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Volunteer
The Department for the Aging, in partnership with NYC Service, has a Volunteer Program that recruits, trains, engages, and hosts individuals who are interested in learning about Aging services.
The NYC Aging Volunteer Program has a host of community partners across the city looking for individuals who want to give back to their communities. From pantries to resource fairs, volunteers are matched with opportunities that are fun, meaningful, and engaging.
The Volunteer Program includes Health Insurance Information, Counseling, and Assistance Program (HIICAP), Health Promotion, Friendly Programs, and Foster Grandparent Program. There are also opportunities to volunteer for NYC Aging special initiatives.
If you wish to make a difference in the life of an older adult, or you are an older adult who wants to give back, sign up on our volunteer portal.
If you are an organization in need of volunteers for an upcoming event or program, you can let NYC Aging know through our Volunteer Site Form.
Businesses can also have a positive impact on their communities by giving their employees an opportunity to volunteer with NYC Aging. If you would like to sign your business up, submit your information by visiting our Corporate Volunteer Program page.
To volunteer, individuals must:
- Be at least 18 years of age (volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian)
- Meet requirements of specific volunteer opportunities (vaccination, background check, etc.)
- Show compassion for older adults
To learn more about eligibility and other FAQs, visit our volunteer portal.
All completed forms are carefully reviewed by staff and a representative will respond to your submission. If you have any questions, you can call Aging Connect at 212-AGING-NY (212-244-6469).
Volunteer with NYC AGING:
Friendly Visiting
Friendly Visiting is for homebound older adults, who have health challenges. Volunteers visit the older adult in their home to talk about shared interests and experiences, forming friendships in the process. Due to COVID-19, volunteers are currently maintaining social distancing guidelines and are connecting with their matches by phone and video calls.
Foster Grandparent
The Foster Grandparent Program harnesses the skills and experiences of low-income older adults to positively impact the lives of children and youth through tutoring, mentoring, and emotional support. Volunteers are placed in community settings such as Head Starts, day cares, nurseries, elementary schools, hospitals, and courts. Volunteers must be 55 years of age or older, reside in the five boroughs, and be able to volunteer at least 15 hours per week. Foster Grandparent volunteers receive a non-taxable stipend for their service.
Health Insurance Information, Counseling, and Assistance Program (HIICAP)
HIICAP is New York City’s source for reliable information about Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D. Volunteers are trained to assist callers with questions about Medicare Supplemental Insurance (Medigap), Medicare Advantage, and help applying for the Extra Help program to cover expenses.
Requirements and skills:
- Comply with monthly reporting requirements
- Provide unbiased counsel on Medicare options; not open to insurance marketers
- Complete extensive training and mentoring process, and pass a state annual exam
- Serve a minimum of one day, four to six hours per week
- Minimum one-year commitment required
Health Promotion
To help older adults recognize and control their blood pressure, volunteers are trained to offer monthly blood pressure monitoring sessions at older adult centers.
Volunteers take blood pressure measurements using automatic monitors, explain what the numbers mean to participants, and determine when a participant should be advised to see their health care provider based on protocol.
STAY WELL
Stay Well is a curriculum-based fitness program for older adults. Volunteers are trained to offer the bi-weekly, 1 hour Stay Well classes at older adult centers. The classes can accommodate older adults of all skill, mobility, and fitness levels and include aerobic exercises and routines designed to enhance balance, build strength, and aid in the performance of the daily tasks.
Alert & Alive
Alert and Alive is a group discussion-based program that creates a safe space for older adults to share their thoughts and feelings related to aging and their life experiences. Older adult volunteers are trained to establish and lead a discussion group with other older adults at an older adult center.
Partner to Partner
The Partner to Partner program trains volunteers to support individuals who may be struggling with loneliness, loss, or other issues. Volunteers are trained to speak with older adults through confidential, one-on-one conversation.
Volunteer with Community Partners:
Unique Opportunities
Aging Connect offers an array of one-time volunteer opportunities that range from volunteering at food pantries to helping with registration at conferences, resource fairs, and special events that take place across the City. These are great volunteer opportunities for people with fluctuating schedules.