Volunteer Program

The OCCOA Volunteer program provides volunteer opportunities for individuals, as well as groups, to volunteer their time and talents to "help and care" for the older adults in Otsego County. Currently, over 350 volunteers assist the agency with over 30 programs and activities. The volunteer program seeks to add meaning to the lives of the older adults served, and provide meaningful opportunities for volunteers.

Volunteers enjoy helping with the
Annual Flu Shot Clinic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can volunteer?

OCCOA has volunteer opportunities for individuals of all ages. Opportunities are also available for youth groups and service organizations.

Girl Scout Troop #2111 decorates for
the monthly dances.

How often do I need to volunteer?

We respect your busy lives. Volunteers determine how much time they will volunteer. You may volunteer as little or as much as you wish.

What kinds of volunteer opportunities do you offer?

With so many programs and services available, a wide variety of volunteer opportunities abound. Volunteers might wish to assist at the congregate meals at one of the three OCCOA meal sites, supervising meal sign-in, making change, setting tables, assisting participants, or cleaning up. Some volunteers find fulfillment in driving clients to doctors appointments or delivering the congregate meals to the meal sites.

Some volunteers enjoy transporting
congregate meals to the Johannesburg
and Vanderbilt Meal sites.

Some enjoy the exercise and socialization offered by the weekly walking program or helping with ticket sales or decorating for the monthly dances. For those who like to volunteer from the comfort of their own home, making Reassurance calls offers them a way to make a difference in the lives of homebound adults. Our youngest volunteers enjoy making hand-made greeting cards for homebound adults, or visiting with older adults at congregate meals. There are even individuals who volunteer their time by doing income taxes, tutoring older adults on the computer, helping in the office, assisting at flu shot clinics, hosting agency-sponsored trips, acting as client advocates, and assisting clients with MEDICAID or MEDICARE issues. Whatever your time, age, skills, talents, or interests, OCCOA, most likely, has a volunteer opportunity for you!

Do I first need to be a volunteer with RSVP or the Volunteer Center?

No! RSVP and the Volunteer Center partner with OCCOA to provide many of the volunteers who assist our agency with over 30 programs and activities. However, you need not be a volunteer with these agencies to volunteer your time at OCCOA.

How do I become an OCCOA Volunteer?

A Volulnteer Registration Packet is available by calling the volunteer coordinator at (989) 732-1122 or by downloading it from the following link: uploads/file/Microsoft Word - ekg Volunteer Registration Packet 11-06-08.pdf

Please complete all forms in the packet and fax them to (989) 731-2739 or mail them to:

Attn: Volunteer Coordinator
OCCOA
120 Grandview Blvd.
Gaylord, MI 49735

Eileen Godek- Volunteer
Coordinator

LINKS

RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program)
Website: http://www.otsego.org/rsvp/

Volunteer Center
Website: http://www.otsego.org/vcoc/

"Volunteers . . . have style.
Theyre fiercely independent.
If you have to ask how
Much they cost,
you cant afford them . . .
They are the only human beings
on the face of the earth who
reflect the nations compassion,
unselfishness, caring, patience,
need, and just plain loving
one another.

~ Erma Bombeck ~