Volunteers are a key component in carrying out the mission of the Alzheimer's Association. We truly appreciate the much-needed assistance provided by those of you who freely give your time and talent. We have ongoing projects in which we could use your help.
Volunteer opportunities are available in three areas:
- Administrative services
- Family services
- Special events
Training will be provided in each area.
Download a Volunteer Application
Below is a detailed list of volunteer opportunities. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Julia Schrader, Coordinator of Volunteer Services, at 1.800.272.3900 or e-mail volunteer.coordinator@alz.org. Julia is also a volunteer with the Alzheimer's Association and is typically only in the office on Tuesday afternoons, so please allow a few days for a response to your inquiry.
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
Computer Support - work with word processing, data entry and technical support. Desired commitment is 3-4 hours a week.
Office Support - answer telephones, staff the reception desk, copying, filing, and assist with special tasks and projects as needed. Desired commitment is 3-4 hours a week.
FAMILY SERVICES
Health Fair Representative - Distribute basic information about Alzheimer's disease and the Alzheimer's Association at health fairs throughout the eight county region. Commitment is on an as-needed basis; volunteer determines availability.
Helpline Counselors - Assist callers to the office, make follow-up calls, responding to questions and concerns; provide emotional support and information about Alzheimer's disease and related disorders, chapter services and community resources. Desired commitment is 4 hours a week.
Respite Volunteer - Provide in-home companionship, supervision, and meaningful activity to an individual with dementia while providing temporary relief for the family caregiver. Desired commitment is 4 hours per month.
Support Group Facilitators - Lead a support group to help ease the burden of caregivers. Desired commitment is once a month.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Volunteers play a pivotal role in the fundraising activities which make the work of the chapter possible, working on one or more of the special events which take place each year. Opportunities are available in planning, preparing for the events and assignments on the day of the events. Events include the Dementia Care Symposium, Request-a-thon, Unforgettable, Taste of Buffalo, Buffalo Wing Fest, Walk to End Alzheimer's, and many more.
OTHER
Advocacy - Visit, phone or e-mail elected officials to seek their support when Alzheimer's legislation is proposed in Albany or Washington, D.C. Commitment is on an as-needed basis.
Alzheimer's Community Ambassador - Provide information about Alzheimer's disease and the Alzheimer's Association in areas and communities not readily accessible to the office. Commitment is dependent on community's need and volunteer's availability.
Art Program Assistant - Work with residents in a dementia care facility on projects for the Memories in the Making program. Commitment is dependent on facility's need.
Committee Volunteer - Serve on one or more committees such as the board of directors, advisory committees, special events, the volunteer committee or committee for one-time projects. Commitment is dependent on committee's schedule and work load.
Special Task Volunteer - Projects occur that require the work of a single volunteer. These can include library assistance, archival assistance, coordinating a particular project, etc.. Commitment is dependent on project's need.
