Guide to Volunteering at Schools and After-School Groups for Seniors

Senior Helpers South Orange County provides in-home senior care for those in Southern California near cities like Irvine, Orange County, Santa Ana, and Tustin. Those in our region often seek opportunities to volunteer and remain active in their community. Many individuals that our organization serves and partners with are aware of how many individuals enjoy volunteering. In fact, many of our clients have expressed how they wish to remain active in their community while connecting with others. One part of a community that always needs kind and dedicated volunteers includes programs mentoring young people. Here is our guide to volunteering at schools and after-school groups for seniors.

How to Volunteer in the Local Community

There are several ways to interact with young people in Southern California. Indeed, many organizations will provide your elderly loved one with the chance to make a positive impact in the life of a child or young adult. While there are always national groups to volunteer for in one's community (such as Boy Scouts of America or Girl Scouts of the USA), Southern California also has specific openings for more local volunteer openings with nonprofits, schools, and other places dedicated to enriching the lives of others.

Here’s What to Expect When Volunteering at Schools and After-School Groups

• Many schools have openings for volunteers at the schools themselves.
• In order to volunteer at a school or for an after-school program, contact the school. 
• Our seniors or their homecare aids can call or e-mail the schools and simply reach out for more information.
• Depending upon the school, seniors might have to fill out paperwork.
• Some schools may request identification or other documents for all adults on school property as a policy.
• When volunteering, there may be specific rules and guidelines for the organization or school.
• In general, schools are thrilled to work with people of all ages who wish to help children. 
• Local schools often have community coordinators whose job is to help people volunteer, make them feel welcome, and explain the school programs that are the best fit for interested adults. 

In addition to schools and well-known organizations, persons over the age of 65 can volunteer their time at nonprofits. These places have no age limit when it comes to serving the community. Many groups are privately or publicly funded and have a multitude of functions, such as empowering young adults with everything from literacy to 4-H clubs. Since so many of these smaller organizations are not directly associated with schools, it may be easier to research them online. Seniors can even find openings and search for them based on their interests. For example, a senior client with a background in art and design can find clubs that are looking for volunteers with experience in art.

The best way for our senior clients to navigate these volunteer activities is to search on the city-specific website. Senior clients or their home care aids can access the websites for each of the cities we serve. Then, they can decide upon an appropriate activity. 

Here Are the Websites Listing All Volunteer Opportunities in the Areas We Serve

• For seniors in Irvine, here is the volunteer match website. 
• For our senior clients in Tustin, here is the volunteering intake website. 
• Any seniors looking to volunteer in Santa Ana? Here is their volunteer opportunity website. 
• For seniors in Orange County, here is the official volunteer website. 
• There are thousands of opportunities to volunteer through the cities to work with young people listed online. 

Learn More About Volunteering at Schools and After-School Groups for Seniors

Senior Helpers South Orange County is happy to help your elderly loved one get started volunteering today. To get them involved, simply contact us online, reach out to the homecare aid, or explore the volunteering websites for opportunities to serve in the community.