Help seniors remain independent in their homes

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Family Services’ Project HEARTH (Helping Elderly Adults Remain in Their Homes) is in need of dedicated volunteers to work with seniors living in the greater North Penn area. Created in 1994, Family Services’ Project HEARTH links elderly adults who are healthy enough to live in their own homes with special support services that help them to remain independent.

Volunteers must enjoy working with seniors and will offer compassion and companionship. Our volunteer opportunities with Project HEARTH are listed below, and volunteers are not limited to volunteering in only one capacity. Individual and group volunteer opportunities are available during the day, evening and on weekends. Volunteer drivers must have a valid driver’s license and insurance.

Volunteer Descriptions:

Driver Escort: These volunteers help seniors who are not able to drive any longer. Volunteer drivers use their own car to take seniors to and from medical appointments, grocery stores, or other appointments. Volunteers are not reimbursed for mileage but can track it for tax purposes. Our volunteers can choose the appointments with which they assist based on their schedule and availability.

Errands: These volunteers run errands for seniors who are partially homebound. The volunteer would use their own car to run errands for seniors such as going to the pharmacy, grocery store, or bank. Volunteers are not reimbursed for mileage but can track it for tax purposes. Our volunteers can choose the appointments with which they assist based on their schedule and availability.

Friendly Visitor: These volunteers provide support and companionship to homebound seniors. The volunteers can share experiences, play games, listen to some interesting stories, share a laugh, read, socialize and enjoy each other's company. Our volunteers can choose the seniors with whom they volunteer based on their schedule and availability.

Correspondence: Volunteers are needed to help seniors with their paperwork (Ex. paying bills, writing letters, organizing paperwork, filling out applications, etc.). These activities take place at the senior's home at a time that is convenient for both parties and based on their schedule and availability.

Handyman: Volunteers who enjoy do-it-yourself projects can provide some hands-on work for frail seniors. This can be very rewarding to those who can perform minor repairs around the home. These projects can be as simple as changing a light bulb or batteries in smoke detectors to painting, minor plumbing, light carpentry, etc. Seniors are responsible for providing the materials for the project; although a volunteer may purchase the materials for the project with the senior's money. Volunteers can choose the projects with which they feel most comfortable. Projects are completed based on the volunteer's schedule and availability.

Telephone Reassurance: A volunteer would call a senior to check in on them and provide friendly conversation from the comfort of their own home. These calls can be made daily or a few times a week based on the needs of the senior. Calls are made only on weekdays and based on an agreed upon time between volunteer and senior.

Cleaning/Laundry: Volunteers assist seniors with cleaning, laundry or other chores around the home. Our volunteers can choose to assist with chores based on their schedule and availability.

Yardwork: Our yardwork volunteers provide some socialization for frail seniors while assisting in beautifying and cleaning up their homes from the inside and outside. Projects can include weeding, trimming bushes/trees, raking leaves, and mowing the lawn. Volunteers can choose the projects with which they feel most comfortable and can complete the work based on their schedule and availability.

For more information on volunteering with Project HEARTH, please contact Drew Meyers at 610-630-2111 ext. 245 or ameyers@fsmontco.org.