Volunteers Program Information

Faith in Action Volunteers has had continued growth since in inception in 1996 to the current level of over 400 registered care receivers and 300 active volunteer caregivers. Program care receivers need assistance with every-day activities in order to maintain independent living in their own homes. Volunteers assist clients with non-medical tasks.

Transportation is one of several issues that Broome County seniors have identified as being urgent to address.  Especially to medical appointments, transportation is the most requested service.

Click here to find out how to get involved as a FIA Volunteer!

Orientation
Volunteers are asked to attend a 1 ½ hour orientation session, at which we will provide you with more information about the Faith in Action Volunteers program, who we serve, how we match volunteers to care receivers, and the most appropriate ways to work with them.  You will complete a more in-depth volunteer registration that will allow us to keep within the guidelines of what you are able to do.  You will receive information that will further enrich and add to your knowledge as a person who wishes to be a caregiver.

We schedule orientations on a regular basis at various congregations and the Broome County Council of Churches.

Volunteer Description
A Faith in Action volunteer is prepared and encouraged to become a friend to someone needing assistance. A volunteer caregiver makes a difference in the lives of frail elderly and disabled people, and supports without reference to race, age, income or denominational affiliation. The help a volunteer provides will vary, depending on the care receiver’s unmet needs.

Volunteer Tasks and Activities
Some common kinds of help volunteer caregivers provide are:
Transportation – making it possible for a person to leave the home and keep an appointment
Shopping – helping to keep food and other essentials in the home
Friendly Visits – relieving loneliness of the homebound
Respite care – relieving family caregiver for a few hours
Light housekeeping/seasonable chores – maintaining the care receiver’s home
Paperwork – assisting care receiver
Other:
Assist with Fundraising Events – Get involved with the planning of or assisting at events.