The Center for Volunteer Caregiving

Soon after she was activated as a volunteer with The Center in March 2021, Paige was matched with Sylvia for friendly visits. They’ve been inseparable since then with friendly visits on a weekly basis. Sylvia said that she looks forward to Paige’s visits every weekend. Paige heard about The Center for Volunteer Caregiving from her aunt. Paige had a close relationship with her grandfather and saw him frequently. After his death in February 2020, Paige felt a void in her life. Her aunt suggested she try volunteering with an older adult and pointed her in The Center’s direction.

Volunteer Spotlight - Paige | The Center for Volunteer Caregiving Soon after she was activated as a volunteer with The Center in March 2021, Paige was matched with Sylvia for friendly visits. They’ve been inseparable since then with friendly visits […]

🚗 Volunteer Drivers Needed! 🚗

Help make a difference in Wake County! We're seeking reliable volunteers with a car and a few hours to volunteer a month to provide transportation for seniors and adults with disabilities. Ready to help? Sign up today at https://volunteercaregiving.org/volunteer/ or contact us for more info. Together, we can ensure everyone has access to essential services and appointments.

Volunteer | The Center for Volunteer Caregiving The Center is meets the needs of seniors, adults with disabilities and their family caregivers through a “neighbor helping neighbor” approach

We're thrilled to introduce our newest team member! Sonya joined our team this May, bringing with her a strong dedication to serving others as demonstrated by her previous volunteer experience with The Center. After spending five rewarding years nurturing her family and contributing to her community through organizations like Meals on Wheels and her daughter’s school, Sonya felt it was time to reignite her professional journey. With a solid 15-year career in the Biotech industry, she brings invaluable expertise in patient-centric processes. Welcome, Sonya!

Susan Joan, an active member of the Cary-Page Rotary Club, was introduced to The Center for Volunteer Caregiving during the COVID-19 pandemic by a fellow Rotary member. Beginning in late 2020, she was paired with Annie, a care receiver whom she quickly developed a close friendship with. Their bond strengthened through collaborative activities and they now are planning for Annie's upcoming wedding. Despite Susan Joan’s frequent travels, she has dedicated 230 hours to volunteering since 2020, demonstrating her commitment to community service in Wake County.

Volunteer Spotlight - Susan Joan | The Center for Volunteer Caregiving Susan Joan has given 230 hours of her time to visit with and help the clients of The Center since 2020. What an amazing gift to our community!

With summer in full swing, it's crucial to keep our elderly loved ones safe in the heat. Here are some practical tips from Health in Aging:

- Hydration is key: Encourage drinking water regularly.
- Dress cool: Opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics.
- Timing matters: Schedule outdoor activities in the cooler parts of the day.
- Keep it cool indoors: Ensure rooms are well-ventilated and use fans or AC.
- Check-in regularly: Look out for signs of heat-related illness.

Let's all do our part to ensure a safe and enjoyable summer for seniors. Read more on how to protect against the heat here:

Tip Sheet: Hot Weather Safety Tips for Older Adults | HealthInAging.org We all know that hot weather can be dangerous, especially for older adults. Every summer, nearly 200 Americans die of health problems caused by high heat and humidity. Most of these individuals happen to over age 50. Hot weather is more likely to cause health problems for older adults for a variety....

We hope everyone has a safe and happy Independence Day!

Looking for a way to give back? We are always in need of volunteers for all three of our programs. Help by driving older adults to their medical appointments or by being a friendly visitor to a homebound senior. Sign up today!

Volunteer | The Center for Volunteer Caregiving The Center is meets the needs of seniors, adults with disabilities and their family caregivers through a “neighbor helping neighbor” approach

Did you know? June is National Elder Abuse Awareness Month. Learn how you can spot signs of elder abuse and what steps to take if you suspect someone is in danger.

Elder Abuse Awareness Month - Center for Elder Justice and Education The purpose of Elder Abuse Awareness Month is to shed light on the abuse and neglect that older adults and vulnerable adults face.

Ed's journey with The Center for Volunteer Caregiving began when he attended a Powerful Tools for Caregivers class led by The Center’s staff while caring for his wife Judy, who had dementia. After Judy's passing in 2021, Ed kept in contact with The Center's staff and decided he was ready to volunteer at the end of 2023. Ed now provides respite for another family caregiver, forging deep connections with the couple, who appreciate his reliability and understanding as a former caregiver himself. Ed's warmth and dedication have made him a beloved volunteer, leaving a positive impact on those he assists and the staff at The Center.

Volunteer Spotlight - Ed | The Center for Volunteer Caregiving Ed has come full circle at The Center for Volunteer Caregiving. He first began his involvement with The Center when he attended a Powerful Tools for Caregivers class led by […]

Happy 32nd Anniversary to The Center for Volunteer Caregiving! As we reflect on the past 32 years, we are filled with gratitude for each and every one of you who has contributed to our mission. Here's to many more years of impact!

To celebrate The Center’s 32nd anniversary, our staff tackled an escape room challenge. We completed it with 4 minutes to spare. Our team rocks!

Excited to have Oak City Voices join us again at our annual Caregiver Retreat Luncheon. So joyful!

🚗 Volunteer Drivers Needed! 🚗

Help make a difference in Wake County! We're seeking reliable volunteers with a car and a compassionate spirit to provide transportation for seniors and adults with disabilities. Whether you can spare a few hours a month or have a flexible schedule, your support is invaluable. Ready to help? Sign up today at https://volunteercaregiving.org/volunteer/ or contact us for more info. Together, we can ensure everyone has access to essential services and appointments.

Volunteer | The Center for Volunteer Caregiving The Center is meets the needs of seniors, adults with disabilities and their family caregivers through a “neighbor helping neighbor” approach

David's journey into volunteering was sparked by his father's health challenges, which lead him to witness the needs of older adults firsthand. Motivated by this, he joined The Center in January of 2023 and has since volunteered within our Transportation and In-Home Connections programs. Through these programs, David has forged meaningful bonds with individuals like Jose and Frances, whom he connected with over shared passions such as food and gardening. Although David originally started volunteering to help others, along the way he’s discovered that volunteering has been a reciprocal act that has enriched his life alongside the care receivers that he’s served.

Volunteer Spotlight - David | The Center for Volunteer Caregiving David chose to volunteer with The Center after he saw firsthand the needs of aging adults after his father became ill and moved to assisted living.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, by 2030, all baby boomers will be older than age 65. This means that one in every five residents will be retirement age, emphasizing the importance of supporting older adults in our communities.

At Volunteer Caregiving, we're dedicated to providing essential care and companionship to older adults in Wake County, empowering them to age with dignity and grace.

Learn more about how you can make a difference in the lives of older adults by visiting

The Center for Volunteer Caregiving | Wake County, NC The Center for Volunteer Caregiving helps older adults and adults with disabilities in Wake County live independently for as long as possible.

Thank you, The Center for Volunteer Caregiving, for reminding us about the power of a friendly face. Goodwill Industries of Eastern North Carolina celebrates your vision for a community where all are welcome, connected, cared for, and valued.

May is National Older Americans Month!

At The Center, we celebrate our beloved older adults who have shaped our communities and enriched our lives. Learn more about how you can get involved in our mission to care for and uplift the older adults in Wake County at volunteercaregiving.org.

The Center for Volunteer Caregiving | Wake County, NC The Center for Volunteer Caregiving helps older adults and adults with disabilities in Wake County live independently for as long as possible.

“A review of 40 studies revealed that volunteering lowers the risk of early death, enhances overall health, and promotes wellbeing. Volunteers even experience a reduced risk of hypertension and report better health."

This quote speaks volumes! Volunteering goes beyond serving the community; it enriches your own life. It's a win-win, spreading joy to others while nurturing your own health and happiness.

Loneliness isolation and your heart health Isolation and loneliness can affect both your mental and physical health. Start to feel better with these tips from Dr. Scott Lear

Our next Volunteer Gathering is just around the corner!

🗓️ When: Wednesday, May 1, 2024
🕒 Time: 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm
📍 Where: Cary Bark Bar, 327 S. Academy St. Cary, NC 27511

No RSVP needed! Swing by to meet our Board Chair, Brian Gould, and mingle with The Center's staff and other volunteers. BYOB.

Happy National Volunteer Week! 🎉

This National Volunteer Week, we celebrate YOU – our volunteers – for your kindness, empathy, and unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of older adults, adults with disabilities, and family caregivers.

Thank you for being the heart and soul of The Center.

🐾 Meet Bruno, our honorary Chief Morale Officer at The Center! He may not have a desk, but with his paw-sitive attitude he's always spreading smiles across the office. 🐶

Jay's leap into volunteering began with a spur-of-the-moment decision sparked by his church highlighting The Center back in July of 2022. Jay has dedicated himself to various volunteer activities at The Center, including providing rides, visiting care receivers, and spreading holiday cheer, demonstrating a willingness to help out whenever needed. He has found deep fulfillment in his volunteer work, especially in his bond with his care receiver Tim, whom he regularly visits and assists with a few things around the house. When asking Tim about Jay, Tim said "He will do anything for you that is possible for him to do. He’s a busy guy, but he finds time in his schedule to help... Jay’s visits are something that I really look forward to every week.”

Volunteer Spotlight - Jay | The Center for Volunteer Caregiving Jay's care receiver, Tim, said, “All of your volunteers are special. They have love for people. It’s a joy to be around people who love like they do.”

Looking for a way to make a meaningful impact in Wake County? There's no better time to start volunteering with The Center than during National Volunteer Month! Click on the “Volunteer” tab on our website to sign up and start making a difference in the lives of seniors, adults with disabilities, and family caregivers.

The Center for Volunteer Caregiving | Wake County, NC The Center for Volunteer Caregiving helps older adults and adults with disabilities in Wake County live independently for as long as possible.

Did you know?

April is designated as National Volunteer Month, a special time to honor and appreciate the remarkable contributions of our volunteers! Take a look at these enlightening insights that shed light on the profound influence of volunteerism:

Volunteering doesn't just benefit those receiving support; it's incredibly rewarding for volunteers themselves. Discover how volunteering can enhance your mental and physical well-being, instill a sense of purpose, and foster meaningful social connections in this enlightening article by the Mayo Clinic:

3 health benefits of volunteering Did you know volunteering can benefit your health? Learn about the physical, mental and social benefits of donating your time and talents.

🎉 Happy National Volunteer Month! 🎉

Today marks the start of a month-long celebration dedicated to honoring our incredible volunteers. Your dedication and selflessness make a world of difference. Thank you for all that you do!

Thank you to Goodwill Industries of Eastern NC for recognizing The Center's contribution to the community with an Agency Empowerment grant this year. We enjoyed meeting the Goodwill team today!

Volunteer drivers needed!

We currently have a waiting list of 150 people who need our volunteer drivers to get to medical appointments, the grocery store, or pharmacy. We are in particular need of volunteers who will drive in eastern Wake County (Zebulon, Wendell, Knightdale, SE Raleigh, Garner, Fuquay-Varina, and Willow Spring) but more volunteers are needed all over the county.

If you or someone you know can spare 2-3 hours a month to give an older adult or adult with a disability an important ride to access healthcare, food and medications, sign up on the Volunteer on our website.

Volunteer | The Center for Volunteer Caregiving The Center is meets the needs of seniors, adults with disabilities and their family caregivers through a “neighbor helping neighbor” approach

Have you heard? The Center has a brand new website!

Explore our programs, upcoming events, and more!

The Center for Volunteer Caregiving | Wake County, NC The Center for Volunteer Caregiving helps older adults and adults with disabilities in Wake County live independently for as long as possible.

Our staff and care receivers extend immense gratitude to a friend of board member Rick Messemer for generously donating her beautifully crafted lap quilts. Just look at the joy on the face of one of the recipients!