Put Your Kindness to Work
Help Next Door, a volunteer program from Region IV Area Agency on Aging, connects caring community members with older adults and adults with disabilities who need a little extra help with non-medical tasks. From running errands and providing transportation to mowing lawns or just connecting over a cup of coffee, volunteers put kindness to work in simple, meaningful ways.
Open to anyone 18 or older, the program is nonmedical, flexible, and a background check is required. Each match helps create lasting connections that strengthen both individuals and neighborhoods.
Who It’s For
Volunteers: Volunteering with the Help Next Door program is flexible and works with your skill set and schedule. Whether you’re a retiree, working adult, or student, this is a great opportunity to give back and create a lasting impact on neighbors in your community.
Participants: If you’re an older adult, an adult with disabilities, or a caregiver, you can request help through the Help Next Door program for assistance with daily tasks.
How It Works
For Volunteers
1. Sign up online: Fill out the volunteer form and submit for review.
2. Get matched: Once approved, we’ll match you with a local individual in need.
3. Make a difference: Begin helping individuals with whatever daily task they need and make a lasting impact not only in your community but in your match’s life.
For Participants
1. Request a Volunteer: Get support from a local community member with tasks that you need help with.
2. We match you: We will match you with a local volunteer who will come to your house to help with whatever you need.
3. Stay connected: We’ll keep in touch on the process of getting matched, the schedule for your volunteer, and how often they will visit.
Call our volunteer team directly at 269-983-7058.
Area Agency on Aging is open Monday-Friday, 8 AM–5 PM. We will do our best to get back to your volunteer form or request for help as soon as possible.
Volunteer FAQs
- Do I need special training?
- No special training is required. The Help Next Door program is a nonmedical volunteer opportunity for anyone 18 or older who wants to help older adults or adults with disabilities. If you’d like to explore additional volunteer programs, learn more about our other Volunteer Opportunities.
- What’s the time commitment?
- It’s completely flexible. You decide when and how often you volunteer. Whether that’s once a month or a few hours each week, our goal is to make it easy to fit volunteering into your schedule.
- Is there a background check?
- Yes. All volunteers complete a standard background check before being matched. This helps ensure safety and peace of mind for both volunteers and participants.
- What kinds of tasks can I help with?
- Volunteers help with everyday, nonmedical tasks such as grocery shopping, light cleaning, yard care, transportation, tech support, or regular visits over a cup of coffee. Visit our About page to learn more about how Region IV Area Agency on Aging supports independent living for older adults.
- Can I volunteer as a pair or with a group?
- Of course. Pairs and small groups are welcome. If you’d like to serve together, simply indicate this on your Volunteer Form or let our team member know when you talk with them, and we will coordinate the match.
- How does matching work?
- Once your application and background check are complete, we’ll match you with a neighbor based on location, availability, and preferred types of assistance. Our staff will guide you through your first visit and stay in touch to make sure things go smoothly.
- What if I’m not available when matched?
- No problem! Just let us know, and we’ll reconnect when your schedule opens up again. There’s no penalty for pausing or adjusting your volunteer commitment.
- Are there other ways to get involved?
- Absolutely. Region IV Area Agency on Aging offers many ways to serve, from Caregiver Support programs to Community Outreach. Explore them on the Get Involved section of our website.
Participant FAQs
- Who qualifies to request help?
- The Help Next Door program is open to older adults, adults with disabilities, and caregivers living in Region IV Area Agency on Aging’s service area who could use an extra hand or would enjoy regular visits. If you’re not sure whether you qualify, contact our Information & Assistance team.
- What kinds of help can I request?
- You can request help with many nonmedical activities, including errands, transportation, meal prep, or tech support. Or maybe you’d prefer a walking buddy, gardening helper, or weekly visitor. Volunteers are matched based on their skills and the type of support you need.
- Is there a cost?
- No. The Help Next Door program is a free community program supported by Region IV Area Agency on Aging and local partners. Learn more about how we support independent living.
- How soon can I be matched?
- Timing can vary based on volunteer availability in your area, but our goal is to connect you within a few weeks. We’ll stay in touch and update you throughout the process.
- Can help be one-time or ongoing?
- You can request one-time help (for example, a yard cleanup) or ongoing support such as weekly errands, rides, or visits. We’ll work with you to find the best arrangement.
- What if my needs change?
- That’s okay! Simply contact our team to update your request. We’ll adjust your volunteer match or connect you with other Region IV Area Agency on Aging programs like Medicare or Medicaid Assistance or Caregiver Support Resources if you need more specialized assistance.
Put your kindness to work or get the daily help you need with the Help Next Door program. Become a volunteer or request assistance today at 269-983-7058.