Volunteer With Us

Our volunteers play a vital role in supporting older adults in our community. Whether you have a few hours to spare each month or are looking for a more involved commitment, there are plenty of opportunities to make a difference. Join us in providing essential services and opportunities to get to know older adults in Ashland and Talent.

Why Volunteer?

You Make a Difference: Your time and support directly and positively impacts the lives of older adults in our community, helping them maintain independence and quality of life.
Flexible Opportunities: We offer a variety of volunteer opportunities to fit your schedule and interests, including transportation assistance, household tasks, technology support, and more.
Community Connection: Our volunteers become part of a supportive community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for making a positive impact in the lives of older adults.
Building Empathy: Volunteering with older people can enhance empathy and compassion as volunteers gain insight into the challenges and joys of aging.

When I visit someone to do a volunteer service, I sometimes find them to be in the midst of handling several unexpected situations at once. A spouse losing touch with reality, a broken water pipe, a personal downturn in health, or some other serious real-life problem. By handling whatever minor issue I'm there to help with, I feel like I'm lightening their burden on that day by some small amount, and it makes my own life-issues seem less troublesome. And it makes me feel useful, even in retirement.

Volunteer - Rick R.

My motivation to get involved with Ashland at Home began after I retired after teaching for 30 years. It was a new lease on life where I had the freedom now to explore other interests. I have always enjoyed meeting and engaging with our aging community, often setting up a partnership with my elementary students with nursing homes residents. Appreciating the fountain of knowledge and experience these seniors shared with both my students and me sparked an interest in working with this population. I soon became involved with AAH and doing services for our members. What a joy it is to meet such lovely folks and learn about their lives.

Volunteer - Kim G.

The knowledge that we volunteers get an opportunity to contribute in a small way to the amazing lives of our members makes me feel pretty darn good.

Volunteer - David D.

I feel honored to be a volunteer with Ashland At Home. I get so much joy in providing services to help a member with driving them to appointments, shopping, reading to them, writing correspondence for them, and helping with phone or tablet minor issues. The members are so grateful to have me assist them and that adds to my personal pleasure in providing the services. It is a wonderful thing to lend a helping hand to someone in need or less fortunate than I am. Thanks Ashland At Home for this opportunity!

Volunteer - Lesley K.

Ways To Volunteer

Transportation

To anywhere in Ashland or Talent.
Assist with errands such as picking up prescriptions or shopping for essentials in Ashland and Talent.
To medical appointments only in Medford.
Help with mailing packages.

Personal Services

Friendly volunteers are available to visit or do a phone check-in to converse with members.
Prepare and deliver occasional meals for members to enjoy at home.
Assist with occasional feeding, grooming, or walking pets.
Provide respite for a caregiver.

Household Support

Minor handyman tasks.
Occasional help with light housekeeping duties, such as dusting, vacuuming, or tiding up.
Assist with planting, watering, and maintaining gardens and indoor plants.

Technology Support

Assist with devices such as computers, tablets, or smartphones.
Provide guidance on using popular software and navigating the internet.
Teach basic digital skills such as sending emails and using social media.

Organizing

Assist with decluttering and organizing closets, drawers, or storage spaces.
Help with paperwork, filing, or setting up organizational systems.
Organizing bills, personal records, or office work, in general.

Special Needs

Do you have a need that doesn’t fit into one of these boxes? Then you can make a Special Need service request and see if there is a volunteer willing to do it.

Offering Volunteer Assistance

Volunteers will receive an email at about 10am every morning, which contains all of the open requests. These span a range of needs, from visits by friendly volunteers, to transportation assistance, household tasks, and more. Volunteers have the flexibility to select the requests that align with their interests and availability, ensuring they can contribute meaningfully based on their skills and preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What types of volunteer opportunities are available?

We offer a variety of volunteer opportunities that fit your availability and skills, including transportation, household assistance, personal services, and technology support. We don’t ask volunteers to do more than they are already doing for themselves or would do for a good neighbor or friend.

How much time do I need to commit as a volunteer?

Volunteer time commitments vary depending on the opportunity. Each morning around 10am, all volunteers are sent an email with all the open requests for service. They then select a request and call the member to finalize the details. Most requests are scheduled for 1 to 2 hours.

Do I need any special skills or qualifications to volunteer?

No, we do not ask volunteers to do more than they are already doing for themselves or would do for a good neighbor or friend.

Is there an age requirement to volunteer?

Yes, volunteers must be at least 18 years old to participate in our volunteer program.

How can I get involved in organizing special events for Ashland At Home?

We are always looking for volunteers to help with putting on educational and social events. Please email events@ashlandathome.org or call 541-625-6654 to leave a message about your interest in helping out.

Who can I contact if I have additional questions about volunteering?

If you have any additional questions about volunteering with Ashland At Home, email info@ashlandathome.org. or call 541-625-6655 and leave a message.

What Volunteers Don't Do

Ashland At Home is dedicated to providing comprehensive support and services to older adults in our community. However, there are certain limitations to our scope of services.

We do not provide any legal, financial, or medical advice.
Our volunteers do not handle any Activities of Daily Living.
We are also not set up to provide 24/7 emergency response to service requests.
Our volunteers do not provide regular housekeeping or yard services on an on-going basis. However, these services can occasionally be requested by a member who is recovering from a recent surgery or illness.

Our volunteers offer to perform those tasks that you would ask a good neighbor or friend to do for you on an episodic basis. If you have any questions about our services or limitations, please don’t hesitate to contact us for clarification.

Yes! I Want To Volunteer

Here’s what to do.

Complete and submit the online volunteer interest form by pressing the button below. Alternatively, you can leave a message at 541-625-6625.
Once we receive your form or phone call, you should get a return call to discuss your interest. You will also be informed of the location, date, and time of the next Volunteer Orientation.
After completing the Volunteer Orientation, you will then be asked to submit to a background check through Sterling Volunteers and your driving record will need to be cleared through the Department of Motor Vehicles.