Volunteer
“A small amount of time can make a huge difference in someone’s life. Our volunteers are often the highlight of someone’s day—and sometimes the only person they see.”
Rachel Ottery, Nutrition Program Coordinator
Want to make a difference in your community?
Even an hour of your time can make a meaningful difference in the lives of people right here in your community. The Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Dodge County offers a variety of volunteer opportunities to fit your schedule and interests- whether it's delivering meals, lending a hand at our office, or helping with special events.
You can volunteer as much or as little as you would like. Every bit of time you share helps us support older adults and individuals with disabilities. Your generosity and commitment are truly appreciated by our staff and the people we serve.
Description of Volunteer Opportunities
Explore the volunteer opportunities offered at the ADRC and learn more about each one below:
- ADRC Ambassador
- Telephone Friend
- Volunteer Guardian
- Home Delivered Meal Driver
- Office Assistant Volunteer
- Senior Dining Assistant Volunteer
- SHIP Volunteer (Wisconsin’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program)
- Medicare Minute Volunteer
- Volunteer Activities Coordinator
- Volunteer Transportation Driver
- Share the Care Volunteer
- Class Facilitator/Assistant
- Music & Memory Volunteer
- Caring Closet Volunteer
ADRC Ambassador
Help keep our publications current and visible in the community by selecting a specific area to manage. As an Ambassador, you’ll collaborate with ADRC staff to define your assigned area. Each month, ADRC staff will provide you with printed materials to distribute and update. Your distribution locations may include grocery stores, libraries, churches, local businesses, or bulletin boards—anywhere you feel community members can easily find up-to-date information.
Telephone Friend
Provide companionship and conversation to individuals who are homebound and in need of regular social contact. As a Telephone Friend, you’ll make scheduled phone calls to offer friendly visits and meaningful connection. This is a wonderful volunteer opportunity for someone who prefers to serve from home or does not drive. Many Telephone Friends share that they gain just as much from these conversations as the individuals they call.
Volunteer Guardian
Do you have 3 – 6 hours a month to offer? Would you like to make a difference in someone's life? Consider becoming a Volunteer Guardian and help protect the well-being and dignity of a vulnerable individual.
A Volunteer Guardian is appointed by the Probate Court to make decisions on behalf of someone who is unable to do so independently. Individuals who may need a guardian include those who are older adults, developmentally disabled, chronically mentally ill, or have experienced a brain injury.
As a Volunteer Guardian, you’ll visit with, advocate for, and monitor the care of the person you represent. Volunteers must be Wisconsin residents, at least 21 years old, complete an application, and pass a background check.
By serving as a Volunteer Guardian, you’ll experience the deep reward that comes from supporting someone in need.
Home Delivered Meal Driver
Help deliver hot, nutritious meals to homebound older adults and individuals with disabilities over the lunch hour, Monday through Friday. Volunteers can choose a schedule that fits their availability—whether that’s weekly, monthly, seasonally, or occasionally.
Drivers typically deliver from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, have a valid Wisconsin driver’s license, and provide proof of car insurance. Mileage reimbursement is available.
A warm meal delivered with a friendly smile can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.
Office Assistant Volunteer
Support the ADRC by answering phones and taking messages during staff meetings or special events. You may also assist with various projects and administrative tasks as assigned by ADRC staff. This role offers the opportunity to use and build office skills such as clerical work, typing, and filing.
Scheduling is flexible, and on-site training is provided. It’s a great way to stay engaged, keep your office skills sharp, and make a meaningful contribution to our team.
Senior Dining Assistant Volunteer
Support one of our six Senior Dining Centers by helping with meal setup and service. Volunteers also assist with participant registration and with packing meals for home delivery.
This role offers a wonderful opportunity to connect with older adults, support community nutrition programs, and lend a hand in a friendly, social environment.
SHIP Volunteer (Wisconsin’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program)
Assist Benefit Specialists during the Medicare Part D Open Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7) by entering information into the computer system. Volunteers should have basic computer skills, a general understanding of medications, and good communication abilities.
Confidentiality is essential in this role, as you will be handling sensitive personal information. Volunteer hours are flexible, Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Medicare Minute Volunteer
Help older adults better understand Medicare and related health insurance coverage by becoming a Medicare Minute Presenter. This peer-to-peer education program empowers trained volunteers to deliver short, scripted presentations each month in the community.
As a Medicare Minute Presenter, you’ll engage audiences by sharing helpful information, answering general questions, and referring participants to their local SHIP for additional support when needed. Training and materials are provided.
Volunteer Activities Coordinator
Help increase participation at congregate meal sites by offering engaging and enjoyable activities for community members. Activities may include BINGO, sing-alongs, trivia, card games, and more.
As a Volunteer Activities Coordinator, you’ll play an important role in keeping community members active, social, and healthy while fostering a welcoming and fun environment.
Volunteer Transportation Driver
Provide essential support to older adults by offering transportation to medical appointments, grocery stores, or visits with loved ones to Dodge County residents.
This role requires the use of your own vehicle. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, have a valid Wisconsin driver’s license, and provide proof of car insurance. Mileage reimbursement is available. Volunteer drivers make a meaningful difference by helping seniors stay connected, independent, and engaged in their community.
Share the Care Volunteer
Join a team of volunteers dedicated to supporting caregivers on their caregiving journey. Volunteers assist with simple, meaningful tasks such as picking up dry cleaning, running errands, delivering meals, or spending time with the person receiving care so the caregiver can take a break.
Even a small task can make a big difference in the life of a caregiver, providing them with relief, support, and peace of mind.
Class Facilitator/Assistant
Support community health and wellness by leading or assisting with evidence-based programs such as Stepping On, Powerful Tools for Caregivers, Living Well with Chronic Conditions, and Healthy Living with Diabetes.
Volunteers may serve as Class Leaders, facilitating the programs, or as Assistants, helping ensure sessions run smoothly. Training and mileage reimbursement are provided. This is a great opportunity for anyone passionate about promoting health, wellness, and active living in the community.
Music & Memory Volunteer
Support the ADRC’s Music & Memory program by working with the Caregiver Coordinator to enhance the lives of individuals living with memory loss. Volunteers may receive training to work one-on-one with participants or assist with tasks such as downloading music to designated devices.
This is a meaningful opportunity to bring comfort, joy, and connection to those in our community through music.
Caring Closet Volunteer
Assist with organizing, updating, and maintaining the Caring Closet, which provides essential items to community members in need. Volunteers help ensure that items are clean, well-organized, and easily accessible to those who rely on them.
Hours are flexible, making this a convenient way to support your community and help others stay comfortable and cared for.