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Volunteerism

Lincoln Area Agency on Aging Volunteer Programs believes that Older Adults are one of our greatest resources. The combination of Experience, Talent, Training and Sense of History make them available asset to any agency or organization. Since 1973, we have provided them not only worthwhile volunteer placements but also the renewed self esteem and pride that comes from serving others with nothing expected in return. We have remained sensitive to unmet community needs and even helped in the development of programs and organizations designed to meet those needs. Take a little time to check out the programs that make up our services and see if you are ready to begin your Senior Volunteer Experience. If you have questions of a general nature, fell free to call us at (402) 441-7026.

RSVP (Retired & Senior Volunteer Program)

Lincoln Area Agency on Aging RSVP has been the starting point for the senior volunteer experience since 1973. We encourage older adults 55+ to utilize their years of training, knowledge, experiences and interests to find and pursue service opportunities throughout the community. You will find our RSVP volunteers helping in hospitals, schools, nursing homes, offices, gift shops, senior centers, information booths, teaching computers, mentioring youths, serving on advisory boards, providing transportation and much more in over 100 nonprofit, not for profit and public agencies throughout Lincoln and Lancaster County. We serve as the conduit between the needs of community agencies and the talents and skills of our community's older volunteers. Being an RSVP volunteer can carry some special benefits as well.

To find out more, call: Laurie McAdams at (402) 441-6101.

You may also fill out the RSVP Volunteer Enrollment Application and mail it to:

Lincoln Area Agency on Aging RSVP
1005 "O" Street
Lincoln, NE 68508-3628

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Foster Grandparent Program

Put your life experience to work in your community by becoming a Foster Grandparent Volunteer. You will be joining many others who are taking time to improve the lives of children in communities nationwide. Over 25,000 older Americans serve as Foster Grandparents in 322 programs nationwide. In Nebraska, over 250 older Americans serve as Foster Grandparents. Foster Grandparents provide services to children in elementary schools, Early Head Start, Crisis Nursery, Student-Parent Centers, early childhood centers, high school special education classrooms and college English language Learners program.

FOSTER GRANDPARENTS MUST:

FOSTER GRANDPARENTS RECEIVE:

In interested call: Martha Hakenkamp at (402) 441-6105

You may also fill out the Foster Grandparent Volunteer Application and mail it to:

Lincoln Area Agency on Aging's Foster Grandparent Program
1001 O Street, Suite 101
Lincoln, NE 68508-2321

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Guardian & Conservators Program

Due to advanced age and impairments, some older people experience difficult managing their financial and personal affairs. The Lincoln Chapter of The Omaha Guardian/Conservator Program was formed to help find volunteers that were willing to become guardians and or conservators for older adults in the community. This is a non profit program which will help adults 50 and over who are disabled, have no family and no funds to act on their behalf as guardian/Conservator.

The community has identified the lack of Guardians/Conservators as one of the most difficult problems facings agencies, hospitals, and the courts. Area attorneys are handling as many as 30-50 cases that are in need of this service. If you are an older adult and you are ill and unable to make reasonable decisions for yourself and without an interested family member, you can and may end up homeless or without food or medical care.

Volunteers are trained and supported by two attorneys, case managers and other agency contacts within the community to be Guardian/Conservators. The older adults which are served in this program could be in a nursing home, assisted living facility or in the community. Regular trainings are held on issues pertaining to court paperwork and other services in the community. A quarterly meeting is held to meet with the volunteers and discuss case issues. Volunteers get the opportunity to interact with each other and learn about all the different situations that they are involved.

If you are interested in an important volunteer opportunity or know of an older person who is struggling with the management of their daily affairs, contact Joanne Farrell at the LIFE Office, 402-441-7070.

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Ombudsman Program

Nursing Home Ombudsman Advocates Are specially trained and certified volunteers who provide friendship, assistance and advocacy to residents of nursing facilities. An Ombudsman Advocate helps residents in long-term care facilities and assisted living communities by investigating any concerns or complaints the resident may have. Advocates play a mediating and negotiating role on behalf of the resident to resolve any problems.

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Senior Companion Program

View the Senior Companion Brochure.

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SHIIP

Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) for the Lincoln Area Agency on Aging's (LAAA's) eight county service area. For assistance with Medicare questions, supplies of SHIIP forms, SHIIP Medicare hand outs. Drug Discount Card. For more information please call 1-800-234-7119.

View the SHIIP brochure.

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Widowed Persons Service

History of WPS

In March of 1982, a community meeting was held to determine the need for a support system for newly widowed people. The decision was made to move forward and Widowed Persons Service was started and placed under the umbrella of the Aging Services Retired & Senior Volunteer Program, and also sponsored by Aging Services LIFE office (the Lincoln Information For the Elderly), the Community Mental Health Center, the Cooperative Health Organization, and the AARP Senior Employment Program. Today it is sponsored locally by Aging Services Volunteer Programs and nationally by AARP.

WPS is an outreach program for newly widowed people sponsored by AARP and locally by Lincoln Area Agency on Aging RSVP. Trained volunteers who have lost a spouse contact the newly widowed offering support, helpful information, encouragement, and socialization. WPS also sponsors several groups which include: WPS Friendship Group; Just Pals; Widow's Breakfast, Widow's Luncheon, and Widower's Breakfast. If you would like to be a WPS volunteer, call Laurie McAdams at 441-6101.

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