Volunteer Opportunities – Building a Better Community Through Service
The Putnam County Council on Aging has a variety of volunteer opportunities for all ages. Some volunteers assist in administrative duties, while others provide hands-on services. Opportunities are matched to a volunteer’s skills and interests.
Volunteering at the Putnam County Council on Aging is a great way to meet new people, have fun and enjoy the sense of satisfaction you get when you know you’ve made a difference. If you’re interested in volunteering, please contact Executive Director, Jodi Warnecke, or our Community Outreach Coordinator, Mary Maas, at 419-523-4121 or toll-free 1-877-796-1760.
By volunteering to help others, you can be a hero in someone else’s life. As a volunteer you can develop a sense of pride, satisfaction, and accomplishment while giving your time, talents and expertise to others. Volunteering is about connecting to others. Volunteering can boost your self-confidence, lift your emotional well-being, and help build life-long relationships.
Currently Seeking Volunteers for These Programs
Rock Steady Boxing
The Putnam County Council on Aging is looking for volunteers to help with our Rock Steady Boxing Program, which is a NON-CONTACT fitness program specifically designed for individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Rock Steady Boxing classes help improve balance, strength, flexibility, mobility and the quality of life for individuals living with Parkinson’s Disease. Classes meet twice per week and range from 60 to 90 minutes including a warm-up, workout, core exercises, and cool down. Classes take place in a safe, fun and encouraging environment. All exercises can be modified to meet the ability of those in any stage of the disease while also challenging the body to fight back against the progression of the condition.
Volunteers are a huge asset to Rock Steady Boxing Program. Volunteers help provide an encouraging, safe, and fun environment for all boxers throughout a Rock Steady workout. Volunteers work closely with the coaches and serve as the “eyes and ears” for the coaches and communicate any problems or issues with the boxers, corner partners, or equipment. Before the class, volunteers help set-up equipment, take attendance and greet boxers as they arrive. During classes, volunteers may be assigned to help a coach, run a station, or assist a boxer, depending on how many boxers show up for class.
If you are interested in volunteering with Rock Steady Boxing, you will need to meet with our Health and Wellness Coach, Christie Geller, to fill out an application and receive your training. There will be a required 1.5 hour online training. There is no cost for the training. The training course is an introduction to the Rock Steady Boxing history, method, and philosophy, and also covers some essential safety information for volunteers. For more information, please call the Council on Aging at 419-523-4121.
A Matter of Balance Fall Prevention Program
The Putnam County Council on Aging is looking for volunteers to become coaches for our Matter of Balance (MOB) fall prevention program. The MOB program is an award winning, evidenced-based program that is designed to reduce the fear of falling and help older adults increase their activity levels by promoting exercise to enhance balance, strength, and flexibility. The MOB program is an 8-week program where participants meet 1 time each week for 2 hours each session. The classes are offered throughout the county. Council on Aging staff members, who are trained as Master Trainers, provide all the training to become a coach. New coaches are given a training manual with step-by-step instructions for each class. All newly trained coaches are paired with a seasoned coach for their first class to help provide guidance and support. If you are interested in becoming a MOB coach, please call the Putnam County Council on Aging at 419-523-4121 or toll-free 1-877-796-1760.
Telephone Reassurance
The Telephone Reassurance Program provides friendly telephone calls from trained volunteers to older adults who are living alone and/or homebound. The goals of the Telephone Reassurance Program is to help older adults stay connected to their community and engaged in meaningful relationships. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer for the Telephone Reassurance Program Program, the following qualifications apply:
- Attend orientation and training
- Willing to establish a friendly, caring relationship with seniors
- Must be willing to make a commitment to call an older adult weekly.
- Volunteer at least one hour per week.
- Agree to a background screening and reference check.
- Abide by the Council’s strict confidentiality policy.
For more information on becoming a volunteer, please call the Council on Aging at 419-523-4121 or toll-free 1-877-796-1760.
Intergenerational Pen Pal Program
A Putnam County senior citizen is matched with an elementary student to begin a pen pal relationship. Students have the opportunity to practice their penmanship and writing skills. Seniors can feel that they are making a difference by sharing their experiences. Receiving a letter can be the highlight of both the student’s and the senior’s day.
Students and seniors write one letter per month during the school year (September – May). Envelopes and stamps are provided by the Council on Aging. A volunteer may be available for those needing assistance in writing their letter.
Please call the Putnam County Council on Aging at 419-523-4121 or toll-free 1-877-796-1760 for a registration form and/or for additional information about the program.