Volunteer with Sanford Center for Aging

Are you looking to volunteer in your community and make a difference but are unsure where to start? Sanford Center for Aging has volunteer opportunities for those looking to support older adults in our community and those who are retired and looking for a way to give back. Call (775) 784-4774, or email Sanford Center for Aging to volunteer.

Are you 18+ and want to volunteer?

Sanford Center for Aging has volunteer efforts tailored to your interests and schedule.  These programs allow local elders to stay in their homes as long as possible, known as “Aging in Place.”

• Companionship: Our Senior Outreach Services (SOS) program, founded in 2002, provides free, volunteer-based companionship to adults in Washoe County over the age of 60 who are socially isolated, lonely, residing in a private home setting, typically qualify as low-income, and seeking social visits. Volunteers are individually matched with a program participant and generally visit weekly, providing emotional support and friendship, sharing a skill or hobby together, help navigate through difficult decisions, and assisting with access to essential resources. While it is ideal for volunteers to be able to provide rides to their matched companion, it is not a requirement.

Volunteers do not provide hands-on care, housekeeping, personal care, money management, or administer medicine. 

• Transportation: Our Volunteer Transportation Program provides an alternative ride option for older adults who cannot drive themselves. As a volunteer, you will drive your personal vehicle and select rides from our online system that work for you - based on your schedule and where you want to drive. This is a door-through-door service, meaning you will go to the individual’s front door, walk with them to your vehicle, and walk them into their appointment or errand if they request. 
• Health and Wellness: Our Health and Wellness programs, provide free, evidence-based workshops in the community on a variety of topics. As a volunteer, you can assist with facilitating events, preparing for the event, or registering participants. You will receive training and can support these workshops using your expertise and skills. 

Are you retired and want to volunteer?

The Sanford Center for Aging is an AmeriCorps Seniors grantee and receives funding through their RSVP program, which pairs Americans aged 55 and older with impactful volunteer opportunities.

In addition to the opportunities above, retired volunteers can also be matched with the SAVE program which stands for Senior Auxiliary Volunteer Effort, a program  with the Reno Police Department. SAVE is a civilian volunteer organization and relieve police officers of certain duties and provide an increased level of crime prevention through patrol and observation.

Volunteer Benefits

Our volunteers are essential and the backbone of our programs!  We want to support you in your volunteer activities.  We provide:

• Volunteer recognition
• Supplemental insurance coverage
• Training
• Support for your emotional well-being related to volunteering
• Optional mileage reimbursement (as permitted by funding resources)

Community Services programs are funded by Nevada Aging and Disability Services Division (ADSD), Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) of Washoe County, AmeriCorps Seniors and philanthropic donations.