Apply to Volunteer
Make a senior smile! Volunteers have been a critical component of our mission since 1973. We invite you to join a committed corps of volunteers who each day demonstrate the meaning of care, compassion and community for hundreds of homebound elders.
Our volunteer opportunities occur primarily in Southwest Boston with select volunteer opportunities in Boston. We offer individual, group, corporate and one-time volunteer opportunities. To learn more about our program, check our most recent Do Good. Feel Better. Volunteer Newsletter.
Also, please check out our featured volunteer opportunity: Marketing and Communications Internship.
All volunteers undergo a background check (including a CORI and reference check), interview and orientation.
To begin the application process:
1. Apply online (preferred).
2. Complete our Volunteer Application Form:
3. Contact our Volunteer Services Program Manager at 617-522-6700 x 323.
Opportunities throughout BOSTON:
Healthy Aging Course Leader: Demonstrate your leadership skills and teach one of our evidence-based programs! Our Healthy Aging programs help elders prevent or delay chronic diseases, learn skills and gain confidence to manage their health and live healthier, active lives.
Long-term Care Ombudsman: Advocate for residents in long-term care facilities and resolve complaints; monitor laws regarding residents’ rights; utilize community resources as necessary. Vehicle is essential.
Money Manager: Assist an elderly or disabled person to manage their finances by developing a budget, helping with check writing, and balancing their checkbook.
Group Volunteer: Group volunteer opportunities are constantly evolving. In the past, volunteer groups have helped elders move out of their homes, assisted with light yard work, distributed flyers and completed home maintenance projects. Individuals are encouraged to participate and meet new volunteers!
Vision Screening Volunteer: Under the supervision of a New England School of Optometry student, conduct vision screenings for homebound elders. This screening targets glaucoma, diabetes, refractive error, age-related macular degeneration, and cataracts, and consists of two parts. The test takes only a few minutes but can having lasting effects for homebound seniors.
MassHealth Application Advocate: Meet with elders in their homes to complete MassHealth applications. Assistance will include sifting through mail for recent bank statements, helping locate relevant information such as life insurance policies and completing forms with elders. Prior experience wiht applications or health care encouraged. MassHealth Application Advocates are expected to meet with 3 -- 5 elders per month. Schedule is flexible. Training is provided.
Opportunities in HYDE PARK, JAMAICA PLAIN, MATTAPAN, ROSLINDALE and WEST ROXBURY neighborhoods:
Friendly Visitor: Meet with an elder in his/her home to relieve loneliness, provide companionship, and share interests.
Medical Escort: Escort an elder to a medical appointment and back to his/her home.
Respite Visitor: Provide temporary relief to a caregiver by visiting with a homebound senior for a few hours.
Shopper/Shopping Escort: Shop with or for a senior and assist in storing items at their home.
Telephone Reassurance Caller: Make telephone calls to elders on a weekly basis to help relieve loneliness and check on their well being.
Thanksgiving Meal Deliverer: Deliver meals to homebound elders at senior housing and/or individual homes on Thanksgiving Day.
Opportunities at Ethos’ JAMAICA PLAIN OFFICE (T-accessible; limited availability):
Intern: Internships needs vary dependent upon season and current agency need. Potential internship focuses include marketing and communication, website development, community organizing and volunteer recruitment.
Office Assistant: Work on special projects, update databases, type forms, copy and file papers, or answer phone at Ethos.
Opportunities in WEST ROXBURY as a part of our AgeWell West Roxbury program:
Cards or Board Games Player: Bring fun and social interaction to the West Roxbury elder community.
Handy Man: Put your handy man skills to use by providing essential home support to elders.
Newsletter Developer: Help design and finalize an AgeWell West Roxbury newsletter.
Snow Shoveller: Help elders keep their sidewalks safe and clean this winter by shoveling snow.
Walking Club Leader: Lead a small group of elders in a weekly walking club.