About Volunteer Services

Volunteer Services (formerly Volunteer Chore Services) began in 1981 in response to cuts in services for elders by the state legislature. The program currently works with thousands of elders and adults with disabilities statewide. VS is committed to helping elders and adults with disabilities remain independent in their own homes through a network of caring community members. The services are provided at no charge and serve as a safety net for those individuals who cannot afford to pay for assistance and do not qualify for other assistance. Volunteers generally provide 2-8 hours per month assisting their neighbors depending on their schedules and availability.

Volunteers May Help With:

• Housework
• Laundry
• Shopping/errands
• Transportation
• Yard Work
• Minor Home Repair
• Cooking
• Household Repairs
• Wood Provision
• Moving Assistance

Eligibility

Services are provided for persons who are

• 60 years of age and older, living on a fixed income with some health and/or mobility limitations and  
• adults, age 18 – 59, who have temporary or permanent functional limitations.

VS does not have strict financial criteria – its purpose is to serve as a safety net for those who do not qualify for other services and cannot afford to pay for services themselves. All services are provided free of charge and are based on the availability of volunteers. All volunteers are carefully screened with three references and a Washington State Patrol background check. Click on the tabs to locate the office nearest you to request services or further information.

What You Can Expect

Screening Information

A staff member will talk with you to gather information regarding your specific needs and the needs of the family member to whom you are providing care.

In-Home Assessment

A Volunteer Coordinator will visit you in the home where Caregiving is provided to share further information about the Program, gather more specific information about assistance to be provided and to discuss scheduling.

Volunteer Match

A trained volunteer will be matched with you to provide direct assistance that meets your needs. The wait for a volunteer may vary depending on availability, geographic location and type of chore request.

Check In

Your Volunteer Coordinator will phone you to follow up once a match has been made; we want to make sure that your needs are met and that the volunteer assignment is positive. If you have ongoing services, your Coordinator will check in to see how the match is progressing and to ensure that needs are being met.

Volunteer!

Your assistance enables elders and adults with disabilities to remain independent in their own home. Our volunteers lead full lives and enjoy the chance to connect with someone and help out in a meaningful way. Volunteers may help the same person each week or be listed for on-call assistance depending on their schedules and interests. Most requests are for assistance with shopping, light housekeeping, laundry, cooking, and yard work. Volunteers receive training, mileage reimbursement and insurance to assist them in their volunteer commitment. Our volunteers come from all age groups: families and couples volunteer together as well as students and retirees volunteering independently. Youth under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.