Needs From: Volunteer Center of Greater Battle Creek and Kalamazoo

Would you like to enjoy the beautiful Michigan outdoors while helping provide a healthy food source for seniors?  How about gaining new friendships with interesting, knowledgeable seniors?  Maybe you like playing in the dirt, or perhaps you have agricultural knowledge.  Put your love for the earth to good use!  You might pass on your knowledge …or you might gain some knowledge yourself.  One thing is for certain – you will be greatly appreciated!

Do you enjoy baking, creating simple art or dancing? How about listening to music or celebrating special events? Would you like to help a senior enjoy an activity like this? If you enjoy seniors and you like to stay busy, this won't even feel like a job to you! Purpose: Provide assistance to staff in getting residents to, and helping them be involved in, group activities. Major responsibilities: Help residents get to their respective activities area; assist one or two residents with a group activity such as a craft, cooking, etc. Qualifications: Attentiveness; Patient, Kind demeanor; Assertiveness is helpful. Benefits include a fulfillment of helping a senior take pleaseure in simple activities, camaraderie - taking part in activities alongside those you're serving and getting to know remarkable seniors! Hours: Daily 9:30am–4:30pm, Activities & times vary (some evenings may be available), call for more information. Minimum age: 15, or 5 with adult

Do you need some hospitality experience on your resume? Are you assertive yet personable? Do you enjoy interacting with fun and interesting seniors? This may be the opportunity for you! Meet, greet and serve residents at a weekly happy hour social event. Major responsibilities include assisting in setting up appropriate food and beverages prior to Happy Hour following all appropriate guidelines in safe food handling. Volunteers will follow written policies and procedures to comply with the federal and state laws and regulations in regard to serving alcohol (Corporate Compliance). Volunteers should have good oral communication skills. Hours: Independent Living - Wednesday 3:30-5:30pm, Woodside Assisted Living – Friday 3-4:30pm. Minimum age: 18

Are you a compassionate, caring person? Do you enjoy talking with seniors? How about playing a game or taking a relaxing walk? Our seniors would love to enjoy one of these activities with you! Purpose: Develop a relationship with a specific resident and visit regularly. The visit may include taking a walk, reading to the resident, working a puzzle, attending a scheduled activity in the Village, playing cards, etc. Volunteers must be personable - be kind, friendly and desirous of improving a seniors' quality of life; have good communication skills; be a good listener; and be consistent and dependable. Hours: Visits are scheduled through the Volunteer Office and in conjunction with resident and their care staff. Minimum of 1 hour per week. Suitable for families with young children. Minimum age: 15, or 5 with adult.