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
Escorted Transportation Service (ETS) Driver
Every day 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 them 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 older adult 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.
Escorted Transportation Service (ETS) Coordinator
The ETS Coordinator volunteer coordinates rides to and from medical/dental appointments for older adults utilizing a bank of NSSC ETS volunteer drivers. Coordinators retrieve phone messages, return phone calls during their shift and work on a database (training will be provided) to match the requests that come from clients with available ETS drivers. Coordinators must have exemplary computer skills, the ability to quickly learn a new database, effective communication skills, demonstrate strong organizational abilities and be detail oriented.
The Shop at the Center – Prep Assistant
The Shop at the Center has one-of-a-kind gifts and vintage, classic, and contemporary treasures. The Shop receives donations of old and new items from across the North Shore community. We are looking for an individual to help unpack, clean, and polish the donated items to get them ready for sale in the Shop. A volunteer is needed on Tuesday or Friday mornings.
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 High School Student Summer Volunteer
HOW is seeking high school students (age 16 and older) to assist staff with activities or spend time one-on-one with participants. No previous experience required. Students are required to volunteer at least three 3 to 4-hour shifts per week (Monday – Friday), beginning June 16, 2026, through August 11, 2026. Deadline for applications is Friday, May 15, 2026.
House of Welcome Lunch Volunteer
House of Welcome is looking for volunteers to assist during the daily lunch period. This would entail helping to prepare and serve lunch as well as interacting with HOW participants as they dine. Food Handler Training (online and covered by NSSC) is required. We are looking for a volunteer on Mondays or Thursdays from 11 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.
Friendly Visitor Program
Become a friendly visitor!
Help make a difference in the lives of our home bound older adult population. Volunteers will be matched with an older adult and provide friendly companionship and their compassionate presence. Bilingual individuals are encouraged to inquire. This is a flexible volunteer opportunity. All Friendly Visitor visits are scheduled on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. at a time convenient for the volunteer and their match.
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.
There are no Senior and Family Services Opportunities at this time.