Volunteer Opportunities
CSSW couldn't do what we do without the dedication and sweat equity of our volunteers. Please take a look at the opportunities we have for you to make a difference. For questions, email volunteers@csswashtenaw.org or call 734.971.9781 ext. 488.
NEW! Group Opportunity
Time for spring cleaning at CSSW! Are you a member of an organization looking for a community service project? We are looking for a group of 10-15 volunteers to wash the outside windows of our Packard office. The project would need to be completed during regular business hours. If interested, please contact Jaime Fisher at 734.971.9781 ext. 332 or via email, jfisher@csswashtenaw.org.
Sponsor a Personal Care Item Collection Drive
Coordinate a drive and collect items at your school or club for use by our client families.
Personal Care Items - shampoo, soap, tissue, toothpaste, etc. Please call Janette Kawachi at jkawachi@csswashtenaw.org or 734.663.4219 for more information.
Baby products - diapers, formula, lotions, etc. Please call Manisha Leary at 734.761.1440 for more information.
Non-perishable Food - collect non-perishable food items for the Emergency Food Program. Items that go quickly include: canned meat (tuna, salmon, chunk chicken); cold cereal, shelf-stable milk, mac & cheese, meals in a can, kid food/snacks, formula, pasta and pasta sauce although all non-perishables are appreciated. Additional volunteer opportunities are available as well. Please contact Janette Kawachi at jkawachi@csswashtenaw.org or 734.663.4219 for more information.
Washtenaw Child Advocacy Center (WCAC)
Family Advocate
CSSW is seeking volunteers during regular business hours to staff the waiting room at the Washtenaw Child Advocacy Center (WCAC) in Ypsilanti. The WCAC serves families dealing with child sexual abuse investigations, providing counseling and referral services. The primary task of volunteers is to stay with children in the waiting room, which is fully equipped with books and toys, while their parents meet with WCAC staff. Other duties include greeting and welcoming families, answering phones, light office work, and notifying staff when families arrive. All volunteers will be screened and trained prior to starting. For more information, please call Cathi Kelley at 734.544.2925.
“The Oaks” Adult Day Services Program
Activity Assistant
Assist members and staff with a variety of activities including, but not limited to:
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Games—passive and active
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Art and crafts
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Trivia
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Reading
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Exercise
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Music
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Discussions
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Individual attention to members
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Guiding members to activities
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Other responsibilities when required by staff:
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Push wheelchairs (if physically able)
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Assist with serving lunch
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Complete required paper work including background check
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Any other tasks assigned by staff in assisting with daily activities
Contact “The Oaks” Site Manager or Volunteer Coordinator at: 734.662.4001.
Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:30 am - 4:30 pm.
Older Adult Services Grandparents As Parents (GAP) Program
Volunteers help out as clerical assistants doing office work. A volunteer in this position will be asked to do filing, mailings, copying, mail sorting, special projects and data entry. Volunteering for this position requires basic office skills, along with being dependable, reliable and responsible. The volunteer will be asked to have; a background check, a commitment of one year to the program and volunteers should notify the GAP Social Worker regarding schedule changes. Please contact us by phone: 734.712.4325, or email: rsvp@csswashtenaw.org.
Older Adult Services Volunteer Respite Program
Volunteers provide respite to caregivers by staying with the family member while the caregiver takes a break. Typically, volunteers spend form 2-4 hours a week offering companionship to an older adult. No direct care (hands on services such as bathing, feeding) is provided. Volunteers must have transportation as services are provided in-home. Volunteers visit the same family each week and accommodations can be made for varying schedules and location preferences. Training is provided.
Please contact us by phone: 734.712.4325, or email: rsvp@csswashtenaw.org.
Older Adult Services Tax Assistance Program
Volunteers help lower-income older adults (and some younger, mostly single, disabled adults) to prepare and file Michigan Homestead Property Tax Credit and Home Heating Credit claims. Ability to assist with basic income tax filings is highly desirable, but not essential. Volunteers meet with clients in three settings: pre-arranged group sessions (at senior centers and senior housing complexes); office visits (at the Senior Health Building); and in-home visits (for clients who have difficulty getting to a site).
Volunteers must be willing to learn about the Tax Aid Program and the Michigan tax credit forms, and comply with Program and Agency procedures. They should desire to help older adults in the community, and to continue upgrading their own skills. Prospective volunteers must fill out an application form, with personal references; sign a confidentiality agreement; agree to a background check; participate in an interview; and prepare a sample tax problem.
Training sessions are held in late January of each year. Each volunteer is required to attend the first training session. At this time, new and returning volunteers are oriented to the tax program, and are updated on tax and credit claim changes and problems. At the second session, all new and many returning volunteers practice preparing Michigan credit claims. A third session, optional but recommended for all, involves practice on some of the Federal and Michigan income tax situations we encounter. Home study will be expected; there will be some testing. Please contact us by phone: 734.712.4325, or email: rsvp@csswashtenaw.org.
Older Adult Services Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP)
Volunteer counselors meet with individuals needing assistance with any aspect of health insurance. Meetings may take place at the client’s home, at hospitals, or other settings. Volunteers are expected to contact clients within a week of accepting a referral and assist clients in organizing paperwork, filling out claim forms, filing Medicaid applications, understanding benefits in a variety of insurance products, and resolving problems. Volunteer must attend all training sessions before beginning work and are required to attend update meetings. We ask for a minimum ome-year commitment. Individuals must follow all guidelines for volunteers through the state Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program. Please contact us by phone: 734.712.4325, or email: rsvp@csswashtenaw.org.
Emergency Food Program
The Emergency Food program, located in the Northside Community Center in Ann Arbor, is seeking volunteers to help unload donations, stock shelves, set up and take down, help clients shop, carry food to cars, and do client intakes. Specific duties will vary based on what is needed on a given day. Suitable volunteer opportunity for anyone over age 16, with variable time commitment. Call: 734.662.4462.
Housing Support Services
Housing Support Services (HSS) is seeking a volunteer twice a month to assist and lead a craft group of four to seven clients.
Call: 734.686.0251.
Neighborhood Senior Services (NSS)
Handyman
Volunteers help with minor repairs, home maintenance, weatherization and installation of simple safety devices. (Flexible commitment of 2-4 hours per month).
Medical Transportation Driver
Volunteers provide accompanied transportation to medical, dental or physical therapy appointments. Must have own vehicle and good driving record; mileage reimbursement available. (Flexible commitment of 2+ hours per month; rides scheduled weekdays during business hours).
Senior Companion
Volunteers are matched one-on-one with a senior to help with grocery shopping, errands, social outings or visiting. (Flexible commitment of 2-4 hours per month)
Wheelchair ramp installers
Volunteers help install aluminum or wooden ramps for seniors who need wheelchair access at their home. Previous experience is not required. On-call/occasional help needed.
Please contact us by phone: 734.712.4325, or email: rsvp@csswashtenaw.org.
VolunteerWashtenaw.org
Interested in additional volunteer opportunities? Started in 2010, www.VolunteerWashtenaw.org enables residents of all ages to research and apply online for openings. Check it out to find out how you can serve our community!
