Volunteer
Why volunteer? It feels good, and it's good for you! All sorts of studies have confirmed it, but you don't need a study to tell you - any volunteers you know will tell you that. Our counties have a number of opportunities-we hope you choose to join our volunteer teams!
Barron County
Learn about volunteer opportunities in Barron County here and below, fill out our Volunteer Interest Form, or contact us at 888-538-3031.
Hear about volunteering in Barron County from DIrector Jennifer Jako in this interview.
Rusk County
Learn about volunteer opportunities in Rusk County below, fill out our Volunteer Interest Form, or contact us at 888-538-3031.
Dementia Friendly Support
These programs help people living with varying levels of memory loss and their care partners stay engaged with others and their communities.
Daybreak Adult Day Respite: Barron County
Volunteers help those with early memory loss and their caregivers to improve quality of life and personal connections. Help with daily programming such as exercise, music, meal time and socializing. Help with fundraising events and help bring awareness of the program to the community.
Growing Connections: Barron and Rusk Counties
Help participants enjoy gardening by leading monthly two-hour workshops which include a presentation, snack and an activity in a variety of locations.
Lunch Bunch: Barron County
The Lunch Bunch is a meeting place for family caregivers, along with their loved one(s), who can enjoy a change of pace, meet other caregivers, exchange ideas and information, and experience a renewal in their relationship with the loved one they are caring for. Individuals with cognitive impairment are accompanied by their caregiver for a fun social lunch where they have an opportunity to relax and meet others. The volunteer in this position will greet the attendees of the Lunch Bunch, help them find a name tag, and make sure they feel comfortable and welcome. After the check-in process is complete, the volunteer will mingle among the participants to help keep the conversation flowing. 2nd Tuesday of each month at Turtleback Restaurant in Rice Lake, 10:30 a.m. -1:00 p.m.
Healthy Aging Workshops
If you enjoy leading a group of adults as they learn together while improving their health, consider co-facilitating one of our workshops.
Evidence-based Workshops: Barron and Rusk Counties
Evidence-based workshops: Healthy Living with Diabetes, Living Well with Chronic Conditions, Stepping On, and Powerful Tools for Caregivers. After you are trained, we ask you to co-facilitate a minimum of one workshop per year. Workshops are two or three hours weekly for six or seven consecutive weeks and held in various locations or virtually.
Brain Health Workshops: Barron and Rusk Counties
Boost Your Brain and Memory and Wits Works. Help participants maintain and build their brain health. Both workshops have one-hour sessions held in various locations or virtually; Boost Your Brain and Memory is seven consecutive weeks and Wits Works is monthly for a year.
Nutrition
These programs support healthy eating, a key element in maintaining good health.
Food Commodity Distribution: Barron and Rusk Counties
Help prevent older adults from having to choose between food and other basic needs. There are monthly opportunities to help package and place food in participants’ personal vehicles in Barron and Rice Lake
Meals on Wheels: Barron County
Deliver hot meals to home-bound older adults to help them maintain their independence. Meals are delivered mid-day Monday-Friday. Routes cover the county and each route typically takes an hour to 1½ hours to complete. Volunteers can deliver monthly, weekly, or on a schedule designed to fit an individual volunteer’s needs.
Senior Dining: Barron and Rusk Counties
Help ensure an active and welcoming dining program in your community! We serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals weekdays at dining sites in each county; meal days vary by location. Pick a dining site that works for you! Volunteer duties may include greeting and socializing with diners, serving food, cleaning tables, doing dishes, and packaging Meals on Wheels.
Support Group Facilitator
Focused on Local Concerns: Barron and Rusk Counties
Create an environment where everyone can participate in a discussion of common experiences, leading the conversation and arranging speakers as needed. Opportunities in both Barron and Rusk Counties.