Opportunities From: United Way of Kaw Valley

So many tasks require computer skills and internet access these days. Many of our older friends and neighbors simply haven't had the digital experience they find they now need! Tech Help Tuesday is SRC's weekly in-person, drop-in tech support to help seniors troubleshoot and get the most out of their technology and devices.  Tuesdays, 2pm - 3:30pm.  Sign up to help at one or many sessions! For more information, contact Kim at 785-856-0203 or kluce@yoursrc.org

Use your skills to help with Medicare enrollment and Part D Open Enrollment! The Senior Resource Center for Douglas County is the area's contracted provider of the SHICK program for the State of Kansas. This important volunteer opportunity is critical in assisting seniors ensure they are taking advantage of the best Medicare can offer.  SRC's team of volunteer counselors and professional staff provide objective information, and help with the logistical enrollment process. Training is required by the State of Kansas and supported year-round by SRC's professional staff. Volunteers can help year-round with new enrollment sign-up, or choose to help during the annual Part D Open Enrollment from October 15- December 7.  Volunteers have the choice to work from home using phone and/or Zoom, or, volunteers can also counsel in-person at SRC's facility at 745 Vermont Street.  Special request for dual-language Spanish speaking volunteers to better meet the language needs of our community! For more information, contact Lori at 785-842-0543 or email lphillips@yoursrc.org. More info can be found at www.yoursrc.org/home/about/volunteer/

Periodically, the Senior Resource Center for Douglas County receives a request from a senior who needs assistance with work in their yard. These requests are most common in the spring (to clean up after the winter) and in the fall (to help with leaves).

If you are interested in being on an on-call (but no obligation) list as someone-- or a group-- who could be contacted when a need arises, please join this group of volunteers!  Volunteers will be contacted via email by an SRC employee when a senior requests assistance. You will be provided a description of the specific assistance required. If you are available and interested, you will be given a chance to respond to the specific request. If you decline that specific request, you could be contacted for future requests. For more information, contact Doug at 785-842-0543 or dwendel@yoursrc.org

Do you have a passion or area of interest and want to share the joy with area seniors? Volunteer to lead a special interest group! The Senior Resource Center for Douglas County hosts a number of peer-led small groups for a wide variety of topics and areas of interest. Contact Megan at 785-842-0543 or email mpoindexter@yoursrc.org with your ideas and to discuss how your special skills and expertise could help other Douglas County seniors enjoy their best possible quality of life! Existing groups already include visual art, yoga, caregiver support, singing, playing an instrument, meditation, LGBTQ+Allies meet-up, Spanish language, fabric crafts, Scrabble, and more. If you would like to join one of these groups, call 785-842-0543 or visit our monthly newsletter online for dates and times. www.yoursrc.org/better-senior-living/

Everyone needs a hand (or 2) sometimes! Seniors-- especially those who don't have family nearby-- can struggle to complete odds and ends around their home. Sometimes those odds and ends are significant needs, such as moving furniture, packing to move into a nursing facility, or discarding old items. Sometimes it's something smaller, such as organizing and de-cluttering. If you are interested in being on an on-call (but no obligation) list as someone-- or a group of folks-- who could be contacted when a need arises, please join this group of volunteers!  Volunteers will be contacted via email by an SRC employee when a senior requests assistance. You will be provided a description of the specific assistance required. If you are available and interested, you will be given a chance to respond to the specific request. If you decline that specific request, you could be contacted for future requests. Occasionally, there is need for a pick-up truck! Keep in mind if you have access to one and may be able to fill a special need. For more information, contact Doug at 785-842-0543 or dwendel@yoursrc.org

 

Assist seniors to get where they need to go inside of Douglas County! Senior Resource Center for Douglas County (SRC) seeks drivers for our Senior Wheels transportation program.  We provide door-to-door transportation service to local destinations Monday-Friday 7am-4pm in SRC's provided vehicles. Paid positions are part time, start at $12/hour, and are based out of our Lawrence center.  Volunteer positions are based with our Eudora and Baldwin City Senior Wheels program. Must be 21 years of age or older, have a valid driver's license, a clean driving record, and be able to pass a drug test and background check. No specialized driving experience is required! We seek friendly, engaged individuals who love to work and communicate with the public, SRC staff, and other volunteers. You will enjoy a flexible, fun environment where your work is greatly appreciated. Familiar with smart phone applications or willingness to learn is required. Must be able to stand-by assist seniors who have mobility challenges, as well as secure mobility devices in the vehicles. Knowledge of Lawrence and Douglas County streets and highways is very helpful. Training is provided. We ask for a minimum of a 6-month commitment. Special request for dual-language Spanish speaking drivers to meet the language needs of our community! To apply, call 785-842-0543 and ask for Heidi, or email hbriery@yoursrc.org