Neighbourhood Connections Links Seniors with Volunteers in their Neighbourhoods

JFSA has received funding from the United Way of the Lower Mainland to develop a new program, Neighbourhood Connections, linking volunteers with seniors in their neighbourhoods. Neighbourhood-based volunteer teams will respond to seniors’ requests for assistance with one-off tasks, such as picking up dry cleaning or specialty grocery items, taking a vacuum to be repaired, or sorting through books to be donated, to name a few. Seniors requesting assistance will be connected with a volunteer in their neighbourhood, dedicated to helping their neighbours and appropriately screened by the agency.

Over the past year, the Seniors’ Department staff have received over 30 requests for one-time assistance with tasks. While these requests are legitimate and important, they do not fall within home support services, nor are they appropriate or efficient for paid staff to undertake. We believe that these requests would be best met by a team of volunteers.

This project is timely, with the dramatic increase in the population of seniors, alongside the desire of individuals to volunteer their time while juggling busy schedules. The Neighbourhood Connections program allows people to volunteer in a way that is convenient to them, both in being based in their own neighbourhoods and in requiring a commitment of only once or twice a month. Having access to a volunteer who can help with these requests contributes to seniors maintaining the ability to remain living independently in their homes, as well as provides the opportunity for neighbours to get to know each other.

We are currently seeking volunteers in seven Westside neighbourhoods of Vancouver, including Oakridge, Kerrisdale, Arbutus Ridge, Dunbar, Kitsilano, Fairview, and Downtown. This is a flexible volunteer opportunity, asking for a commitment of 1-2 hours a month. All volunteers will be provided with appropriate orientation and training.

Volunteers will not be asked to: carryout housekeeping tasks, such as cleaning, vacuuming, dusting, or laundry; assist with personal care, such as bathing, shaving, or feeding; do any heavy lifting; do yard work; accompany to medical appointments; or act as a friendly visitor.

To join the volunteer team in your neighbourhood, or to be connected with a neighbourhood volunteer, please contact: