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Volunteers

CFS-TIPS is about neighbors helping fellow neighbors, as Volunteers.   First and foremost, we are a Volunteer organization.   Our goal is to match a volunteer with the skills and/or expertise necessary to provide member residents the help and assistance they require.   When a volunteer is not available or a member requests support by a TIPS preferred provider instead, assistance will be offered by one of our vetted service providers.   There may be an additional cost for some of these services.

Become a CFS-TIPS Volunteer – We would love to have you join us as a volunteer and share your time and talents with our members.   Please contact us by phone or E-mail to become a volunteer.   Spend some time helping others as well as helping TIPS in providing the various services and assistance we offer to members.   All volunteers must permit CFS-TIPS to conduct a background investigation, to include a criminal check...
Choose to Volunteer from the Following Activities

• Transportation: Volunteer drivers – Prior to driving, each volunteer driver must submit to a safe driving and security check and provide TIPS with a copy of his/hers driver’s license, car registration, and insurance.  

  • Pick members up for errands or appointments and return them to their home.   Typical destinations include trips to the grocery, bank, doctor, and other appointments, and local meetings, social and educational events.

  • Driving some members on a scheduled or regular basis.
• In Home Assistance:
  • Assisting with paperwork, correspondence, insurance, bill paying.
  • Providing teaching assistance on computer, printers, cameras, electronic equipment.
  • Waiting for vendors or deliveries.
  • Socializing, reading aloud, walking partners.
  • Individual activities – board games, puzzles.
  • Visiting members – in person or by phone.
  • Helping member prepare a meal or providing a meal (s).
  • Being a companion – take member on outings or for a walk.
  • Helping with minor housekeeping chores.
  • Helping with brief absences – pet care, watering plants, mail pick-up.
• Light Home Maintenance Help:
  • Assessing repairs and helping with recommendations.
  • Helping with or doing minor house repairs.
  • Changing light bulbs, hanging pictures and curtains, resetting clocks. testing and/or changing batteries in smoke & carbon monoxide detectors.
  • Sweeping or shoveling walks, blowing leaves.
• Electronics Assistance:
  • Identifying and providing simple solutions for: computers, DVD, VCR, telephone, etc. and/or recommending professional assistance from one of TIPS preferred providers.
  • Helping with complicated instructions, manuals, and computer software.
  • Holding a workshop or training session on a subject of your interest.
• Gardening Assistance or Advice:
  • Caring for and watering plants during brief absences.
  • Offering gardening advice and recommending professional gardening or landscaping services from one of TIPS preferred providers.
• Social, Cultural and Educational Programs:
  • Initiating and arranging events of interest for members.
  • Identifying and recommending social, cultural or educational events
• Medical Advocacy:
  • Accompany member to medical appointments.
  • Taking notes at appointment for past visit use.
• CFS-TIPS Newsletter:
  • Assist TIPS staff and other volunteers in writing, editing, printing and disseminating the TIPS Newsletter by e-mail and regular mail.
• Office Assistance:
  • Assistance with phone calls, e-mails, filing and mailing.
  • Computer assistance with requests, data base entry, correspondence, and record keeping.
  • Assisting with record keeping and accounting.
  • Making reminder and follow-up phone calls to members on assistance provided by the Office and/or preferred providers to evaluate member’s satisfaction or problems with the assistance they were provided.
  • Follow-up with support or assistance provided members
• Reasons to Volunteer:
In the past, it was thought that individuals volunteered strictly for altruistic reasons. Recent studies have indicated, however, that there are many other reasons, including:
  • Career: – to build a resume, to develop or learn new skills, to expand contacts.
  • Esteem: – to feel better about yourself, to give back, to feel needed and feel like you are making a contribution.
  • Social: – to act in a socially desired way, to help those who need help
  • Value: – to allow you to act on the deeply held belief of helping others.
  • Understanding: – to better understand the people and organization you serve; to better understand yourself.