5 Ways to "Spring" into Volunteering

5 Ways to "Spring" into Volunteering

If you are searching for an exciting way to give back this Spring season, Meals on Wheels Diablo Region is seeking volunteers to support their senior services!

Here are five exciting volunteer opportunities to get you out of the house and into the community this Spring:

Silvia Jansen

1. Become a Volunteer Friendly Helper

Meals on Wheels Diablo Region has a long list of seniors across Contra Costa County who are in need of help from Friendly Helpers. As a Friendly Helper, you can help run errands for seniors who cannot do so for themselves. The errands you’ll do as a Friendly Helper are based on the senior’s needs. The Meals on Wheels Diablo Region staff will work with you to find tasks that fit your schedule. Some errands include taking a senior to their doctor’s appointments, going grocery shopping with an older adult, and other functions that help our elderly neighbors in their daily endeavors.

Friendly Helpers are asked to complete at least two errands each month, making it perfect for people who want to make a difference despite busy schedules. This growing program allows seniors to continue to live independently and with dignity.

Anupam Mahapatra

2. Become a Volunteer Coach: Matter of Balance Classes

Volunteer Matter of Balance Class Coaches help participants become more confident about managing falls, help to identify ways to reduce falls, and lead exercises to help increase strength and balance. These virtual classes are held on Zoom twice a week for a little over four weeks or once a week for nine weeks.

MOW Diablo Region offers free training to volunteers interested in becoming Certified Coaches and provides all the tools needed to lead classes.

Kelly Sikkema

3. Become a Volunteer Coach: Young at Heart Strength Training Classes

Volunteer Young at Heart Strength Training Coaches support senior health and wellness by assisting older adults in building strength, improving balance, and maintaining flexibility. Classes meet weekly for one hour (time commitment of one and a half to four and a half hours per week depending on placement). Classes are currently only offered in East and West County.

Volunteers must be willing to drive to areas such as Concord, San Pablo, Rodeo, Bay Point, and Pittsburg.

MOW Diablo Region offers free training to volunteers interested in becoming Certified Coaches and provides all the tools needed to lead classes.

Mira Kireeva

4. Become a Volunteer Meal Delivery Driver

Meals on Wheels Diablo Region's volunteer drivers deliver nutritious meals every weekday to seniors in Contra Costa County that are homebound and unable to cook or shop for themselves. The driver's quick visit also serves as a health and wellness check and an additional source of social connection.

Once a week, drivers pick up and deliver 12-16 meals to homebound seniors. Meals are packaged in thermal containers and are delivered between 10:00 am and 12:00 pm.

Joyce Busola

5. Become a Volunteer Friendly Caller

If you prefer to create friendships over the phone, you can become a Friendly Caller, which provides seniors a connection to another person even though they might not be able to go out. This is a great opportunity for anyone who wants to brighten a senior's day through friendship and conversation. Our seniors experience a lot of joy from conversations with our Friendly Callers.

If you are interested in learning more about becoming a volunteer with Meals on Wheels Diablo Region, please email LDavenport@MOWDR.org.

Your caring and dedication allows Meals on Wheels Diablo Region to help elders in our community maintain the best quality of life possible. All of these fantastic volunteer opportunities support Meals on Wheels Diablo Region’s ability to provide #MoreThanAMeal.

Don't forget to give us a "LIKE" on Facebook for updates on senior supportive services provided by Meals on Wheels Diablo Region.