Want to make a difference? Come be a part of the amazing work EveryMind is accomplishing!

Friendly Visitor Volunteers play a critical role in the lives of older adults in the community by visiting individuals who may be isolated and lonely. Matches are made based on the volunteer and client's geographic location, shared interests, and backgrounds. Friendly visitor clients are older adults who have lived rich and interesting lives but may be isolated because of their health and diminishing social networks. Volunteers serve as a friend and companion who can visit once a week to share stories and check-in. Visits may include opportunities to play board games, cook, read, take a walk, or chat about current events. Volunteers typically spend 1 hour per week with their client. 

Current volunteer opportunities with Friendly Visitor are remote. Due to Covid-19, in-person visits are suspended but older adults are in greater need of companionship than ever before! Volunteers will be matched with a Friendly Visitor client and expected to complete a virtual visit or phone call once a week for up to 1-hour. The expectation is that the volunteer and client will begin to meet in person once safety guidelines have established that it is safe to do so and both the client and volunteer are comfortable meeting in person. 

EveryMind provides training and unlimited support to volunteers throughout their volunteer experience. Quarterly volunteer meetings are held with additional educational opportunities. 
 

Time Commitment: 

• One-year commitment from the date volunteer is matched with a client.
• Approximately 1 hour per week (flexible based on volunteer’s availability) 

Essential Requirements: 

• Must be 21 years or older.
• Have access to reliable transportation (currently remote).
• Be willing to be matched with a Montgomery County client within 10 miles of the volunteer's preferred location. 
• Attend a 1-hour program training and 1.5-hour EveryMind Volunteer Orientation prior to beginning volunteer service. 
• Provide 3 references for reference checks.
• Complete state and federal fingerprinting background check (paid for by EveryMind)

Physical Demands: 

The physical demands described here represent those that a volunteer must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing this job's duties, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger dexterity, handle with hands and arms, climb stairs, balance, kneel, crouch, or talk and hear. The volunteer must be able to lift and/or move up to 35 pounds frequently. The job's specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Scheduled Friendly Visitor Training: 

* Training may be rescheduled or canceled depending on registration. Attendance is required at only 1 of the trainings. Zoom link will be sent prior to training.