Nonprofit volunteer opportunities in Western Mass and the North Quabbin

Are you looking for a way to meet new people, enjoy new experiences, and give back to the community?

Be a community volunteer! We have many vibrant, volunteer opportunities to use your skills and passion to serve our area's elders and persons with disabilities.

Did you know that over 250 people each year find a fulfilling volunteer experience with LifePath?

We have senior volunteer opportunities for adults who want to enjoy retirement by making a difference, as well as options for college-aged and working adults. Your community volunteer work can enable you to...

Build lasting connections with elders and people with disabilities

Learn new communication and problem-solving skills. For example, Long-Term Care Ombudsmen help nursing home or rest home residents ensure quality of life and quality of care by hearing and resolving their concerns and advocating for their rights.

Be a part of a vibrant team

Work together to solve problems in our community, such as with our Meals on Wheels Walkathon team, who create a one-day celebration of our local elders and a fundraiser for Meals on Wheels, critical to the continuation of the program.

Teach others in the community

You can help your neighbors improve their well-being, such as with our Benefits Counseling team, which helps people find resources and apply for money-saving benefits to help them stay in their homes for as long as they choose.

Why volunteer?

The benefits of volunteering are numerous:

• We provide support and free training for volunteers on an ongoing basis.
• As a volunteer, you will get to meet and socialize with other volunteers in your chosen program.
• Some programs provide free luncheons, picnics, and other ways to connect with colleagues during the year.
• LifePath experts provide one-on-one guidance throughout your volunteer experience.
• Some programs offer mileage reimbursement

Robert Amyot finds fulfillment as a volunteer Ombudsman. Shown here, he and Joy Page, a resident of Poet's Seat Health Care Center, enjoy a conversation. Read more about Robert on our blog.

“The mentoring experience was extremely important to me. Otherwise I would not have been able to start doing Ombudsman work on my own as effectively and with enough confidence in myself," says Robert Amyot, a volunteer Ombudsman.

Volunteer commitments can be as short as one day and as long as a lifetime. Volunteer on your own schedule the same time every week or on a flexible schedule.

“LifePath volunteers are essential to many community programs, and we take every opportunity to show our appreciation. Many are recognized as heroes in the community,” said Roseann Martoccia, former Executive Director of LifePath. “We are grateful to all who give their time and skills.”

Your life experiences and knowledge are invaluable and can make a difference in our community. Your time, no matter how small, can make a big difference.

Where can I volunteer?

If you want to find volunteer work in your area, you've come to the right place. You can volunteer in your own community. With local volunteer opportunities in Western Massachusetts and in the North Quabbin Region, we offer many places to volunteer.

Current volunteer opportunities

The following programs have ongoing needs for volunteers. If an opportunity interests you, please contact us to learn more or to sign up.

In the information below, "driving" is defined as driving yourself or meals, but not passengers, and "transportation" is defined as driving a passenger. A CORI check is required by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for all LifePath volunteers.

Rides for Health

Rides for Health volunteers offer door-through-door assisted transportation to local elders. Read more about being a Rides for Health volunteer.

Nutrition volunteer opportunities

Nutrition Program Aide

Nutrition Program Aides help prepare and serve meals to seniors at one of our area meal sites or luncheon clubs. Read more about dining centers and luncheon clubs and find one near you.

Pictured here: Robert Britt and Irene Kazinskas have volunteered as Nutrition Program Aides at the Athol Senior Dining Center for many years. Read more about Irene & Robert on our blog.

Meals on Wheels Drivers

Imagine yourself as a Meals on Wheels driver: Home-bound elders look forward to visiting with the you when you're dropping off their lunch; caregivers, family members and other loved ones are at ease knowing that their loved one will be provided for while they are away; and our towns are strengthened by your simple act of kindness and generosity.

Volunteer Meals on Wheels driver Doug Riddell delivers a hot meal to Betty Moulder.
Read more about Doug on our blog.In exchange for their time, drivers receive training, a stipend, and mileage reimbursement. If you have a vehicle and a couple of hours to deliver noontime meals, download the application and CORI form. All applicants must submit a copy of their driver's license or other government issued photographic identification for the CORI. 

After filling out the forms, return them to:

Meals on Wheels
LifePath
101 Munson St., Suite 201
Greenfield, MA 01301

Read more about being a Meals on Wheels driver.

Counseling volunteer opportunities

All SHINE Counselors receive extensive training. Read about 2015 graduating class of SHINE Counselors on our blog.

SHINE Counselors

SHINE (Serving the Healthy Insurance Needs of Everyone) Counselors help elders and their caregivers understand their health insurance and prescription drug questions. Read more about being a SHINE Counselor.

Benefits Counselors

The Benefits Counseling Program trains volunteers to help people over age 60 and persons with disabilities find resources to help them stay in their homes as long as possible. Read more about being a Benefits Counselor.

Be a volunteer advocate or coach

Long-Term Care Ombudsman

By hearing their concerns, advocating for their rights, and helping to resolve their complaints, Ombudsman volunteers ensure quality of life for the residents of the sites they visit weekly. Spend between two and three hours visiting residents in your assigned facility each week - the day of the week and time of day are flexible. Volunteers are reimbursed for mileage. 

All applicants must submit a copy of their driver's license or other government issued photographic identification for the CORI. Download the Ombudsman Volunteer Application and CORI form, complete, and return by This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., fax (413-772-1084, Attn.: Trevor Boeding), or mail to:

Trevor Boeding
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
LifePath
101 Munson St., Suite 201
Greenfield, MA 01301

Read more about being an Ombudsman.

Healthy Living Leaders

Healthy Living Leaders help others learn to enjoy healthier lives! After training, you will co-lead workshops for small groups of adults in a local community setting using evidence-based curriculum. Read more about being a Healthy Living Leader.

Volunteer to help manage individual elders' funds or care

Money Manager

Help elders who need assistance with writing checks, balancing checkbooks, sorting bills, etc. Program requirements include four hours of initial training; ongoing volunteer position is generally between four and six flexible hours monthly. Driving to clients' homes and ongoing quarterly meetings are required. All volunteers are bonded and insured. Read more about being a Money Manager.

Personal Care Assistance Surrogate

The Personal Care Attendant Program needs volunteers to help persons with disabilities manage their care providers. No hands-on care is required. Managing the employment of Personal Care Attendants (PCA) includes help with advertising for PCAs, hiring, training, filling out time sheets, and other tasks. Read more about being a Personal Care Assistance Surrogate.

Join a board

For more information on any of the opportunities below, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Lynne Feldman. 

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors is the governming body for LifePath. Learn about our current Board of Directors.

Citizens Advisory Board

Citizens Advisory Board members advise our agency concerning Older Americans Act programs, community grantmaking and planning for elders, and nutrition services.

Additional Volunteer Opportunities

Consultants

Do you have an area of expertise that might help LifePath in its mission? We'd love to utilize your experience and expertise. Please contact us to discuss how your skills might meet our ongoing needs.

Fundraising

Volunteers of all ages are needed to take part in fundraising events, such as putting together a team for the Meals on Wheels Walkathon, selling raffle tickets, or helping to coordinate a mailing. Some tasks may involve driving or making a time specific commitment to show up for a certain date, but most do not. If you can donate even a few hours of time to make phone calls, pick up raffle prizes, or put up posters, we'd be happy to hear from you.

General Office Volunteer

We always need help in our office filing, copying, and processing mail. Help with computer data entry, filing, and more. Training is provided if needed. Just come to our office for as many hours as you can offer and help us stay organized.