Volunteer with Us
When you choose to donate your time and talents as a North Shore Senior Center volunteer, you are taking part in a tradition that dates back to our founding in 1956.
As a volunteer, you can help create a welcoming place for seniors to gather, socialize, and participate in our Lifelong Learning programs and clubs. We can match your talents, experience, schedule, and interest to a volunteer role that brings you — and those you help — great satisfaction. We offer regular, flexible, and occasional one-time volunteer opportunities in our Northfield and Niles locations as well as out in the communities we serve.
To learn more about the following volunteer opportunities or to apply for our volunteer program, contact our Volunteer Coordinator Julie Droste at 847.242.6257 or volunteer@nssc.org.
Volunteer Opportunities
Friendly Visitor Program
Help make a difference in the lives of our homebound older adult population. Volunteers will be matched with an older adult and provide friendly companionship and their compassionate presence. This is a flexible volunteer opportunity. All Friendly Visitor visits are scheduled on weekdays during a convenient time for the volunteers and their match.
Lifelong Learning Data Input Volunteer
Lifelong Learning welcomes computer savvy volunteers to help with various data input projects, including entering class information into our online registration system and posting class information onto online calendars such as Chicago Tribune and Patch. Volunteers need to be skilled and comfortable using computers and navigating the internet. Attention to detail and accuracy are a must
Escorted Transportation Service (ETS) Coordinator
The Escorted Transportation Service (ETS) Coordinator volunteer coordinates rides to and from medical/dental appointments for older adults within a specified area of the North Shore utilizing a bank of NSSC ETS volunteer drivers. Coordinators retrieve phone messages, return phone calls during their shift, and work on a database (training provided) to match the requests that come from clients with available ETS drivers. Coordinators must have good computer skills, effective communication skills, and demonstrate strong attention to detail.
Escorted Transportation Service (ETS) Driver
Everyday older adults in your neighborhood may miss important medical appointments, simply because they can’t get there. Many have short-term illnesses or injuries that preclude them from driving while others have relinquished their licenses due to physical or mental constraints. You can remedy this situation by transporting seniors in your personal vehicle to and from medical and dental appointments. All that is required is a valid driver’s license, a good driving record, auto insurance and a 3-to-4-hour block of time to take an appreciative senior to an appointment. Scheduling software is used so drivers must have and be comfortable using their smartphone and/or computer to communicate and accept rides. Training will be provided.
House of Welcome Volunteer Opportunities
NSSC’s House of Welcome (HOW) is a structured adult day program that provides therapeutic activities to older adults with memory loss. Volunteers at HOW assist staff with different programming throughout the day.
House of Welcome Program Volunteers
Make a difference in the lives of persons with memory loss by interacting with participants in the home-like setting of the House of Welcome Adult Day Services Program. The House of Welcome (HOW) is an adult day services program of North Shore Senior Center that provides older adults living with memory loss a structured group program of therapeutic activities. You will assist with activities or spend time one-on-one with participants. No previous experience required. We are looking for someone on Wednesday or Friday afternoons from 1 to 5 p.m.
House of Welcome Lunch Volunteer
House of Welcome is looking for volunteers to assist during the daily lunch period. This would entail helping to serve lunch and interacting with HOW participants. We are looking for volunteers on Mondays from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
House of Welcome Music Volunteer
House of Welcome is looking for a music volunteer to play instruments and/or lead a singalong with participants and staff assistance. We are looking for people to come from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. once/twice a month on Monday, Thursday, or Friday.
House of Welcome Pet Therapy Volunteer
To enhance programming at the House of Welcome, we are looking for volunteers to visit with their Certified Therapy Pet weekly or monthly, arriving around 4:15 p.m. to visit between 10-30 minutes each time. Information and training about our program's specific needs will be provided. We are looking for volunteers on weekday mornings or afternoons.
Senior & Family Services Volunteer Opportunities
NSSC's Senior & Family Services gives older adults the benefits they need to live safely and comfortably so they can "age in place" and avoid premature, long-term nursing home placement. We're always seeking volunteers to help our senior community in various capacities.
Senior & Family Services Intake Assistant
Calling all administrative experts! Our Intake team is seeking detail-oriented volunteers who can help with phone, computer, customer service, and office work. Must be discreet with sensitive and confidential information. Training is provided.
Senior & Family Services Older Adults Benefits Assistant
Are you passionate about helping older adults? Are you organized, efficient, customer service oriented and good with computers? We’re seeking individuals to help with our SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) counseling program for people with Medicare and LIHEAP energy assistance program in our Older Adults Benefits Program. If you are interested and would like more detailed information on these programs, please contact Volunteer Services. Training will be provided.