Looking for a Post-College Gap Year? A Life Reset? End Loneliness for an Isolated Elder With LBFE!

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Little Brothers - Friends of the Elderly (LBFE) is a nonprofit in Chicago that focuses on alleviating loneliness and isolation among older persons in Chicago. Our philosophy, programs, and activities are designed towards engaging social interactions, which are critical to the human spirit. We believe that nurturing the spirit is as important as feeding the body.

The Volunteer Program Assistant (VPA) program is a year-of-service volunteer role designed to provide young adults with a structured learning environment and meaningful friendly relationships with older people throughout the Chicago area.

VPAs commit to a year-long volunteer experience and visit 25-30 elders twice a month within a specific area in Chicago, with the goal of sharing experiences and the celebration of life together as friends. VPAs plan monthly social opportunities with elders and work with staff to coordinate and facilitate activities. In addition, VPAs may also participate in LBFE’s special 'summer vacation’ programs and annual holiday activities.

VPAs experience the diversity of Chicago through our elders and are supported, mentored, and collaborate with a committed staff of 35 and hundreds of volunteers. Regular training and learning opportunities are also included during the year of service, as well as oversight of a special personal project. VPAs also work in community with a cohort of 5 - 8 VPAs who are also engaging elders across Chicago.

A Volunteer Program Assistant at LBFE makes a real difference in an elder’s life, while simultaneously working to end loneliness and isolation. If you are interested in making an impact like this, please apply today!

Specific Job Skills required

- Effective communicator, attentive listener, good conversation starter, sensitive to other’s needs.

- Excellent teammate and co-worker and an active participant within an organization

- Minimum of one year of consistent driving experience. Able to drive in and around Chicago daily, including highways and side streets.

- Must be 21 years old.

- Bilingual (Spanish/English) is a plus.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

- Commitment to a year-long, structured volunteer experience.

- Establish meaningful relationships with 30 elders within a specific area of Chicago.

- Provide engaging social opportunities with elders, just like what two friends would do together.

- May assist elders with small errands, as a friend would (accompany with shopping, transportation, etc.)

- Assess elders’ needs and refer findings to appropriate staff.

- Maintain reliable and consistent database records of elder interactions.

- Participate in staff meetings, VPA meetings, and program evaluations.

- Be accountable for your own scheduling, workday, and performance.

- Oversee a special project outside of visiting elders and perform other duties as needed.

- Assess and participate in the maintenance of LBFE vehicles as needed.

- Availability and participation in training new VPAs.

Learning Objectives

- Organizational Management: Plan, coordinate, implement and manage projects.

- Analysis/Problem Solving: Strategically research, analyze and solve problems.

- Core Relationships: Build social and cultural sensitivity and collaborate in conflict resolution.

Time Commitment

Full-time (Part-time is also available) work week (9 AM - 5 PM, 36 hours per week), that may include some weekends. One-year commitment. Must work one of two major holidays (Thanksgiving or Christmas), and the spring holiday, Fête d’Armand Marquiset. Participation in one 4-day, overnight summer vacation experience with elders is optional, if available.

Benefits

- Monthly stipend to cover expenses.

- Excellent training and experience in the field of aging, while working in a responsible position with the guidance of staff.

- Opportunities to meet and work with a diverse group of committed older persons, volunteers, and staff.

- Learn and grow in a structured and collaborative environment