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. This is a flexible volunteer opportunity. All Friendly Visitor visits are scheduled during a convenient time for the volunteer and their match.
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 seniors may miss important medical appointments, simply because they can’t get there. Volunteers help transport seniors in their personal vehicles to and from medical and dental appointments. Requirements include a valid driver’s license, a good driving record, auto insurance, and a 3-4 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 computer to communicate and accept rides. Training provided.
Fitness Center Assistant
Volunteers are needed to staff the Fitness Center desk, answer phones, and assist patrons. Shifts are Wedbnesdays from 1 to 4 p.m. Training will be provided.
AARP Tax-Aide Program Volunteer Tax Preparer
Tax preparer volunteers are needed to assist North Shore Senior Center clients and community members in completing and filing simple yearly tax returns. Preparers must have basic computer skills, strong communication and organization skills, and a keen attention to detail. Tax preparation class through AARP is required. The AARP Tax Aide Program runs from February 2024 to mid-April 2024. Training for the program will begin in the Fall of 2023.
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
Volunteers will assist with activities or spend time one-on-one with participants. No previous experience required. Openings are for Monday mornings from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. or Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday afternoons from 1 to 5 p.m.
House of Welcome Lunch Volunteer
HOW is looking for volunteers to help serve lunch and interact with HOW participants. Volunteers needed on Mondays, Tuesdays or Wednesdays from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.
House of Welcome Music Volunteer
HOW is looking for a music volunteer to play instruments and/or lead a singalong with participants; staff assistance is provided. Volunteers needed Monday, Thursday, or Friday from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
House of Welcome Pet Therapy Volunteer
To enhance programming at the House of Welcome, we are looking for pet therapy volunteers to visit on a weekly or monthly basis. Information and training about our program's specific needs will be provided. Volunteers needed on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday afternoons around 4:15 p.m.
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 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. This volunteer opportunity can be done remotely.