Volunteering
Each year dedicated individuals volunteer over 5000 hours to help the center achieve its goal of improving quality of life of care-giving families. We currently have many opportunities for individuals and groups who would like to work with our participants, the local communities or in our office and are always looking for new people to help us fulfill our mission.
Getting Started
To support Alzheimer’s Family Services Center through volunteer work, please download and complete our volunteer application here: Volunteer Application. Download a copy in Microsoft Word to fill out and email to volunteer@afscenter.org or mail to the Volunteer Coordinator at Alzheimer’s Family Services Center: 9451 Indianapolis Ave, Huntington Beach, CA 92646.
Once the application is received and reviewed, you will be invited to visit the center for an interview and New Volunteer Orientation. Please note that all volunteers, except groups, must have completed a Tuberculosis (TB) Skin Test or XRAY and Health Screening prior to their first day of volunteering. To get a headstart on your health screening form, you can download it here: Health Screening Form.
For more information, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator at (714) 593-9630 or volunteer@afscenter.org.
Ways You Can Help
Join the Fun
Work with our Activities Team to organize fun and exciting activities for center participants, including art, word and memory enhancement games, bingo and horseshoes in one-on-one or small group settings. Volunteers lead activities or help center staff engage participants in different games or programs. Activities are Monday through Friday from 10:00-12:00 p.m. and 1:00-3:00 p.m. (Morning Activity Team volunteers and Spanish and Vietnamese-speaking volunteers are especially needed to assist with our language-specific activity groups.)
Keep Us Going
Provide administrative support to the center’s various departments by answering phones, greeting visitors, assisting with data entry, coordinating mailings and completing other necessary tasks. Some clerical experience and basic computer skills are preferred, but training and supervision will be provided.
Become an Ambassador
Volunteers act as representatives for Alzheimer’s Family Services Center through our Community Ambassadors Program and are asked to speak at service organizations, health fairs and other community events. Knowledge of Alzheimer’s Family Services Center, its mission and its services, and some level of experience speaking in front of groups are required. Training is mandatory before volunteering as a Community Ambassador.
Make the Connection
Students from local Middle Schools, Junior Highs and High Schools volunteer at the center through our Intergenerational Program depending on their availability and preference. Intergenerational volunteers spend their time talking and interacting with participants while playing games or other activities. Intergenerational volunteers generally receive a greater degree of supervision, while volunteering one or two hours per week. Due to the nature of student schedules, interested Intergenerational Volunteers should contact the Volunteer Coordinator to arrange their hours.
We Care Team
The center relies greatly on financial support from the community through fundraising events. Event Volunteers provide assistance, depending on their schedules, by organizing, coordinating and/or staffing the center’s two annual events, A Gathering of Friends and Design 2 Care. Some mandatory training may be required prior to each event.
Be a Star
Groups, scout troops and school classrooms are encouraged to visit the center to entertain our participants with songs, dancing, music, pet therapy, and art and craft presentations. The possibilities are endless, and visits can be one-time or ongoing. Enthusiasm, patience and a desire to share are welcomed.
On the Go!
Volunteers join our participants and staff on exciting fieldtrips to local museums, the beach, the park or out to lunch. Outings take place Monday through Friday, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and transportation is provided.
Special Projects
Volunteers assist with special, one-time assignments, including mailings and community receptions. These projects vary according to the specific needs and goals of the center. Special Project assignments will be sent via email or telephone.
