Flexible Schedule
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Malden, MA 02148
*Virtual Opportunity* While we are virtual right now, our focus is continuing to be on community volunteer opportunities. We hope to do more in-person activities whenever possible! We are based in Malden, Massachusetts and serve 11 communities - Chelsea, Everett, Malden, Medford, Melrose North Reading, Reading, Revere, Stoneham, Wakefield, and Winthrop. Not only has the COVID-19 coronavirus placed older adults and adults living with disabilities at very high risk of serious illness or death, but it has also made them more susceptible to social isolation and loneliness. Many older adults already live with a deep sense of disconnection from their community but the pandemic and related social distancing measures have made their sense of social isolation much worse. The Social Engagement Program at Mystic Valley Elder Services is designed to help improve the health and well-being of isolated older adults in the community by providing meaningful social connection-whether it be through telephone calls, email , or eventually, regular visits. We are looking for local volunteers who can get started now from the comfort and safety of your home! More detailed information about the program is below. Our agency serves a diverse population, and this program will be no exception. It is our mission to recruit a diverse cohort of volunteers, and we encourage bilingual volunteers to ensure that all of our consumers feel heard! In addition to speaking their native language, cultural connections can also help build an even stronger connection. More about the Social Engagement Program at MVES! There are three different options for program participants. Volunteers may choose one that is best for them, or could be involved in two, or all three! Volunteers in all parts of this program will receive training and ongoing support. Considering that the goal of this program is to offer meaningful connections, we do ask that volunteers commit to a minimum of 1 year of service. Our expectation is that everyone would begin by being matched with just one person, however, if you are interested, we could potentially match with you up to 5 individuals looking for someone to connect with! The Social Engagement Program includes the following services: Telephone Reassurance Volunteers call an isolated individual, offering a social contact and friendly conversation. This program asks for a commitment of approximately 2-4 hours per week. Email Pen Pal Program Volunteers provide a regular social and supportive email communication. This program requires a commitment of approximately 1-2 hours per week. Friendly Visitor Program Volunteers provide home visits that focus on in-person socialization and companionship. This aspect of the program will only be done when it is safe to do so, and will ask for a commitment of approximately 1-2 hours per week.
Date Posted: Feb 23, 2021
Flexible Schedule
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Malden, MA 02148
Just a few hours of your time each month could be the difference needed to allow someone to remain in their home. Things are a bit different than they were a year ago and our programs at Mystic Valley Elder Services are no exception. What hasn’t changed is that there are still people that need assistance to stay safely and comfortably in their homes. Mystic Valley Elder Services has continued to adapt and adjust to meet these needs, as have our volunteer programs! Volunteers are needed to assist isolated elders and individuals living with disabilities with monthly finances. The consumers who are referred to the program lack the support of a friend or family member who might ordinarily take on this role. The Money Management Program trains volunteers to be an assistant who can help organize and read financial statements, keep bills in order, assist with writing checks, and create and keep a budget to help make ends meet. We are currently looking for new Money Management Volunteers to join our team in Chelsea, Revere, Winthrop, Malden, and other surrounding communities! Multi -lingual individuals are encouraged to apply, as English is not the first language for many program recipients. We are adapting the program to meet the various needs of clients, while also protecting them and volunteers. Every consumer requires a different level of service and interaction to ensure effective. While some of our clients can be served virtually, there are a number of program participants that will require some contact. Most required contact would be done through "bag drops"- a brief exchange outside of the consumer’s entryway where volunteer receives the bag with bills and checks to process and may in some cases, distribute cash. All volunteers will be given detailed information and will have the ability to determine the level of service they are able to provide at this time. Before being matched, all Money Management Volunteers complete a training with Program Staff. Volunteering during a pandemic certainly has added challenges, but we have prepared alternative methods of money management, and safety protocols have been put into place to make those methods possible. We want every volunteer to feel comfortable as we work to ensure the wellbeing of everyone. Although the job title is Money Manager, volunteers are not financial advisers; the client maintains control of his/her finances. Ongoing training and support are provided by the program manager. This is an excellent opportunity to develop positive relationships with those in need of support while promoting their safe independence in the community!
Date Posted: Mar 11, 2021
