There’s still time to support our volunteer services and have a chance to win one of 12 amazing prizes at next week’s Tickets for a Cause. This year’s virtual event will be held on May 23^rd at 7:00 pm and will help raise critical funds to support our volunteer services. You might be surprised with how much goes on behind the scenes to make meaningful connections between our volunteers and members.

What Goes into Coordinating a Volunteer Request?

· Vetted and Trained Volunteers – It all starts with recruiting and training good volunteers. Heather Hill, LICSW, NNV’s Volunteer and Member Services Coordinator communicates with each prospective volunteer before inviting them to a mandatory 90-minute orientation designed to prepare volunteers for their new role and help them understand the needs and contributions of older adults. Following orientation, we perform a criminal and motor vehicle background check on all volunteers before they work with our members.  Ongoing training is offered throughout the year so our volunteers are always prepared to help.

· Member Requests – All members call the office to make a service request. This is important to us because it allows our staff the chance to connect with our members.  Every call is an opportunity for us to see how our members are doing and talk about whatever is on their mind. For us, a call for a service request is much more than a call for volunteer help!

· Proactive Response – Our volunteers are trained to recognize signs of concern and to contact the office when those concerns arise. Often the call from our volunteers is the first sign that our members need more help.  Our experienced team listens to our concerned volunteers and then follows up with our members to learn more about how they are managing and offer support.  When members needs are beyond the scope of volunteer services, our Social Work Case Manager, Barbara Scott is called in to make an evaluation and coordinate services. This rapid response is often critical to preventing a crisis for our members. 

There are many ways you can support NNV’s volunteer services: purchase one or more tickets to Tickets for a Cause, make a donation, and/or become a volunteer! Whichever way you choose to get involved, we hope you will remain engaged and connected with us!

Thank you for supporting your neighborhood Village!