looking for passionate people to volunteer as Fresh Conversations Facilitators! Fresh Conversations is a monthly nutrition program that takes place at congregate meal sites and community centers. The Fresh Conversations Facilitator is responsible for leading a discussion based on the monthly Fresh Conversations newsletter as well as preparing the food tasting. The groups are generally small (8-12 people) and the meeting lasts about 30 minutes.

We provide a monthly Facilitator Guide to make presenting the information fun and easy. A background in nutrition is not required, just a desire to help others maintain healthy and active lives!

Time Commitment:
Approx. 2hrs/month

Agency: Aging Resources

Fresh Conversations:
Food, Fun, & Fellowship

We are currently looking for passionate people to volunteer as Fresh Conversations Facilitators! Fresh Conversations is a monthly nutrition program that takes place at congregate meal sites and community centers. The Fresh Conversations Facilitator is responsible for leading a discussion based on the monthly Fresh Conversations newsletter as well as preparing the food tasting. The groups are generally small (8-12 people) and the meeting lasts about 30 minutes.

We provide a monthly Facilitator Guide to make presenting the information fun and easy. A background in nutrition is not required, just a desire to help others maintain healthy and active lives!

Time Commitment:
Approx. 2hrs/month

Agency: Aging Resources

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 50138

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Iowa Fraud Fighters - Marion County

Iowa Fraud Fighters are Iowans who have pledged to be informed and careful investors. Iowa Fraud Fighters shield their savings from scammers and fraudulent investment, consumer and Medicare insurance offers. Arm yourself with expert fraud prevention tips and learn how to avoid scams. It’s time to take a stand and shield your savings. You can become an Iowa Fraud Fighter by empowering yourself to fight and report fraud. The Iowa Insurance Division and other state agencies are here to help you.

Help others become Fraud Fighters by becoming a volunteer with the Iowa Insurance Division. You would provide educational presentations within your community. 

Agency: Iowa Fraud Fighters

Iowa Fraud Fighters are Iowans who have pledged to be informed and careful investors. Iowa Fraud Fighters shield their savings from scammers and fraudulent investment, consumer and Medicare insurance offers. Arm yourself with expert fraud prevention tips and learn how to avoid scams. It’s time to take a stand and shield your savings. You can become an Iowa Fraud Fighter by empowering yourself to fight and report fraud. The Iowa Insurance Division and other state agencies are here to help you.

Help others become Fraud Fighters by becoming a volunteer with the Iowa Insurance Division. You would provide educational presentations within your community. 

Agency: Iowa Fraud Fighters

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 50138

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Library Volunteer

Pella Public Library has a wide variety of volunteer opportunities. 

Opportunities include

Shelf reading Book delivery to senior housing Handing out Summer Reading prizes Serving on the Board of Trustees Teaching computer classes Sorting and labeling seeds Book sorting/book sales Book delivery to homebound individuals Help with programs Serving with Friends of the Library

If you have another idea of how you would like to volunteer at the library, please reach out today to find out if that's a possibility! 

If you are interested, please complete the linked application after clicking "respond".

Agency: Pella Public Library

Pella Public Library has a wide variety of volunteer opportunities. 

Opportunities include

Shelf reading Book delivery to senior housing Handing out Summer Reading prizes Serving on the Board of Trustees Teaching computer classes Sorting and labeling seeds Book sorting/book sales Book delivery to homebound individuals Help with programs Serving with Friends of the Library

If you have another idea of how you would like to volunteer at the library, please reach out today to find out if that's a possibility! 

If you are interested, please complete the linked application after clicking "respond".

Agency: Pella Public Library

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 50219

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Community Educator - Marion County

COMMUNITY EDUCATORS

Alzheimer's Association Community Educators are volunteer public speakers who provide Alzheimer's Association education programs to community audiences. 

KEY ACTIVITIES:

Deliver approximately 12 presentations annually using prepared Alzheimer’s Association consumer education programs on a variety of care and support topics. Collaborate with local Association staff to expand programs by securing community partners, scheduling presentations, delivering the programs, and managing needed materials. Serve as presenter for chapter-scheduled education programs and conferences. Connect people with additional Association services and volunteer opportunities by proactively making referrals to Alzheimer's Association programs & free 24/7 Helpline.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Demonstrated success with health education using excellent communication, presentation and adult education skills. Comfort with computers and familiarity with email and PPT presentations. Ability to network, and collaborate with staff, volunteers, and community partners. Passionate about the Alzheimer’s Association mission with personal or professional experience with dementia preferred. Must be age 21 to apply. Background checks are required.

COMMITMENT EXPECTED:

Community Educators commit to delivering a target of 12 presentations annually. All program volunteers participate in initial training and ongoing education and must comply with Alzheimer’s Association volunteer policies and procedures. Terms are renewable upon successful completion of annual goal-setting conversation with your staff partner.

BENEFITS TO THE VOLUNTEER:

Perfect your public speaking ability and technique while serving your local community. Increase your knowledge of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Be recognized as a leader and resource for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Join a network of other volunteers, staff and community leaders to help create a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.

 

The Alzheimer's Association will provide training, information and electronic or printed materials to assist in your efforts. Orientation includes several hours of online learning, self-study and shadowing or mentoring by local Alzheimer's Association staff and volunteers. Some materials are available in multiple languages.

 

Agency: Alzheimer's Association - Iowa Chapter

COMMUNITY EDUCATORS

Alzheimer's Association Community Educators are volunteer public speakers who provide Alzheimer's Association education programs to community audiences. 

KEY ACTIVITIES:

Deliver approximately 12 presentations annually using prepared Alzheimer’s Association consumer education programs on a variety of care and support topics. Collaborate with local Association staff to expand programs by securing community partners, scheduling presentations, delivering the programs, and managing needed materials. Serve as presenter for chapter-scheduled education programs and conferences. Connect people with additional Association services and volunteer opportunities by proactively making referrals to Alzheimer's Association programs & free 24/7 Helpline.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Demonstrated success with health education using excellent communication, presentation and adult education skills. Comfort with computers and familiarity with email and PPT presentations. Ability to network, and collaborate with staff, volunteers, and community partners. Passionate about the Alzheimer’s Association mission with personal or professional experience with dementia preferred. Must be age 21 to apply. Background checks are required.

COMMITMENT EXPECTED:

Community Educators commit to delivering a target of 12 presentations annually. All program volunteers participate in initial training and ongoing education and must comply with Alzheimer’s Association volunteer policies and procedures. Terms are renewable upon successful completion of annual goal-setting conversation with your staff partner.

BENEFITS TO THE VOLUNTEER:

Perfect your public speaking ability and technique while serving your local community. Increase your knowledge of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Be recognized as a leader and resource for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Join a network of other volunteers, staff and community leaders to help create a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.

 

The Alzheimer's Association will provide training, information and electronic or printed materials to assist in your efforts. Orientation includes several hours of online learning, self-study and shadowing or mentoring by local Alzheimer's Association staff and volunteers. Some materials are available in multiple languages.

 

Agency: Alzheimer's Association - Iowa Chapter

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 50138

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Support Group Facilitiator - Marion County

SUPPORT GROUP FACILITATORS

Support Group Facilitators create a safe, open environment where people share their feelings, thoughts and experiences in a combined effort to better cope with and manage the shared problems of dementia. The goal of Alzheimer's Association support groups is to provide emotional, social and/or educational support to group members. As facilitators, individuals may be responsible for general caregiver, adult children, spouse, gender-specific or language-specific groups.

KEY ACTIVITIES:

Follow expectations and recommendations of the Caregiver Support Group Facilitator Manual, including participation in initial & ongoing training and submission of all required documentation to Chapter. Set up, arrange and prepare the room before and after each group. Coordinate any speakers/presenters with local chapter staff. Encourage participants to provide assistance and emotional support to one another. Present pertinent Association materials and information to group members. Connect members of the community with additional Association services by proactively making referrals to Alzheimer's Association programs & free 24/7 Helpline.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Ability to be empathic and separate personal needs from group needs. Strong listening and effective communication skills. Ability to redirect and facilitate discussion as well as fulfill the duties and responsibilities as described in the Facilitator Agreement. Ability to create and maintain a safe environment where participants’ thoughts and feelings are valued and group members are treated with fairness, equity and respect. Commitment to promote the mission and services of the Association and willingness to act as an extension of the Association. Experience with dementia as a family member or health care professional preferred.

COMMITMENT EXPECTED:

Support Group Facilitators commit to a 1-year term delivering a monthly group. Terms are renewable upon successful completion of annual goal-setting conversation with your staff partner. Orientation includes: online program volunteer welcome and orientation (1 hour) + self-study or in-person role training with staff partner (~4 hours). Support Group facilitators must observe 1 -3 groups led by a staff or mentor plus review facilitation skills with a staff partner prior to deployment in the community. This is dependent on experience of the facilitator (ever run a group or attended one). Background checks are required as part of the volunteer selection process. Comply with Alzheimer’s Association volunteer policies and procedures. Participate in initial training and ongoing education about Alzheimer’s, dementia and the Alzheimer's Association.

BENEFITS TO THE VOLUNTEER:

Perfect your active listening and group management technique. Serve your local community and people you care about. Increase your knowledge of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Be recognized in your community as a leader and resource for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Build your resume and skill set. Join a network of other volunteers, Alzheimer's Association staff and professionals and caregivers in the aging field.

 

Agency: Alzheimer's Association - Iowa Chapter

SUPPORT GROUP FACILITATORS

Support Group Facilitators create a safe, open environment where people share their feelings, thoughts and experiences in a combined effort to better cope with and manage the shared problems of dementia. The goal of Alzheimer's Association support groups is to provide emotional, social and/or educational support to group members. As facilitators, individuals may be responsible for general caregiver, adult children, spouse, gender-specific or language-specific groups.

KEY ACTIVITIES:

Follow expectations and recommendations of the Caregiver Support Group Facilitator Manual, including participation in initial & ongoing training and submission of all required documentation to Chapter. Set up, arrange and prepare the room before and after each group. Coordinate any speakers/presenters with local chapter staff. Encourage participants to provide assistance and emotional support to one another. Present pertinent Association materials and information to group members. Connect members of the community with additional Association services by proactively making referrals to Alzheimer's Association programs & free 24/7 Helpline.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Ability to be empathic and separate personal needs from group needs. Strong listening and effective communication skills. Ability to redirect and facilitate discussion as well as fulfill the duties and responsibilities as described in the Facilitator Agreement. Ability to create and maintain a safe environment where participants’ thoughts and feelings are valued and group members are treated with fairness, equity and respect. Commitment to promote the mission and services of the Association and willingness to act as an extension of the Association. Experience with dementia as a family member or health care professional preferred.

COMMITMENT EXPECTED:

Support Group Facilitators commit to a 1-year term delivering a monthly group. Terms are renewable upon successful completion of annual goal-setting conversation with your staff partner. Orientation includes: online program volunteer welcome and orientation (1 hour) + self-study or in-person role training with staff partner (~4 hours). Support Group facilitators must observe 1 -3 groups led by a staff or mentor plus review facilitation skills with a staff partner prior to deployment in the community. This is dependent on experience of the facilitator (ever run a group or attended one). Background checks are required as part of the volunteer selection process. Comply with Alzheimer’s Association volunteer policies and procedures. Participate in initial training and ongoing education about Alzheimer’s, dementia and the Alzheimer's Association.

BENEFITS TO THE VOLUNTEER:

Perfect your active listening and group management technique. Serve your local community and people you care about. Increase your knowledge of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Be recognized in your community as a leader and resource for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Build your resume and skill set. Join a network of other volunteers, Alzheimer's Association staff and professionals and caregivers in the aging field.

 

Agency: Alzheimer's Association - Iowa Chapter

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 50138

Allow Groups: No