Tempe Neighbors Helping Neighbors (TNHN) is seeking volunteers to help enable adults to remain in their homes and communities as they age. The next orientation: Monday, June 12th at 6:00 p.m. at the Tempe Public Library. TNHN offers a variety of opportunities for service and volunteers may serve in more than one role. They ask their volunteers to commit to a minimum of two hours per month, although they are welcome to serve more. Volunteer opportunities include:
Transportation. Driving and/or accompanying TNHN members to medical appointments, grocery shopping, prescription pick-up, errands and social events.
Friendly Visits or Phone Calls. Providing friendly visits to say hello and check in on TNHN members who may be isolated or homebound.
Gardening & Yard Care. Providing yard clean up, sweeping, mowing, weeding, edging, gardening and lawn care. Done in groups, this is the only opportunity that does not require a Verified Volunteer background check.
Light Home Maintenance. Replacing light bulbs, air filters, smoke alarm and hearing aid batteries, minor home and plumbing repairs.
Technology Assistance. Providing guidance with mobile phones, televisions, internet, email & social media usage, general computer assistance, troubleshooting and installations.
Light pet care. Taking pet(s) for a walk or play time, feeding.
TNHN is the only nonprofit of its kind in Tempe and one of three original pilot sites in Maricopa County to use the nationally recognized village model to build a network of support for our older residents.
According to the 2010 census, Tempe has over 14,000 residents aged 65 and older; of these, 3,604 live alone. Population estimates for this age group suggest projected growth at more than double within the next fifteen years, with an expected population of just over 29,000 people over age 65 living in Tempe by 2030. Of these, the fastest growing age group is 85 years old and older. TNHN works locally to address the needs of Tempe’s aging population.
Recent studies show that social connectedness – sharing parts of our lives with one another – lowers stress and boosts immunity. By volunteering with TNHN, everyone wins! Volunteers are encouraged to try different activities with TNHN to see what suits you best.
Regular volunteer orientations are scheduled each month, which last about an hour. The next orientation is scheduled for Monday, June 12th at 6:00 p.m. at the Tempe Public Library. For more information, visit www.tempeneighbors.com or call (480) 381-8336.
Source: Tempe Neighbors Helping Neighbors