Make a senior smile! Volunteers have been a critical component of Ethos’ mission to keep elders living at home with dignity and independence.
Each year, over 500 community volunteers contribute over one million dollars’ worth of service with Ethos, visiting elders in their homes, helping with grocery shopping, serving lunch at community cafes, helping with monthly financial management, and so much more!
We invite you to join this committed corps volunteers who each day demonstrate the meaning of care, compassion and community for hundreds of homebound elders.
Our volunteer opportunities occur primarily in Southwest Boston; Jamaica Plain, Hyde Park, Mattapan, Roslindale and West Roxbury, with select volunteer opportunities citywide. Ethos offers a range of programs that can fit into any schedule or volunteering preference including individual, group, and one-time volunteer opportunities.
To get involved, please fill out our online application or contact Allan Ordonez, volunteer services coordinator, at 617-522-6700 x540 or aordonez@ethocare.org.
VOLUNTEER APPLICATION
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer in Southwest Boston: Jamaica Plain, Hyde Park, Mattapan, Roslindale, and West Roxbury |
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PROGRAM |
DESCRIPTION |
REQUIRED SKILLS/TRAINING |
HOURS/REQUIREMENTS |
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| Friendly Visitor | Visit an elder in their own home to provide companionship, share interests, and relieve loneliness | Listening skills Communication |
1 hour/week Flexible hours 6-month minimum commitment |
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| Shopper/Shopping Escort | Shop for or with an elder and assist with storing items | Access to a vehicle and valid driver’s license | 1-2 hours/week Flexible hours 6-month minimum commitment |
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| Computer Coach
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Work one-on-one with seniors in their homes to help them learn to use the computer; topics of instructions include basics, email, Skype, Microsoft Word, and the internet! | Knowledge of basic computer, smartphone and tablets skills required. | 1 Hour/week for 6 weeks. | ||
Volunteer Throughout Boston |
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PROGRAM |
DESCRIPTION |
REQUIRED SKILLS/TRAINING |
HOURS/REQUIREMENTS |
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| Healthy Aging Workshop Leader | Demonstrate your leadership skills and teach one of our evidence-based programs! Our Healthy Aging programs help elders prevent or delay chronic diseases, learn skills and gain confidence to manage their health and live healthier, active lives. | Comfort with public speaking 2-4-day training in Evidence Based Program Curriculum |
Generally, 2-3 hours/week 6-month minimum commitment Group trainings in each Healthy Aging course are required |
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| Long-Term Care Ombudsman | Advocate for residents in long-term care facilities and helps to resolve their complaints and concerns. | Communication Negotiating Problem Solving & Analytical Skills Access to a vehicle and valid driver’s license is required. A training of 20 hours is provided by the state online over a three-week period. |
2-3 hours/week Flexible hours 1-year minimum commitment |
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| Bill Payer Program/ Financial Advisor | Provide financial assistance to an elderly or disabled person, help with budgeting for long and short-term goals, balancing their checkbooks, and helping with check writing.
Help build strong financial future. |
Budgeting
Bill Paying Communication One-time individual training provided |
1-2 hours, once per month
Flexible hours 1 Year minimum commitment |
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| SHINE Counselor (Serving the Health Insurance Needs for Everyone) |
Improve the lives of people who are Medicare-eligible by providing information and assistance through direct in person and over the phone counseling at community centers as well as Aging Service Access Points throughout Boston. | Analytical Skills Communication Detail-orientated Extensive 6-week training; must pass a certification exam |
1-5 hours/week 2-year minimum commitment
Training happens each Spring and is approximately a 36-hour training (6 hours a week for 6 weeks)
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| Nutrition Program | Ethos holds over 20 daily, weekly, and monthly community cafes where local seniors can drop in for a free nutritious meal and some socialization. Volunteers are needed to help set up, serve meals, socialize with seniors, and clean up after the meals. | Communication | Hours vary by meal site 3-month minimum commitment |
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Volunteer at Ethos’ Jamaica Plain Office |
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PROGRAM |
DESCRIPTION |
REQUIRED SKILLS/TRAINING |
HOURS/REQUIREMENTS |
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| Intern | Internship needs vary dependent upon season and current agency need. Potential internship focuses include marketing and communication, website development, community organizing and volunteer recruitment. | Communication Organization |
Opportunities available Monday-Friday, 9am -5pm 3-month minimum commitment |
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| Office Assistant | Assist with special projects, update databases, copy and file papers, or answer phones at Ethos. | Clerical/Administrative Organization Communication |
Opportunities available Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm 3-month minimum commitment |
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Seasonal/One Time Volunteer Opportunities: Jamaica Plain, Hyde Park, Mattapan, Roslindale, and West Roxbury |
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PROGRAM |
DESCRIPTION |
REQUIRED SKILLS/TRAINING |
HOURS/REQUIREMENTS |
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| Thanksgiving Meal Delivery | Deliver meals to homebound elders on Thanksgiving Day | Communication | 2-3 hours in the morning on Thanksgiving Day | ||
| Event Support | Help set up, greet elderly guests, serve meals, and clean up at Ethos many social and educational events for seniors! | Friendliness Service Skills Group Collaboration |
Hours and commitment vary by event | ||
| Fundraising | Assist in raising funds to help sustain Ethos programs. | Communication Friendliness |
Hours and commitment vary based on campaign and need | ||
| Other | Share your individual skills and interests with Ethos clients! | Hours and commitment vary based on project | |||
