Link~ Age

Volunteer Programs
Looking for a service for an Older West Virginian?

Faithlink of the Volunteer Action Center in Wood County offers interfaith volunteer caregiving programs opened to all ages but focusing on the elderly. They provide assistance with visitations, transportation, shopping, errand running, light housekeeping, and help with correspondence free of charge. They are located at 521 Market Street, Parkersburg, WV 26101 ~ (304) 424-3457 x 211, Fax (304) 422-1025. 

Information and referral contact Donna Moss (304) 424-3457 x 216. 

Foster Grandparents offers seniors age 60 and older opportunities to serve as mentors, tutors, and caregivers for children and youth with special needs. They serve in community organizations such as schools, hospitals, and youth centers. 1-800-424-8867 WV Commission on Aging (304) 558-3317 http://www.whitehouse.gov/WH/EOP/cns/html/sr1.html

Good Shepherd Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers promotes independence, dignity, security and quality of life among elderly, disabled, frail and homebound residents of Jefferson County. Caring and committed volunteers from faith congregations and the community offer work and home repairs and respite care free of charge, without consideration of income or family circumstances. They are located at 101 South Princess Street, Shepherdstown, WV. email ~ gsivc@intrepid.net

Information and referral contact Maureen Smolke (304) 876-3325

Intergenerate is a Volunteer Exchange Program brings together WVU students and senior citizens. Students and Seniors volunteer their time, knowledge and skills to satisfy one another's needs. Volunteers can exchange experience and friendship with each other. Intergenerate also sponsors an array of educational and social programs. Dr. Enid Portnoy, West Virginia University, PO Box 6293, Morgantown, WV 26506 ~ (304) 293-3905 or 293-3906. http://www.wvu.edu/~intergen 

Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) helps people 55 and older find service opportunities in their communities. RSVP participants serve from a few to over forty hours a week, providing hundreds of services in organizations that range from education centers to police departments to hospitals. RSVP involves seniors in service that matches their personal interests and makes use of their skills and life experiences. Their wide range of services include tutoring youth, serving as citizen patrols for local police departments, planning community gardens, helping other seniors complete income tax forms, and serving as hospital aides. http://www.whitehouse.gov/WH/EOP/cns/html/sr3.html

Boone County ~ (304) 949-3673 or 369-0451

Kanawha County ~ (304) 340-3507

Putnam County ~ (304) 757-2656

Senior Companions Program is for people age 60 and older to provide assistance and friendship to elderly individuals who are homebound and, generally, living alone. By taking care of simple chores, providing transportation to medical appointments, and offering contact to the outside world, Senior Companions often provide the essential services that prevent older Americans from having to enter nursing homes. They also provide respite care to relieve live-in caretakers for short periods of time. 1-800-424-8867 http://www.whitehouse.gov/WH/EOP/cns/html/sr2.html

WVU Center on Aging Community Service and Outreach 1-888-WV-AGING http://www.hsc.wvu.edu/som/ctr-on-aging/cso.htm

Senior Corps of Retired Executives is a non-profit association dedicated to entrepreneur education and the formation, growth and success of small business nationwide. Working and retired executives and business owners donate their time and expertise as volunteers. (304) 347-5463 http://www.sbaonline.sba.gov/SCORE/