Volunteer Opportunities
Senior Services Associates, our clients, their families and our communities all benefit from the generosity of our volunteers in Kane, Kendall, and McHenry counties.
Overview
Help where help is needed — we have a role for you.
Our agency offers meaningful volunteer opportunities for individuals of all ages across Kane, Kendall, and McHenry Counties. If you have time available to help, there are always more needs than available volunteers. Our programs include:
AmeriCorps Seniors (RSVP)
Join AmeriCorps Seniors and bring out the best of America.
AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP pairs Americans aged 55 and older with organizations creating change in communities across the country. Volunteers choose how, where and when they want to serve — from a few hours to 40 hours per week.
Senior Services is honored to sponsor a local AmeriCorps Seniors program covering Kane, Kendall and McHenry Counties, with a current roster of over 1,100 AmeriCorps volunteers.
Volunteer Spotlight
Wanna Be Like Stan?
Stan joined us in 2016 as a Friendly Visitor — and was bit by the volunteer bug. Since enrolling as an AmeriCorps Seniors member he has delivered Meals on Wheels with Catholic Charities, driven seniors to medical appointments, picked up food during COVID shelter-in-place, and delivered holiday meals and gifts. To date, Stan has recorded almost 700 hours as an AmeriCorps member.
Eligibility
Open to ages 55 and over
Local projects recruit seniors to serve from a few hours a month to nearly full time. Your local coordinator will help match you with a nonprofit in your community.
Mileage Reimbursement
Up to $25/month transportation reimbursement for active volunteers serving at least 3 hours per day, with timesheets in by the 10th of the following month.
Excess Liability Insurance
During service, AmeriCorps Seniors are covered by accident, personal liability, and excess automobile liability insurance.
Volunteer Recognition
An annual recognition event thanks active AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers for their hours of service.
Volunteer Opportunity Areas
Funded in part by AmeriCorps and the Illinois Department on Aging, our project focuses on six core community needs.
Disaster Services
Preparation, mitigation, response and recovery efforts that relate to disaster events.
Economic Opportunity
Financial literacy, affordable housing and employment-related assistance for those in need.
Education
Helping at-risk youth achieve success in school and stay engaged in learning.
Environmental Stewardship
Energy and water efficiency, renewable energy use, and care for at-risk ecosystems.
Healthy Futures
Access to health care, nutrition, physical activity, and aging in place at home.
Veterans & Military Families
Supporting veterans, service members, and the families of deployed military personnel.
Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Advocate for residents in long-term care.
Volunteers in this Illinois Department on Aging program advocate for the rights of residents who live in long-term care facilities. Ombudsmen are trained to protect and improve the quality of care and quality of life for nursing home residents.
Friendly Visiting & Phone Calls
Be a companion. Make a friend for life.
Seniors in need of companionship are paired with trained, screened volunteers 18 years and older to spend time together weekly or bi-weekly. Available in Kane, Kendall, and McHenry Counties.
If you would enjoy a companion, would like to volunteer, or want to refer someone who might benefit from a weekly visit, contact a coordinator below.
Volunteer Transportation
Drive a senior. Change a life.
Senior Services Associates provides a no-fee transportation program for people age 60 and older through the use of volunteer drivers — getting clients to doctor appointments, the bank, and the grocery store across McHenry, Kane, and Kendall Counties.
Benefits include creating your own availability, mileage reimbursement, and excess liability insurance. Most rides are during the day, 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday — perfect for retired or semi-retired adults.
TRIAD
Seniors, law enforcement, and community — together.
TRIAD is a partnership with Elgin Township, Kane County Sheriff's Department, Elgin & South Elgin Police Departments, and Senior Services Associates. The program links seniors, law enforcement, and the community through involvement and volunteerism — raising awareness on Frauds & Scams, Financial or Physical Abuse, Senior Patrols and more.
Help Improve Seniors' Lives
Volunteer with us — or support those who do.
Whether you give your time or a gift, you help sustain vital services for seniors, the disabled, and their caregivers across our communities.