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Community Resource Specialists are available between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. M-F at (408) 350-3200, option 1.
Volunteer with Sourcewise
A few hours of your time can make a huge difference in the lives of the largest growing segment of the population – seniors.
There are many ways individuals, corporate, or social groups can support older adults in our community. Whether you are making a friendly wellness call or helping link a family member to low-income housing, you can be a vital lifeline and make a positive impact for an elder in need.
We welcome volunteers of all ages and backgrounds, including high school, college students, or retired individuals looking to give back to their community.
Make a difference. Volunteer today!
Download the Sourcewise Volunteer Application and once complete, submit by email to volunteer@mysourcewise.com.
Download our application here
Volunteer Projects
Read about current volunteer projects and their descriptions below. If you have other ideas or want to learn about new projects, we welcome you to complete the Contact Us form.
Group Activities
1. Digital Literacy
Are you handy with a laptop, smartphone, or a tablet? Can you answer general questions about technology and social media? Volunteers can help bridge the digital divide by showing seniors how to use their devices.
- Time commitment: 2-3 hours
- Length: 4 weeks or more
- Age requirements: volunteers must be high school age or older. Volunteers age 18+ must pass a background check.
2. Gift Bags for Seniors
Create and donate gift bags for vulnerable low-income seniors. Gift bags are collected year-round and is especially needed during the winter holiday season.
Consider purchasing or creating a gift bag with:
- A blanket
- Non-slip socks
- A $50 gift card to Target or Walmart
- Other items accepted
Deadline: December, Valentine’s Day, Older Americans Month in May
3. Home Beautification
An extra pair of hands can help an older adult who is unable to do yardwork or organize their due to a disability, illness, or physical limitation. You can help beautify their homes and improve their living environment!
Projects may include:
- Gardening & yardwork
- Assembling furniture
- Decorating the home
- Sorting/organizing items & more!
Project type: great for groups of 4-10 people
Time commitment: 3 hours per shift
Length: 1-3 shifts
Dates: Projects usually occur on Saturday mornings during the school year, or on a weekday if available.
4. On-Site Administrative Events
Volunteers will help sort and assemble critical supplies to support the older adults in our community. Projects include Personal Protective Equipment sorting, assembling First Aid Kits, collating materials, and other critical supplies for distribution.
- Time commitment: 3 hours
- Length: ongoing
5. Seasonal Cards for Seniors
Create and decorate 1,300+ cards for homebound seniors enrolled in Sourcewise Meals on Wheels for Valentine’s Day, Thanksgivning, Winter holidays, and Older Americans Month (in May). General cards are accepted year-round as well.
- Time commitment: varies
- Length: ongoing
6. Social Activities
Partake in social activities with seniors such as arts & crafts, playing game boards, holiday decorating, and other fun activities. Activities occur at low-income senior housing sites and community centers.
- Time commitment: 2-3 hours
- Length: 1-4 weeks or more
Individual Activities
1. Sourcewise Ambassador Program
Human connection, fellowship, and friendship are good for the mind and soul. Volunteers can bring a little joy and companionship to homebound seniors in our community.
Are you a natural nurturer who loves good conversation? If so, the Sourcewise Ambassador Program is a perfect volunteer opportunity for you. Whether it’s a few minutes or an hour, a wellness call can help our elders feel connected during these uncertain times.
- Time commitment: Required training session, plus 1 hour per week or more
- Length: 2 months+
2. Home Visits
To help prevent social isolation and loneliness, volunteers are matched with older adults to conduct friendly home visits. Activities can range from arts & crafts, playing game boards, doing puzzles, gardening, walking & more. Come share a hobby, conversation, and be a friend to someone in need. Activity supplies are provided and gas mileage will be reimbursed.
- Project type: Individuals or pairs
- Time commitment: 1-3 hours per month
- Time commitment: Required training session, plus 1 hour per week or more
- Length: 6-12 home visits for 3 months or more
- Requirements: Be 18 years of age or older, complete a background, and volunteer training. Minors under the age of 18 may participate with a parent or guardian.
3. Program Internships
University students or interested adults can volunteer with a particular Sourcewise department. In exchange, students receive some work experience and course credit.
- Time commitment: 8-20 hours per week
- Length: 3-6 months or more
- Requirements: Be 18 years of age or older, complete a background check, and volunteer training
4. Volunteer State Certified Health Insurance Counselor
Are you retired and have a strong desire to help others? If so, you can help empower adults with disabilities and older adults here in our community. Sign up to become a Volunteer Health Insurance Counselor to assist Medicare beneficiaries find the right Medicare health insurance option to meet their individual needs. The Sourcewise Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program (HICAP) provides free, unbiased counseling to Medicare beneficiaries as well as identify and/or enroll individuals into Medicare prescription drug plans and health care plans. You can also assist with Medicare-related insurance claims and if interested, you may participate in outreach events to provide presentations at local community/senior centers, churches, or libraries.
If you’re interested, please complete the HICAP Screening Questions. Alternatively, you can contact the HICAP Volunteer Coordinator by calling (408) 350-3245 or emailing hicapinterest@mysourcewise.com.
- Time commitment: Required to complete 24 hours of Medicare training, 10 hours of internship to become a certified health insurance counselor, and a minimum of 40 hours of service to maintain State registration
- Length: 1 year at a minimum
- Special needs: Individuals who are reliable, computer savvy, able to assure confidentiality, have a caring attitude, and a desire to make a difference in the community
- Restrictions: HICAP Volunteers cannot be licensed insurance agents, insurance brokers, or financial planners
Double Your Impact
Don’t forget to ask your employer to match your volunteer hours. Today, most corporations will match employee volunteer hours to your favorite charity. To submit your volunteer hours for a matching donation request, contact your employer or check your corporate giving website.