Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)

If you are 60 and older and would like to use your talents or gain new skills as a volunteer in your community, join RSVP.
To find the number for your local RSVP call the Senior Helpline:  1-800-642-5119 (In Addison, Chittenden, Franklin & Grand Isle Counties); 1-800-639-2084 (From all other areas).

Foster Grandparents

If you are 60 years old or older, have a limited income and are able to work 20 hours a week; you may be eligible to become a Foster Grandparent. Grandparents work help children and youths with building self-esteem, social skills, behavioral skills and academics. They work in day care centers, preschools, schools, homeless shelters, after school programs, Head Start programs and the Department of Corrections.

• Tri-County Foster Grandparent Program (United Way)
  Serving: Chittenden, Franklin, Grand Isle and Washington Counties
  Website:  http://www.volunteersolutions.org/chittenden/org/opp/3735643.html

• Green Mountain Foster Grandparent Program
  Serving: Rutland, Addison and Bennington Counties
  Website:  http://www.volunteersinvt.org/FGP.php

Community Sponsors for Offenders

Mentors/friends are needed to help offenders sentenced to new correctional programs in the community. Working closely with correctional staff, seniors and others help support offenders in building responsible life-styles. Positions are available in the Community, Probation, Parole and Correctional Facilities. For information on Volunteer Opportunities visit the Vermont Department of Corrections website at http://www.doc.state.vt.us/volunteer/volunteer/

Retired Professionals

If you're a retired professional, your management talents are needed to help new or established small businesses. Find out about the volunteer program called SCORE (Counselors to America's Small Business). For more information about SCORE visit their website at http://www.score.org/explore_score.html

• Champlain Valley SCORE,
  Phone:  (802) 951-6762
  Website:  http://www.score284.org/site/

• Montpelier SCORE, c/o SBA,
  Phone:  (802) 828-4422
  Website:  http://www.montpelier.scorechapter.org/

Ombudsman

The Vermont Long Term Care Ombudsman Project assists residents of nursing homes and residential care homes resolve problems they may have. They are always interested in trained volunteers. Call toll free for the name and number of your local Ombudsman at 1-800-889-2047 or visit the Vermont Legal Aid website: http://www.vtlegalaid.org/.

Volunteer at your local Area Agencies on Aging

The Area Agencies on Aging need volunteers to help with Meals on Wheels delivery, Fundraisers and Senior Companions to visits with homebound seniors. For information about programs, contact your Area Agency on Aging or call the Senior Helpline:  1-800-642-5119 (In Addison, Chittenden, Franklin & Grand Isle Counties); 1-800-639-2084 (From all other areas).

Guardians

Guardians are appointed by the Probate Court to assume the responsibility for making decisions on behalf of another person (called a ward) whom the court has found is unable to make those decisions independently. For more information on Guardians please visit the Division of Disability and Aging Services’ Guardianship information page.

Other Volunteer Opportunities

You may wish to check with your local United Way agency to determine volunteer opportunities. For information about other local volunteer opportunities, call your local United Way or call the Senior Helpline at 1-800-642-5119.