Volunteer Opportunities

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GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR VOLUNTEERS

 

Because many of our programs utilize state funding, FTAAAD has specific requirements for screening and training volunteers. Each program has slightly different requirements, but generally all applicants are screened via background checks (paid for by FTAAAD) for felony convictions, including elder abuse and sex offenders. Some programs may require a valid Tennessee driver's license.

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WOULD YOU LIKE TO HELP OLDER ADULTS UNDERSTAND THEIR MEDICARE COVERAGE?

 

The Tennessee State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) is part of a nationwide program that provides free and objective counseling and information about Medicare and related health-insurance issues.

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Local SHIP counselors and volunteers are trained to help Medicare recipients and their families navigate their way through an overwhelming amount of information about Medicare benefits. CLICK HERE to download a SHIP Volunteer Application.

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WOULD YOU LIKE TO VISIT ISOLATED SENIORS LIVING IN NURSING FACILITIES?

 

The Tennessee Public Guardianship for the Elderly program ensures the health and welfare of some of the state’s most vulnerable residents by serving as the court-appointed guardian for individuals age 60 and over who, due to physical or mental limitations, are unable to make personal decisions regarding their health and financial resources. 

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Volunteers are needed to visit clients in their long-term care facilities on a monthly basis. Besides providing company, conversation and a friendly face to older adults who have no one else to visit, volunteers complete brief reports about the clients (demeanor, cleanliness, etc.). CLICK HERE to download information about volunteering for the Public Guardianship program. The volunteer application can be found HERE.

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The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program needs volunteers to advocate for residents in long-term care. Trained volunteer representatives of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program visit residents in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities and establish a regular presence in the facility. They provide information about resident rights, quality of care, and quality of life to residents and family members. Volunteers also observe conditions, advocate for residents, and handle simple complaints. For more information, contact Karrie Erick at 423-979-2599.

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.WOULD YOU LIKE TO DO COMMUNITY OUTREACH FOR AVAILABLE PROGRAMS?

 

FTAAAD has many requests for community presentations and for staffing booths at health fairs and other local events. If you are interested in volunteering through community outreach, CLICK HERE.

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WOULD YOU LIKE TO ADVOCATE FOR OLDER AMERICANS TO STATE OR LOCAL ELECTED OFFICIALS?

 

FTAAAD's Advisory Council includes a Legislative Committee that tracks relevant bills in the state government, and keeps the Advisory Council apprised of any potential threats or benefits to older adults and adults with disabilities. If you are interested in becoming a part of the Advisory Council and its Legislative Committee, contact FTAAAD Director Angie Gwaltney at 423-722-5102.

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The Tennessee Federation of the Aging is a state-wide organization of aging-industry professionals, educators and community members, whose primary goal is the education and advocacy of state initiatives affecting older adults. Their annual Day on the Hill is popular with members who have the chance to speak with legislators' offices about state laws, bills, and initiatives affecting older adults. For more information, CLICK HERE.

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WOULD YOU LIKE TO ASSIST WITH FTAAAD FUNDRAISING EFFORTS?

 

FTAAAD is part of the First Tennessee Development District, which has established the FTDD Foundation as a 501(c)3 nonprofit as a way to fundraise and apply for grants to assist with the cost of programs like home-delivered meals, the Emergency Assistance Program, and other services where FTAAAD has more demand than funds available. Volunteers with experience in grant writing, silent auctions, and other fundraising efforts are greatly needed. CLICK HERE for more information.

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WOULD YOU LIKE TO WORK WITH A LOCAL SENIOR CENTER?

 

Senior centers are always looking for volunteers of any age. Whether you have a skill that others would like to learn about, are interested in helping with congregate meals, or like organizing programs, your local senior center would like to hear from you. CLICK HERE to find a list of Northeast Tennessee senior centers.

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WOULD YOU LIKE TO PROVIDE LOCAL TRANSPORTATION TO A SENIOR WHO CAN'T DRIVE?

 

A new volunteer-driver program, known as MyRide TN, provides door-through-door transportation for important appointments and errands for a minimal annual subscription fee and a round-trip charge.  Volunteer drivers will use their personal vehicles to transport older adults to their destination. Currently, there are three MyRide programs operating in Northeast Tennessee: Johnson County, Jonesborough, Kingsport and Greeneville.  To learn more about volunteering for one of the MyRide programs, CLICK HERE.

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WOULD YOU LIKE TO DELIVER HOT MEALS TO HOMEBOUND OLDER ADULTS?

 

Good nutrition is important to everyone and homebound seniors are especially at risk. the First Tennessee Human Resource Agency's Nutrition Program is partnered with Meals on Wheels to help seniors not go hungry. We provide nutritious meals that meet USDA guidelines for seniors.  Wonderful volunteers in all our communities deliver the meals to each person.

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Meals on Wheels is available in Carter, Greene, Johnson, Hancock, Hawkins, Sullivan, Unicoi and Washington Counties. Volunteers are always needed in each of these counties. Volunteers are essential to the program because not only do they deliver a meal to the recipients, often they are the only people the recipients see each day. CLICK HERE to learn more.

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