Volunteering

Coastal Neighbors wouldn’t exist without our dedicated volunteers. Regardless of your age, experience or background, we welcome you! Are you recently retired but want to stay active and engaged? Or have you just relocated to the area and hope to meet new friends? Our volunteers tell us they feel good helping our members – who may be their own neighbors. They also appreciate the sense of community that comes from being part of our dynamic organization. By volunteering, you’re not only filling a gap in the life of a Coastal Neighbors member, you’re also making your own life richer and more fulfilling.

We offer a variety of volunteer opportunities, but we encourage you to talk to us about any special skills or interests you have. We’ll find a place for you!

• Transportation: To doctors’ appointments, grocery shopping or other local errands
• Friendly visits: To members at home to provide companionship. Talk, read, play games or take a walk together. Our members have led interesting lives and often have fascinating stories to share.
• Social, Educational and Cultural Activities: Organized for members by our volunteers. In addition to Coastal Neighbors’ events and programs,  we highlight local programs and events on our website and in our newsletter. Offer a ride to an event you’d like to attend, too.
• Household tasks: For members that need assistance around the house replacing light bulbs, changing smoke alarm batteries, moving heavy furniture or handling small home repairs, such as repairing a leaky faucet.

In addition to opportunities that directly benefit our members, we always need help with tasks that keep our organization running smoothly:

• Office and administration: Processing applications, coordinating service requests and assistance with events and special projects.

Become a Volunteer

If you’re interested in joining our volunteer group, you must complete an application and an interview to ensure that you understand the volunteer responsibilities. If you’re accepted into the program, you will attend preliminary training sessions to familiarize yourself with the policies, procedures and expectations of our organization.

To become a Coastal Neighbors volunteer:

• Complete our volunteer application form. Be sure to include any special skills or interests.
• Provide two professional or personal references (cannot be family members).
• Agree to undergo a standard background check.
• Meet with our executive director to discuss the volunteer responsibilities. If you’re applying for a position that involves transportation, you will be asked to provide additional information.
  

Once you’re approved as a volunteer and have created an account on our website, signing up for members’ service requests is a simple process. Log in as a volunteer, select “Service Requests” in the drop-down menu, click on “View,” and then hit “I can do it.”  You only need to commit to requests that fit into your life.

Volunteers do not have to live in the towns of Dartmouth or Westport, they can reside in nearby towns.