Senior Friendship Centers' volunteers serve in nearly every aspect of this organization, and make possible an umbrella of programs and services that include health and wellness and supportive aging services. From volunteer physicians, dentists, pharmacists and medical personnel at our clinics, to home delivered meals drivers, instructors at our senior centers, friendly visitors who help homebound elders at home through our Friendship at Home program, to teens who share their technical expertise in our summer "Tech Boot Camps" for seniors, there are many opportunities to be part of "People Helping People."

Join our family of "Million Dollar" Volunteers

"People Helping People" has been the cornerstone of our philosophy since our founding. Since our founding in 1973, through May 2010, volunteers have contributed time valued at more than $24,842,372. Last year, 1500 men and women donated more than 132,000 hours of service with an in-kind value of nearly $2.5 million.

When you become a volunteer at SFC, you can be proud to be part of a family of volunteers who are helping to improve the quality of life and health for older adults every day.

In addition to Senior Friendship Centers Volunteer Services, we are the proud sponsors of RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) and AmeriCorps Serving Suncoast Seniors. 

Commonly Asked Questions

How do you become a volunteer at Senior Friendship Centers?

Complete an application with the manager of Volunteer Services or any Senior Friendship Centers supervisor, or print the volunteer application (link below) and mail to Volunteer Services in the county where you wish to serve. An interview will be scheduled and you will have an opportunity to learn about current organizational needs and opportunities before selecting the area that most appeals to you. Your application information will be forwarded to the appropriate supervisor, who will contact you.

Volunteer Application

Are there seasonal volunteer opportunities?

Yes. Some positions may require year-round volunteers. However, if you need to be absent for any reason -- including illness, family needs, vacations or summer return to the North -- we ask only that you give your supervisor as much notice as possible so that a replacement can be planned. Because many of our volunteers return to the North for the summer, your help is especially needed during the summer and fall months.

RSVP RETIRED & SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
Sponsored by Senior Friendship Centers 

What is the RSVP Program? 

The Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) is federally supported by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS). Since 1971, RSVP projects have linked the skills of volunteers with critical community needs.

The hours volunteers work varies by individual and project. Although they are not monetarily compensated, the rewards are great. RSVP volunteers do receive accident, personal liability and additional auto insurance as well as community recognition.

Strategic  Focus Areas are established by CNCS but it’s up to RSVP working with the community to determine what volunteer service will make the most impact. Some of these work plans include projects addressing things like: childhood obesity, workforce development, senior nutrition, literacy and disaster preparedness.

Senior Friendship Centers, Inc. is the sponsor agency and manages RSVP in four counties of southwest Florida (Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte & Lee).

RSVP Programs in Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte & Lee Counties.

 

 

 

 

AMERICORPS SERVING SUNCOAST SENIORS
 Sponsored by Senior Friendship Centers

 What is AmeriCorps? 

 AmeriCorps is a national service program that was started in 1993.  Since then, more than  a   half million Americans have dedicated a year of service to their country, filling critical community needs and building capacity in nonprofits.  Our motto is “Getting things done!”

Mission: AmeriCorps Serving Suncoast Seniors

AmeriCorps Serving Suncoast Seniors is the only AmeriCorps program in Florida dedicated to serving seniors. Our mission is to facilitate activities, enrichment, education, and nutritional programs for seniors; to provide services and assistance to caregivers; and to recruit volunteers for service projects.  We serve older adults through the Sarasota, Desoto, Charlotte, and Lee county Senior Friendship Centers.  

You can apply to be an AmeriCorps member!

In exchange for a year of service, AmeriCorps has many benefits including:

• A living stipend
   
• An education award
   
• Health Insurance
   
• The satisfaction of knowing you’ve touched people’s lives

Our service year runs from Sept. 1-Aug. 31. While we will begin interviewing in the spring of 2013, we accept applications throughout the year.

For detailed information on eligibility or benefits or to apply, visit AmeriCorps.gov or call the AmeriCorps Hotline at 1-800-942-2677.

AmeriCorps Application &  How to Apply (PDF)

See our AmeriCorps photo album  here.

Like us on Facebook and see our latest photos here.

Contact (and submit your application to):

Jenna DeLorey Program Director, AmeriCorps Serving Suncoast Seniors, jdelorey@friendshipcenters.org
941-556-3208, fax 941.366-8247.