Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers are part of all services and programs we provide.
If you are interested, we have job descriptions listed below and a volunteer application for you to use. Specialized training is provided as needed.
For more information, please call Joy Wahby at 616-458-1187 or 1-800-466-8084.
Community Education / Speaker
Volunteers are needed to speak to senior groups, schools, and service organizations about visual impairments and blindness as well as services of the agency.
Time Commitment: As needed
Qualifications: Clear Speaking Voice,
Knowledge about agency services, blindness, and visual impairments.
Driver
Volunteers are needed to transport visually impaired persons to and from their residence and another destination.
Time Commitment: As determined between client and volunteer, specific times to be coordinated with the client.
Qualifications: Regular use of a Car: a valid driver's license and proof of insurance.
Good driving record.
Must be patient and sensitive to client needs.
File Assistant / Clerical
Volunteers are needed to assist agency staff by filing folders, reports, and miscellaneous documents, as well as miscellaneous clerical duties.
Time Commitment: 4-6 hours per week between the hours of 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Qualifications: Knowledge of filing principles including ability to alphabetize,
Attention to detail,
Ability to operate a copier and postage meter or willingness to learn.
Friendly Visitor
Volunteers are needed to regularly visit and provide interesting and stimulating interaction with clients who are visually impaired.
Time Commitment: As determined between client and volunteer, specific times to be coordinated with the client.
Qualifications: Pleasant and warm personality with desire to enrich the life of a person with a visual impairment.
Respect for privacy and client confidentiality.
Reader
Volunteers are needed to read aloud to visually impaired clients and assist them with written correspondence, personal business, and organization of paperwork as well as leisure reading.
Time Commitment: As determined between client and volunteer, specific times to be coordinated with the client.
Qualifications: Strong written and verbal skills.
Animated, enthusiastic reader.
Respect for privacy and client confidentiality.
Volunteers are needed to be our front desk receptionist, to greet agency visitors and answer a multi-line phone system.
Time Commitment: Minimum of 4 - 8 hours per week.
Qualifications: Ability to handle a multi-line phone system,
Friendly and outgoing,
Ability to communicate with a wide variety of people
Have knowledge of services provided by ABVI, and
Willingness to follow established procedures.
Shopper / Aide
Volunteers are needed to assist visually impaired clients with shopping for groceries, clothing, gifts, etc. Aids may provide transportation and accompany client to various stores or may shop independently from a list provided by the client.
Time Commitment: As determined between client and volunteer, specific times to be coordinated with the client.
Qualifications: Regular use of a car: a valid driver's license and proof of insurance.
Be patient and sensitive to client needs.
Support Group Assistant
Volunteers are needed to assist agency social worker with clients who attend the peer support groups on the first Monday of each month. Some responsibilities would be helping to transport clients to group, helping to assist with setting up the room, (i.e., tables, chairs, coffee, etc.
Time Commitment: Available 3 hours once a month between 8:30 a.m. and noon, first Monday of each month (in Grand Rapids).
Qualifications: Clear speaking voice and patience.
