Volunteers are an integral part of the Society with a wide range of opportunities available for individuals wanting to give of their time to support the Society and the individuals served by the Society. Volunteers may choose to work with someone on an individual basis, provide support services that directly benefit clients served by the Society, or provide important support for the Society’s marketing, fund-raising, and office functions.

All volunteer opportunities require completion of Society’s Volunteer Orientation, with some needing additional special training in order to work directly with individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Tracking of volunteer hours on Society form also required. Background check required.

Friendly Visitor

This person is assigned one-on-one with an individual who is blind or visually impaired and assists that person with regular social visits. They may also help read mail and other materials, assist with grocery shopping, and make periodic phone calls as the volunteer wishes. Limits on the relationship include not assisting with financial matters in any manner. With assistance form the Society’s Volunteer Coordinator, the volunteer is encouraged to set limits with the client on personal use of the volunteer.

Hours Available: Times to be scheduled by volunteer directly with the individual helping

Client Material Preparation Volunteer

This person would help get material into print and braille by typing recipes, directions for equipment & aids. Labeling items in kitchen using label maker and/or bold pen. Compiling large print recipes into notebooks. Make “bobbers” for liquid level indicating. Copying materials for clients.

Qualifications: Needs basic word processing on computer and good organization skills.

Key Staff: Vision Rehabilitation Therapist

Hours Available: Anytime M – F 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM at office and at discretion of volunteer, some work can be done at home with time at discretion of volunteer.

Cooking Class Assistant

Assist Society teacher or client volunteer in small cooking classes with up to 5 individuals. Help assist clients in learning adaptive cooking techniques, reinforce techniques and help insure personal safety.

Qualifications: Ability to get along with wide range of individuals and work under supervision of Society Teacher. Able to take directions and willing to learn various approaches used by individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

Key Staff: Vision Rehabilitation Therapist

Hours Needed: Weekly, Monday 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM (classes go for approximately 4 – 6 weeks then break for several weeks before starting again)

Recording Assistant Volunteer

Using Society tape recorder, or personal one, records recipes, directions, books, etc… on tape.

Qualifications: Able to speak clearly and slowly into personal tape recorder.

Key Staff: Vision Rehabilitation Therapist

Hours Available: Anytime M – F 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM at office and at discretion of volunteer, some can be at home.

Community Activity Assistant

Accompany and assist blind individuals on outings into the community, providing sighted-guide and support.

Qualifications: Ability to get along with others and provide personal assistance, need to learn sighted guide technique, must be able to verbally describe surroundings to blind person. Although not required, driving personal or agency vehicle is helpful. (reimbursement for personal car provided)

Key Staff: Activity Coordinator

Hours Needed: Monthly, 2nd Wednesday between hours of 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM (each community outing time varies dependent on activity)

Client Follow-up Services Volunteer

Make phone calls to individual clients who have received services and conduct short quality of service survey. Telephones and all necessary information at Society office.

Qualifications: Easy going and friendly on phone calls, able to follow script and survey questions.

Key Staff: Client Services Coordinator

Hours Available: Minimum 2 hour period, anytime Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM, specific time at discretion of volunteer.

Development & Marketing Volunteer Assistant

From staff filled out forms, puts individual names/addresses in prospect/donor database. May periodically assists with mailings for clients with address labels and make copies of materials for teachers and agency.

Qualifications: Basic Computer database knowledge (Microsoft Excel), or ability to learn such.

Key Staff: PR/Marketing Staff

Hours Available: Minimum 2 hour period anytime Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM at office, specific time at discretion of volunteer.

Office Assistant

This person helps with general mailings, stamping materials and address labeling. Also make copies for staff of needed material.

Key Staff: PR/Marketing Staff and Client Support Staff

Hours Available: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM at office. As needed and called upon.

If you are interested in volunteering or wish for further information please click here: e-mail to volunteer@slsbvi.org