Volunteer

New and Modified Programs, Services and Volunteer Opportunities offered in response to COVID-19

For information about our volunteer programs and opportunities, call the Aging Helpline at 919-968-2087, email Shenae McPherson or call 919-245-4243.

Volunteer Connect 55+ 

Let’s Talk About Mental Health During COVID
Join us for a facilitated discussion as we openly and supportively discuss mental wellness and the struggles of staying mentally healthy during COVID. A panel of experts will share their knowledge and experiences on how to address the concerns and obstacles we all could experience, as well as strategies for maintaining your mental wellness.

Panelists include:

• Michelle Chambers, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and owner of Therapeutic Family Solutions
  • Nancy Ruffner, Board Certified Patient Advocate and owner of NAVIGATE NC LLC
  • Nancy Loeffler, founder of Being With Grief and the author of The Alchemy of Grief, Your Journey to Wholeness, and its Companion Journal

Let’s Talk About Our Mental Health During COVID, join us! Thu, Jul 23, 2020 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM (EDT)

Please join the discussion from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://www.gotomeet.me/GOTO_Meeting_AGING_02/letstalkaboutourmentalhealthduringcovid   

You can also dial in using your phone. United States: +1 (872) 240-3311 / Access Code: 776-460-093 

New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/776460093

For more information, please contact Shenae McPherson or Kim Lamon-Loperfido. 

If technology assistance is needed, please contact Shenae McPherson at 919-245-4243 by Monday, July 20.

COVID-19 Volunteer Opportunities: Would you like to share your skills and gifts with older adults in Orange County. Leaders from Orange County’s Department on Aging and UNC’s Partnerships in Aging have created a list to match volunteers with the needs and changing circumstances of individuals and organizations that serve older adults. To volunteer, please add your name to the COVID-19 Volunteer List.  

Emergency Plan & Serious Illness Plan: When we make health decisions ahead of time and put those wishes in writing, we bring peace of mind to our families and to ourselves. The Project EngAGE End of Life Choices Senior Resource Team has created a document to aid in beginning your process for emergency planning during this COVID-19 health crisis. This form is not intended to be or to replace your advanced directives document, but is to be used as a tool to provide additional information for quick access should you need it. Access the form here.

Grocery Delivery Service: If you are in need of grocery delivery, or if you know an older adult who would benefit from this service, Volunteer Connect 55+ is now offering this resource.  To register for this program, complete the online request form or contact the Aging Helpline at 919-968-2087.  This service is being offered to Orange County residents age 60 and over. Ordering requirements apply.

Seymour Tech Remote Learning: We are offering FREE remote technology courses via Zoom. Find the schedule and sign up for these remote learning courses at www.seymourtechcenter.org. Find the course you want and simply click to enroll for each class.

Supplemental Food Box Program: A FREE monthly Commodity Supplemental Food Program food box is available for qualifying for Orange County residents, age 60 and over who meet income requirements. Contact us for information or to apply

Tax Assistance - Virtual Services: The Orange County VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program) has transitioned to a Virtual Service providing assistance with 2019 tax returns for some taxpayers. The tax filing deadline for both Federal and NC State returns has been delayed to July 15, 2020. To learn more visit our VITA website.

Telephone Reassurance:  As we continue to enforce social distancing, and social gatherings aren’t possible, we want to make sure you’re doing okay. Would you like a daily phone call just to check on you? We are actively enrolling new Orange County adults age 55 and over. If interested, contact us today!