Volunteers

The Heart and Hands of REAL Services

Since its beginning, REAL Services has been reaching out to serve the elderly, disabled, and low-income residents in our community.  It is a team effort!  There is no way our staff can meet the needs of 30,000 people each year alone.  Instead, we rely on volunteers in the same way that other people rely on REAL Services.  The secret to our success is the hundreds of generous people who donate their time and talents to make a difference in the life of a senior, who want to make our community a better place. 

Today due to an increasing population of frail elderly and disabled individuals, families unable to meet the rising costs
of their care and the continuing depletion of government funding, we need more volunteers than ever before.  Please consider
how you can give your time and talents to help someone who needs YOUR help:

Handyperson:

Help with simple household repairs.  Tasks range from changing light bulbs to fixing a leaky faucet.

House Cleaning:

Help with home making tasks such as laundry and light cleaning or get a group together for the “deep” cleaning or clutter removal project.

Special Projects:

REAL Services is always looking for skilled individuals, businesses, and groups who can assist clients in larger home repair and safety projects.  These projects may include:

·         Ramp installation

·         Plumbing assistance

·         Gutter repair

·         Electrical work

·         Flooring repair or replacement

Nursing Facility Friendly Visitor:

Meet regularly with local nursing home residents that don’t typically have visitors.  Sit and talk, or engage in an activity like cards or bingo.

Seasonal and Group Projects:

Multiple times a year, volunteers gather for one-time weekend projects that may include:

·         Yard work – rake, mow, trim bushes

·         Snow removal – shovel and/or salt

·         Painting – interior or exterior

·         December gift-giving project

These projects are a great fit for students and young volunteer groups and can be scheduled throughout the year per a volunteer group request.

Office Volunteer:

Help with mailings, brochures, and other administrative tasks.  Both small and large projects for various REAL departments.

SMP Program Volunteer:

Help protect individuals and the future of our government programs by volunteering with the Senior Medicare Patrol program.  This program empowers seniors to prevent health care fraud.  Training provided.

Guardianship Advocate:

Serve as an advocate for a senior for whom REAL services is the legal guardian.  Visit, check on their care, and advocate for their interests and preferences.  Elkhart, Marshall, and St. Joseph Counties only.

Meals on Wheels Driver:

Help provide healthy meals to homebound seniors by delivering a hot lunch and prepared dinner to their home.  A once-a-week commitment or more is asked of these volunteers.  St. Joseph County only.

Grocery Shopper:

Purchase groceries for homebound seniors.  Volunteers for this program must be available during week-day business hours.  Elkhart and St. Joseph Counties only.

If you or someone you know would like to donate time and talent to assist an older adult in our community, please contact our volunteer coordinator, Allen Holt at allen2@realservices.org.  For more information about volunteer opportunities, visit http://www.givesomethingreal.com.