Northern Virginia is home to people of all ages. Among them, older adults bring something special to the community: a wealth of lived experience, stories, and family connections that strengthen our neighborhoods. However, as individuals age, changes in their lives (e.g., health developments, mobility differences) can alter their routines and connections. That is why the volunteer recruitment that Shepherd’s Center of Northern Virginia does is so important!
Since 1998, SCNOVA has served as a hub for volunteers to assist older adults so they can live independently, safely, and without losing access to and engagement with their communities and loved ones.
The Impact of SCNOVA’s Volunteers
Every year, volunteers with SCNOVA contribute more than 10,000 hours of service. We are here to help our beloved community members with services including the following:
- Transportation: Volunteer drivers can assist older adults with getting to doctor visits on time, shopping, going to the library, attending social events, running errands, or accomplishing other tasks outside the home.
- Connection: SCNOVA’s volunteers offer both in-person and phone connections for those who would like to make a new friend. This companionship and emotional support prevent loneliness and keep loved ones connected with their community.
- Household tasks: Volunteers can help with small household tasks, such as basic painting jobs, for those who need a little support. This helps our neighbors live safely and comfortably in their homes.
These are just a few of the many examples of SCNOVA’s volunteer activities. We could not accomplish these tasks without our community members who offer their time, knowledge, and skills!
Why Volunteer with SCNOVA?
Our older neighbors benefit from volunteers, but did you know that volunteers have a lot to gain from their work with SCNOVA, too? Volunteers frequently report that their time spent on supportive activities enriches their own lives by offering perspective, emotional fulfillment, and even new friendships with the people they meet.
For community members looking for ways to contribute, SCNOVA offers numerous volunteer roles suited to people with varied interests, skills, and time availability. Some of these roles include the ones listed above (drivers, visitors or callers, helpers for repairs), but these are not the only ways to serve! Consider:
Volunteering at the office: Choose a few hours to help the office process phone calls from participants who need specific services. You can also schedule rides, provide information, and help the operations team.- Posting on social media: SCNOVA relies on social media to spread the word to our neighbors about events or resources they can use. You can create and share posts or news for us, or conduct competitor research or other important tasks. This can often be done from home!
- Becoming a committee member: If you have experience in a specific skill, SCNOVA could use your knowledge! Join our development committee to organize fundraisers, the grant committee to seek financial support from philanthropic groups, or the IT committee to help us maintain hardware and software for our programs.
Do you have a skill that is not listed here? We would love to hear about it and work with you so you can join our efforts and become a pivotal resource in our community.
Hearing from Other Volunteers
As you consider the possibilities and what volunteering with SCNOVA may be like, it is useful to hear from others who have lived those experiences. Take Jeanne, a retired CPA who chose to volunteer with the transportation program. For multiple years, she has provided rides to beloved neighbors with whom she has become friends, such as Mildred. Without Jeanne, it would be challenging for Mildred to attend her important doctor appointments consistently. Now, the two are friends who are both thriving in our Northern Virginia community.
Discover the Difference You Can Make at SCNOVA
For volunteers at SCNOVA, a small commitment of their time provides engagement with their neighborhood and personal enrichment. But for the older adults they serve, those few hours can be transformational for their lives and the tasks they need assistance with, giving them opportunities they may not have had otherwise. Consider signing up to volunteer with SCNOVA!
Contact us to discover how the Shepherd’s Center of Northern Virginia is making a difference in communities, including Oakton, Vienna, Dunn Loring-Merrifield, Great Falls, Herndon, and Reston. If you’re outside these areas but have questions, give us a call, and we’ll guide you to the Shepherd’s Center nearest to you!