Opportunities From: United Way of East Central Iowa

The Jones County Volunteer Center & RSVP offers an assisted transportation program for seniors (age 55+) who need rides to non-emergency medical appointments outside of the county. Volunteer drivers arrive at the clients home at a predetermined time, use their personal vehicles to transport the client to their appointment, wait for them there, and transport them back to their home. Volunteer drivers also provide companionship during the transport. You would be educated on other resources available to seniors in Jones County and can share that information as the need arises. The transportation program ensures seniors are able to stay living independently longer, while receiving quality medical care as needed. This volunteer activity requires a complete criminal background and motor vehicle records check. Volunteers must attend necessary orientation and annual training meetings, possess valid Iowa driver's license, Approved Motor Vehicle Records check from the Iowa Department of Transportation, present proof of automobile insurance each renewal period, have access to a safe and roadworthy automobile. You'll also need the ability to relate to older adults with empathy and patience, good listening skills, and potentially the ability to assist clients in and out of the car.  Volunteers in this program do receive mileage reimbursement. This is a great program to be involved with if you are looking for a way to engage with your local community while helping those who need it most.  Call us today for more information!

The Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) provides free of charge counseling and information to people with questions about Medicare, Medicare supplement insurance, long term care insurance and claim filing. Volunteers help answer questions and provide impartial information to help seniors make well informed decisions. Volunteer counselors complete an extensive five day training program and regular update trainings. Training is provided free of charge by the State of Iowa Insurance Division.  Volunteers with this program often dedicate 8 hours a week to the program with the exception of open enrollment period (Oct-Dec) in which they may see a small increase in hours. Call today for more information!

The Jones County Volunteer Center and the Jones County Emergency Management Agency partnered in 2014 to form an official Emergency Volunteer Center (EVC) for Jones County. The purpose of the EVC is to manage volunteers and their safety during large scale events, including natural disasters. The EVC is focusing on training volunteers on EVC operations and action plans, recruiting new volunteers, and planning a disaster drill in Jones County. Volunteers come from all walks of life and are only required to attend an EVC orientation and basic training. Once completed volunteers have the option of continuing their disaster training to the extend they are interested in.  This is a great opportunity for those who want to assist in time of need but may not have the physical capability of the man power needed for clean up efforts.  Call us today to get more information!