Aging and Disability Services

This has been a very rewarding experience! The initial application was used to assess my available time, hobbies, and the types of outings I was comfortable doing, i.e. driving the client to stores, taking walks, etc. Lori was very kind and informative regarding what types of assistance a client might require as well as limitations. I have now been volunteering with a client for 8 months and it is really heart-warming when the client states how much they trust you and value you as a friend. I look forward to continuing to volunteer with this organization for many years to come. You, the volunteer, will get much more out of it, than what you put into it!

Good place for good people

I've had the privilege of volunteering with the Bureau of Education & Services for the Blind for the past 9 months. This was a fun and enjoyable opportunity. Lori St. Amand, the coordinator was very helpful and friendly. The training was easy and straight forward. She was able to quickly choose the right client. The client and I were able to have very flexible schedules that work for the both of us. This volunteer experience has taught me many new things about myself while building a bond with my client. At times I would often forgot my client was visually impaired. The client's sense of humor and wisdom was greatly valued. The opportunity became more than volunteering it became a friendship. This was a memorable experience, I would highly recommend this volunteer opportunity.

It was a fun opportunity, and I was given all the materials I need! Thank you!

Working with the Bureau of Education & Services for the Blind over the last year and a half has been truly a valuable experience for all involved. Since day one when I signed up to volunteer, BESB have been excellent. I received a comprehensive training from the organization with Lori, which helped to provide a great introduction. Since then, I have been in close contact with Lori to record my hours and also to ask any questions along the way, she has been a fantastic resource. Working with my volunteer match has been just amazing. He has taught me so much about the world in general and we have become firm friends over the past 18 months. I would highly recommend volunteering for BESB.

2 years ago, I wanted to do something of service but had very little time due to holding a high-stress executive position that used up long days and weekends. This opportunity sounded great because it could be done with as little as 1 hour a month. It has been perfect for me. I was paired with a wonderful 88 year old woman who lives 15 minutes from me and who I have come to call my friend. I go to the library for her on a regular basis and get her books on tape and then we sit and visit. It has enriched my life and I would highly recommend this opportunity. Everyone has time for this!

They match volunteer opportunities to your interests for you! How great is that!

BESB was the perfect place to give back to my community the summer before my senior year of high school. It was very easy to get into direct contact with BESB and through a hassle-free and timely process I quickly began volunteering there. Their location was very convenient and offered flexible scheduling. The volunteer coordinator and fellow BESB employees were extremely friendly and made me feel right at home between offering snacks and giving me valuable insight into the college process. Most importantly, the program was very dedicated in getting me involved in activities that peaked my personal interests. There were multiple opportunities for me to try my hand at different tasks but I ultimately found my niche in their filing room. Being in an office setting I was able to practice communication skills, organization, time management, and I was even enlightened about state services provided for those that are legally blind. A great location to volunteer for all ages and interests.

I was unable to commit at the time, but my contact was very courteous and responded quickly!

I have found volunteering for the Blind Services very rewarding. The coordinator was especially helpful in locating the best client that fit both our interests. She is an artist, as so am I, and I consider her a mentor for me and a treasured friend. We usually do necessary shopping, groceries, banking, doctor appointments, graphic printers, and even art openings. She also enjoys having lunches with me and also when I read to her. She appreciates my sense of humor as I do hers.

I have enjoyed volunteering with BESB for the last 8 months. I had the chance to help an older woman with shopping, errands, and sorting mail, and to help another woman take her children on weekend outings. Lori St. Amand, the volunteer coordinator, was extremely helpful during training, in matching me with clients based on my availability and interests, and throughout the process as questions came up. After I was given my clients' contact information, it was up to me to get in touch with them and together we would figure out how often to meet, where they wanted to go, and so on. As a student, I appreciated the flexibility this allowed. Overall this was a great experience and I enthusiastically recommend BESB to anyone looking for a volunteer opportunity.

Volunteering for the Board of Education and Services for the Blind (BESB) has been a very enriching experience for me. I myself am in pursuit of a career in optometry. The services I provided to my client were helpful in not only witnessing the effects of degenerating eyes but on cooperating with someone to allow them to do the things they could not do easily by themselves. I was able to make my own schedule to visit and assist my client. I mostly helped with daily activities such as reading but I also became a friendly visitor. In the process I feel that I have created a strong bond with them and we both enjoyed the visits. The organization itself was very organized and easy to reach for questions and assistance. I hope to continue volunteering with the "BESB" not only to continue having these experiences with clients but to work with these friendly people behind the scenes.