Saturday Volunteers are needed each Saturday (November-April) to assist in the facilitation of the long runs. Various volunteer opportunities include: setting up water stops; standing at key points along the designated route and providing directions to runners; driving a sweep vehicle; and managing attendance.
DHSM mentors run alongside youth and help them train for and complete the Providence Marathon or Half Marathon by providing companionship, motivation, and support. Mentors run as part of the whole team, but are specifically matched in “running families” consisting of 4-6 mentors and 8-12 students. No prior running experience is required to volunteer for…
DHSM operates in locations across the greater Boston area under the supervision of leaders. DHSM provides the structure and guidance to implement the program, and leaders oversee the application of the program at their individual sites.
Volunteer visitors are matched with a specific client and provide companionship and assistance with reading, completing paperwork, going on walks, shopping, or other tasks as needed. Many volunteers are both drivers and visitors. All volunteers who will directly assist clients are provided the necessary training needed to assist those with vision loss.
Drivers assist with transporting individuals to and from appointments or stores; program drivers provide rides for a number of blind or visually impaired persons to and from Future In Sight programs.
PetPals are canine and feline volunteers (and their owners) who visit elderly residents in long-term care facilities. The PetPals volunteers are screened, trained and matched with one of 36 sites in metro Boston. These teams bring the “healing power of pets” to over 650 elders every week.
Age or disability can make it difficult for many elders to get to medical appointments. In addition, some may be isolated and have no one to help them arrive at appointments safely. The Medical Escort program provides a simple solution: caring volunteers who give both emotional support and door-through-door physical assistance at the level an…
MusicWorks brings music to isolated elders in Jamaica Plain. We match volunteers with elders to meet weekly or biweekly. Volunteers assist elders in listening to music they love, and provide friendship through shared enjoyment of music.
Without the stimulation that social interaction and friendship provide, an isolated elder can experience poor health, a lack of strength and energy, depression, and other physical, emotional, and mental health problems. Weekly visits from our friendly volunteers can change all that.
Age or physical disability can pose challenges for many elders who may be otherwise able, but need assistance with certain tasks. Friendly Helping volunteers provide one-time and short-term assistance to elderly individuals who have a specific need and no one to help.