Volunteer

Volunteer

When you volunteer for WFIA, we take the necessary time to match you with a care receiver who has similar interests. We also work with you to create a schedule that is most convenient for you.


Who you help

As a volunteer, you will help adults in the Greater Williamsburg Area who need a little assistance to stay in their home, including:

  • Seniors
  • Adults with a chronic illness
  • Adults with a visual impairment
  • Adults with memory impairment
  • Adults with developmental disabilities

Services we offer

We offer a variety of services including:

  • Transportation
  • Shopping/Running Errand for Care Receivers
  • Respite/Family Caregiver Support
  • Light Housekeeping
  • Friendly Visiting
  • Telecare
  • Light Yard Work
  • Help with Paperwork

For a full description of these services, please read our Services page.


Volunteer training

Attending a Volunteer Orientation is the first step to volunteering with Williamsburg Area Faith in Action. Training is held in our office located at 354 McLaws Cir, Ste 2, Williamsburg, VA 23185.

Orientation includes, a general overview of the program and services WFIA provides. While attending an orientation session is not a commitment to volunteer, it does allow potential volunteers to see how they can become involved and how the program operates.

Please contact the WFIA office for more information at 757-258-5890 or by email: info@wfia.org.



Making Time to Volunteer

We're all busy people. However, there are simple ways that you can help-no matter how busy your schedule is. Don't think you have time? Here are just a few examples of how you can help!

With 30 minutes a week, you can

  • Make three reassurance calls.

With 1-2 hours every week, you can

  • Drive someone to the doctor.
  • Take someone to the grocery store.
  • Give a primary caregiver an opportunity to have lunch with a friend.

With 1-2 hours every month, you can

  • Visit with someone who is lonely.
  • Rake a neighbor's leaves or mow their grass.


Volunteer Bill of Rights

As volunteers, you are also seen as caregivers. You are a part of a care receiver's world. You are a neighbor helping another neighbor and it's important to take care of yourself. It is human nature to serve others. Many people even feel called to serve. Often, caregivers do not know how to serve themselves. If you give more to others than you give yourself, you begin to burn out and lose the love for serving. Remembering your rights as a volunteer is a good step to successful volunteer service.

As a volunteer you have the right...

  • To say no to a request.
  • To take time for rest when feeling off track from your mission as a volunteer, when you are sick, or when you need time for you.
  • To enjoy your role as a volunteer.
  • To communicate any problems, emotions, or issues on your mind with the staff.
  • To remember that the staff is supporting you and is available to help you in your volunteer efforts.

Volunteers do make a great impact on the lives of those they serve. There is no need for volunteers to feel they have to save the world on their own. Rather, when you serve through WFIA, you will in fact make a great impact on the community around you. Case by case, the lives of those who are in need of help with their daily living will be improved with your help.

Thank you for giving your time, talents, and heart to the hundreds of care receivers who appreciate your help in living independently.