Volunteering

Coastal Neighbors wouldn’t exist without our dedicated volunteers. Regardless of your age, experience or background, we welcome you! Are you recently retired but want to stay active and engaged? Have you just relocated to the area and hope to meet new friends? Are you looking for a volunteer opportunity that is flexible and works around your schedule?

Our volunteers tell us they feel good helping our members – who may be their own neighbors. They also appreciate the sense of community that comes from being part of our dynamic organization. By volunteering, you’re not only filling a gap in the life of a Coastal Neighbors member, you’re also making your own life richer and more fulfilling.

We offer a variety of volunteer opportunities, but we encourage you to talk to us about any special skills or interests you have. We’ll find a place for you!

• Transportation: To doctors’ appointments, grocery shopping or other local errands. Unlike taxi or ride-sharing services, our volunteers assist the member all along the way: from leaving their home to getting in and out of the car, walking into the office or store and back to their home.
• Household tasks: Volunteers assist members with small chores around the house, replacing light bulbs, changing smoke alarm batteries, moving heavy furniture or handling small home repairs, such as repairing a leaky faucet.
• Friendly visits: Volunteers go to members’ homes to provide companionship. Talk, read, play games or take a walk together. Our members have led interesting lives and often have fascinating stories to share.
• Social, educational and cultural activities: Volunteers organize activities for members. In addition to Coastal Neighbors’ events and programs, we highlight local programs and events on our website and in our newsletter. You might offer a ride to one of those events that you’d like to attend, too.

In addition to opportunities that directly benefit our members, we always need help with tasks that keep our organization running smoothly:

• Office and administration: Processing applications, coordinating service requests and assisting with events and special projects.

 

Become a Volunteer

If you’re interested in joining our volunteer group, you must complete an application and an interview to ensure that you understand the volunteer responsibilities. If you’re accepted into the program, you will attend preliminary training sessions to familiarize yourself with the policies, procedures and expectations of our organization. We also offer quarterly meetings for volunteers – these are opportunities to get to know others who are volunteering, share experiences and insights and get training in specific skills.

To become a Coastal Neighbors volunteer:

• Complete our volunteer application form. Be sure to include any special skills or interests.
• Provide two professional or personal references (cannot be family members).
• Agree to undergo a standard background check.
• Meet with our executive director to discuss the volunteer responsibilities. If you’re applying for a position that involves transportation, you will be asked to provide additional information.

Once you’re approved as a volunteer and have created an account on our website, signing up for members’ service requests is a simple process. Log in as a volunteer, select “Service Requests” in the drop-down menu, click on “View,” and then hit “I can do it.” You only need to commit to requests that fit into your life and fit your schedule.

The Benefits of Volunteering

What will you get from volunteering at Coastal Neighbors? It’s simple – you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that you have provided assistance or comfort to someone who needed a little extra help. And even more – you’ll be part of a larger group of volunteers working together to make life in our community better. In the process, you may find a new community of good friends yourself.

Questions?

If you would like more information about volunteering at Coastal Neighbors, feel free to contact us at office@coastalneighborsnetwork.org or 508-556-4004. We can put you in touch with a current volunteer who would be happy to share their experiences and answer your questions.

What Our Volunteers Are Saying

Nina: Nina is a retired flight attendant who has volunteered with Coastal Neighbors for several years. Every week she visits homebound centenarian Henry and plays cribbage with him and his wife, Shaleen. Nina values these visits greatly and feels that she’s not only helping Henry feel connected to the world outside his home but is also supporting Shaleen, his primary caregiver. Henry says he looks forward to Nina’s visits every week and appreciates her kindness and friendship.

Al: After a career managing construction projects for hospitals, Al retired and brought his many skills to Coastal Neighbors. He might be called on to fix a leaky faucet, adjust a cabinet door or install a safety bar in a bathroom. He enjoys being able to help in this way.

Rosanne: Rosanne has made social visits to Coastal Neighbors members over the past few years. She loves hearing their many stories and learning about their life experiences. She feels she gains wisdom and insights from them. She values the difference her time with these women makes, as she sees them become brighter and more engaged. Having lost her own mother and aunt, Rosanne feels that her time with her Coastal Neighbors partners is a way of honoring her own beloved family members.