Volunteer Program State and federal revenue for many of the programs and services provided by GNRC have not kept pace with increased cost of services or public demand over recent years. Volunteers play a critical role in helping GNRC maintain a high level of service to its members and clients despite its limited funding. Volunteers can have a huge impact on quality of life across Middle Tennessee by helping to connect GNRC programming to low-income families, senior adults, individuals with a physical disability, and other vulnerable populations. Volunteering also provides an opportunity for area residents to become active participants in planning the future of their local community or shaping the economic success of the region by donating their time to assisting with public engagement activities, researching policies and best practices, or collecting information and data used in the community and regional planning process.
Organization-wide Volunteer Opportunities Across the agency, volunteers assist with office tasks such as copying, filing, data entry, and making phone calls. Volunteers also help various programs through special events, assisting with communication efforts and serving as brand ambassadors at community fairs and activities. Community Development Volunteer Opportunities Volunteers assist the housing grant coordinator with collecting photos of residences for grant applications. This assistance provides for faster processing of grant applications to provide much need repairs for older low-income residents. Aging and Disability Services Volunteer Opportunities Volunteers can make a real difference in the lives of seniors, providing both concrete assistance and important contact, overcoming the isolation and depression often present in older adults. Senior outreach volunteers provide support and encouragement to seniors who spend most of their time alone by calling to check up on them. Friendly conversation, listening to their concerns, sharing stories, and offering encouragement help seniors stay positive. Service assistance volunteers make follow up calls to clients to ensure that they were able to access the services referred to during screening calls. GNRC’s guardianship program provides conservatorship to Tennesseans over the age of 60 years who are unable to manage their affairs. Volunteers visit with an assigned client twice a month with the goal to build a relationship of trust with this client, so that the client feels comfortable to voice any problems or concerns. Volunteers may read to clients, provide company, and observe their living and health conditions. One of GNRC’s most attractive volunteer opportunities supports counseling services through the Tennessee State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Volunteers assist Medicare beneficiaries and their families in navigating their way through the Medicare program helping clients feel confident about their health insurance decisions and help them save money on their prescription medications.
Rebecca Nofi Volunteer and Community Engagement Manager 615.891.5871 rnofi@gnrc.org
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