Community Services for Older Adults

Our volunteer-based programs serve and support adults in Washoe County over 60-years-old who have limited social support and transportation options.

**These programs currently have extensive waiting lists due to high demand. You can help us by volunteering to provide essential services to those in need!**

Become part of our community serving local elders! With just a few hours, you can make a meaningful connection and help us address the growing need for transportation and social interaction. Check out our volunteer page https://med.unr.edu/sanford-center/volunteer! Volunteers must be able to pass a background check.

For information about our Community Services programs, call (775) 784-1807 or email SanfordVolunteers@unr.edu.

Volunteer Transportation Program

The Volunteer Transportation Program (VTP) is serviced by volunteers driving their own vehicles to take participants to medical appointments, personal errands, and wellness activities. This program is offered at no cost to participants, with priority given to those qualifying as low-income. Eligible adults must be at least 60 years of age, reside in the Reno/Sparks area, be able to get in and out of a vehicle independently, and have limited transportation options available. An in-home assessment with one of our team members is required prior to enrollment. Once enrolled, transportation must be requested at least two weeks in advance to allow ample time for finding a volunteer.

Senior Outreach Services

The Senior Outreach Services (SOS) program provides companionship to Washoe County elders who are lonely, isolated and looking for a friend. Our goal is to assist with “Aging in Place,” allowing elders to remain at home for as long as possible. Trained volunteers are paired directly with a program participant and provide weekly in-person visits, occasional social phone calls, to build connections, play games and share skills, and assist with essential errands. Volunteers DO NOT assist with housekeeping, laundry, personal care, money management, or administering medications. This program is offered at no cost to participants, with priority given to those qualifying as low-income. Eligible adults must be at least 60 years of age, live in a private residence within Washoe County, and have limited social support. An in-home assessment with one of our team members is required prior to enrollment.

AmeriCorps Seniors Washoe County RSVP

Are you 55+ and have a few hours a month to volunteer? Our programs are supported by volunteers with Washoe County Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). Make giving back your second act! Use the skills and talents you’ve developed, learn something new, be connected to a community where you are valued! Contact us today!

The Community Services programs abide by the following:

NSHE is committed to providing a place of work and learning free of discrimination on the basis of a person’s age (40 or older), disability, whether actual or perceived by others (including service-connected disabilities), gender (including pregnancy-related conditions), military status or military obligations, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, race (including hair texture and protected hairstyles such as natural hairstyles, afros, bantu knots, curls, braids, locks and twists), color, or religion (protected classes).

For more information, questions or for procedures to file a complaint, the Equal Opportunity and Title IX “EO/TIX” is located on the second floor of the Continuing Education Building, room 206. The Director of EO/TIX, Zeva R Edmondson can be reached via email at eotix@unr.edu or via telephone at (775) 784-1547. See https://www.unr.edu/equal-opportunity-title-ix for additional details.