Make A Difference
Volunteer with WestMass ElderCare
Why Volunteer with WestMass?
WestMass ElderCare is a dynamic human service agency comprised of a caring, competent and professional staff and volunteers. Our mission to preserve the dignity, independence, and quality of life of elders and persons with disabilities desiring to remain within their own community and is at the heart of everything we do. WMEC volunteers enjoy enriching and rewarding experiences while enhancing the quality of life of our consumers.
Volunteer Opportunities
Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Be an impartial advocate who visits local nursing home residents weekly, making sure their concerns are heard & addressed. Ombudsman volunteers develop trusting relationships with residents, educate them about their rights, and advocate for their quality of care. They work closely with nursing home staff to resolve disputes and concerns. Ombudsman volunteers receive comprehensive training and certification from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs and supervision and support from WMEC’s Ombudsman Director. In keeping with COVID-19 safety guidelines, Ombudsman Volunteers currently carry out their duties virtually through video and phone contact.
To learn more or apply, call 413.538.9020, ext 331 or email epires@wmeldercare.org.
Healthy Living Program Leader
Receive comprehensive training and certification to teach free evidence-based health promotion workshops in our communities. This opportunity is ideal for people with a passion for health education who are comfortable speaking in public. Workshop topics include best practices in caregiving, managing chronic diseases, and falls prevention. Once certified, Leader Volunteers are asked to be available to teach 1-2 virtual courses per year. In keeping with COVID-19 safety guidelines, all healthy living programs are currently delivered virtually (in-person courses may resume when safe to do so according to public health guidance).
To learn more or apply, call 413.538.9020, ext 337 or email vcruickshank@wmeldercare.org.
Money Management Volunteer
Provide individual support to elders who need help paying bills, writing checks, monitoring income and expenses, and balancing a checkbook. For a time commitment of 1-2 hours per month, this rewarding work enables older adults to remain independent in their own homes and communities. In keeping with COVID-19 safety guidelines, Money Management Volunteers may currently carry out their duties remotely.
To learn more or apply, call 413.538.9020, ext 303 or email tstallman@wmeldercare.org.
Citizens’ Advisory Council Seat
With just two hours a month, you can make a powerful difference for the elders in your community. WMEC’s Citizens’ Advisory Council is a group of representatives from local communities who advise WestMass ElderCare on matters related to planning and implementing services to benefit elders and caregivers in our area, particularly those in greatest economic need or who are socially/culturally isolated.
We welcome any adult who is interested in helping and advocating for our communities to join us at our local Senior Centers and at the WestMass ElderCare office in Holyoke on a rotating basis. Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of the month from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. This is a fantastic opportunity to see how our services can help your elders and voice the needs of your community.
We are actively seeking members from these service areas:
- Chicopee
- Ludlow
- Ware
We also welcome members to serve from
- Belchertown
- Granby
- Holyoke
- South Hadley
To learn more or apply, reach out to Sarah Aasheim, our Director of Community Programs by calling 413.538.9020 or emailing her directly at saasheim@wmeldercare.org.
Meals on Wheels Volunteer
As key team members in our Nutrition Department, you deliver vital nutrition and important safety checks to homebound elders and individuals with disabilities in our communities. Volunteer drivers receive mileage reimbursement and work 1-5 days per week for 1-2 hours per shift, depending on their availability and interest. PPE is supplied to all drivers and social distancing guidelines are strictly followed.
To learn more or apply, call 413.538.9020, ext 484 or email human-resources@wmeldercare.org.
Board of Directors
WMEC is seeking a volunteer from Granby to serve on our Board of Directors.
This is a great opportunity to provide support to WMEC in this lay leadership position. Our Board of Directors is a group of representatives from local communities who guide the governance of this nonprofit organization. Meetings are held on the first Monday of the month from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. at our office in Holyoke.
We welcome your interest and participation in this important role at WestMass ElderCare! To learn more, please contact Roseann Martoccia, Executive Director at rmartoccia@wmeldercare.org.
