VOLUNTEER WITH NEIGHBORS NETWORK

A Little of Your Time Can Mean a Lot to a Neighbor.

You don’t need special skills or hours of free time to make a difference. Neighbors Network Volunteers share their time, talents, and kindness in ways that help adults 55+ stay independent, active, and connected.

Choose opportunities that work for your interests and schedule, and see the difference a good neighbor can make.

MAKE AN IMPACT

Help Someone Keep Living Life Their Way.

Sometimes making a difference looks surprisingly simple.

It can be a ride to an appointment. A little help figuring out a new phone. An extra set of hands around the house. A friendly conversation. Or simply showing up when a neighbor could use you.

Every connection helps strengthen a community where people can continue living independently while knowing they have neighbors they can count on.

WAYS TO HELP

There’s More Than One Way to Be a Good Neighbor.

Membership connects you with trusted Volunteers, practical assistance, activities, and a community of neighbors, while keeping you in control of when and how you participate.

Provide a Ride

Help a Member get to an appointment, run an errand, pick up groceries, or attend a Neighbors Network activity.

Share Your Tech Skills

Help with cell phones, computers, email, televisions, remotes, and other everyday technology.

Lend a Hand at Home

Assist with minor household projects, organizing, light gardening, seasonal tasks, or moving light items.

Help at Events & Activities

Support social gatherings, programs, activities, and other Neighbors Network events.

Make a Friendly Connection

Spend time visiting, walking, making a phone call, or simply enjoying a conversation with a Member.

Share Your Professional Skills

Put your experience to work through administrative support, outreach, social media, or other organizational needs.

ONE OF THE BIGGEST WAYS TO HELP

Sometimes Making a Difference Is as Simple as Giving Someone a Ride.

Transportation is one of the most requested forms of Volunteer support at Neighbors Network.

Volunteer drivers help Members get where they want to go, from appointments and errands to activities and social events, while helping them maintain the freedom and independence to stay connected to their community.

VOLUNTEER YOUR WAY

Make a Difference on a Schedule That Works for You.

You don’t have to commit to the same day every week or take on every type of request.

Neighbors Network offers flexible opportunities that allow you to contribute based on your availability, interests, skills, and comfort level. Choose the ways you want to help and participate when your schedule allows.

A few hours can help.

Give time when you have it.

Use what you already know.

Your everyday skills can be incredibly useful to someone else.

Choose how you contribute.

Find opportunities that feel like a good fit.

See the difference you make.

Volunteer support is personal, local, and directly connected to the people you’re helping.

EVERYONE HAS
SOMETHING TO OFFER

Good Neighbors Come From Everywhere.

You don’t have to be a Neighbors Network Member or live within our Member service area to Volunteer.

Our Volunteers can include retirees, working professionals, students, younger adults, families, Members, faith communities, civic organizations, corporate teams, and other community groups.

Volunteer & Donor Stories

Neighbors Network runs on the generosity of people who give their time, skills, and support. Meet a few of the neighbors who make our work possible.

Volunteer Highlight

More Than Just a Ride

Vicki Yurso’s path to volunteering began with a personal mission. For 17 years, she cared for her mother as her driver and companion, and she saw firsthand the deep sense of loss that comes when someone can no longer get behind the wheel. After her mother passed away, Vicki honored that experience by becoming a volunteer driver for her church ministry, and she eventually joined Neighbors Network.

One of her favorite memories is taking a couple who had recently moved to a senior community back to their old neighborhood. They spent the day visiting favorite spots, eating at their go-to restaurant, and shopping at the stores they loved. As Vicki puts it, “It was a great day for everyone.”

Today, Vicki also uses her tech skills to keep members connected. Whether she’s troubleshooting a computer, setting up a tablet, or explaining a new smartphone, she brings patience and joy to every tech hurdle.

For anyone on the fence about volunteering, Vicki offers this encouragement:

“Whatever you have to offer, Neighbors Network can take it and use it to make a senior’s life better. It’s time well spent and truly a gift to experience. I hope someone will be there to do the same for me one day.”

Volunteer Highlight

Driven by Purpose: Owen's Heart for Seniors

Owen has volunteered with Neighbors Network since 2025. “It’s my favorite volunteering,” he says. “I’m impressed with Neighbors Network. It’s a well-run organization, and everyone I’ve met is very nice and easy to work with.”

Owen is passionate about helping older adults and volunteers with several senior-focused organizations. He serves as a long-term care ombudsman for the Florida Department of Elder Affairs, advocating for residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities in Maitland and Winter Park. He’s also a substitute driver for Meals on Wheels and teaches a fall-prevention class at Easter Seals Day Break at the Miller Center.

“Volunteering gives me purpose,” he says. “I enjoy driving Neighbors Network members to their medical appointments. I usually read in the waiting room, but I’m happy to be an extra set of ears if they’d like me to come into the doctor’s office with them. I know it’s a delicate situation, so I just listen. I’m not pushy, just there to help and make them feel comfortable.”

His mother lives in California, where his sister helps her get to appointments, so the work feels personal:

“Volunteering for Neighbors Network gives me a chance to do for someone what I would be doing for my mother if I lived there.”

We’re so glad Owen is part of our team!

Donor Highlight

From PTA to JD: A Journey of Service and Advocacy

Janice Nisbett, a newer supporter of Neighbors Network, first learned about our mission from her close friend and board member Melanie Lee. Their friendship goes back to 1985, when Janice and her husband moved to College Park. After receiving Melanie’s annual appeal letter and following our work on Facebook, Janice was inspired to invest in our mission.

Janice’s own career is a story of second chances. After raising three children and dedicating years to the PTA, Boy Scouts, and her church, she went to law school. Today she helps people get criminal records sealed or expunged, so those whose charges were dismissed can move forward with their lives. She remembers one client who was falsely arrested. Even after the charges were dropped, he couldn’t find work or housing until Janice helped clear his record. “Helping him changed his life,” she says. “He was finally able to get a job and a place to live.”

When she isn’t advocating for others, Janice enjoys traveling, reading, and running, and she and her husband love spending time with their growing family of grandchildren.

Janice’s advice to our community:

“Tell your friends about Neighbors Network and ask them to tell their friends! It’s the best way to grow our mission and help more people.”

GETTING STARTED

Becoming a Volunteer Is Simple.

Apply

Tell us a little about yourself, your interests, and how you’d like to help.

Get Connected

Our team will contact you to talk about opportunities and complete the appropriate screening process.

Start Helping

Choose Volunteer opportunities that fit your interests, skills, availability, and comfort level.

Volunteers who work directly with Members undergo appropriate background screening, and Volunteer drivers also undergo motor vehicle screening.

It’s gratifying to help, and the members truly appreciate it.

"What I’m doing for Neighbors Network aligns with my interest in performing small acts of service. My kids are grown and don’t need my help as much as they used to. I enjoy the variety of requests from members. It’s gratifying to help, and the members truly appreciate it."

- Joe

Wondering What It’s Like to Volunteer?

Do I have to live in the Neighbors Network service area?

No. Volunteers do not have to live within the Member service area.

Volunteering is flexible. You can participate in opportunities that fit your availability, interests, skills, and comfort level.

Not necessarily. Volunteer opportunities range from providing rides and helping with technology to friendly visits, household projects, events, outreach, and administrative support.

Yes. Volunteers who work directly with Members undergo appropriate background screening. Volunteer drivers also undergo motor vehicle screening.

Yes. Members are welcome to share their own time, talents, and interests with other Members.

Yes. Opportunities may be available for community groups, students, civic and faith organizations, corporate groups, and others.