Volunteer Opportunities for Retired Teachers with Among Friends

Retirement opens the door to new possibilities, especially for teachers who want to continue making a difference. If you are a retired teacher looking for ways to give back, Among Friends Dementia Social Respite Program is a great place to match your skills and passion. Whether you want to serve on our Board of Directors or support people living with dementia through our social respite program, your experience can create a lasting impact and bring you joy and satisfaction.

Among Friends offers caregivers a break by providing safe, engaging activities for people living with dementia. Volunteers create a warm, welcoming environment where participants can enjoy social interaction, music, art, and gentle exercise.

Why Retired Teachers Make Great Volunteers

Many of our volunteers come from educational backgrounds. Melissa was a school counselor. Christi taught middle school. Kathleen began her career as an elementary teacher before working at UW-River Falls where she met friend and fellow volunteer Julia. One of our volunteers, Deb, who spent 45 years teaching junior high school, sees the connections between teaching and volunteering at Among Friends clearly:

"It is like a classroom. It requires the same caring and compassion. Every day is different; you ride the waves. Just like in teaching, you are a patient listener and a good conversationalist while keeping your eyes peeled on everyone in the room.

"The participants enjoy your company, and the caregivers appreciate the time you have afforded them while their loved ones have been well taken care of. The best part is there are no papers to correct or lesson plans to write. And you get to go home feeling good."

Volunteering at Among Friends comes with some added benefits for you also. You are able to

• Stay active and engaged

• Build new friendships and social connections

• Learn new skills or apply existing ones in fresh ways

• Experience a sense of purpose and fulfillment

Helping in the Dementia Respite Program

Among Friends needs volunteers on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 am - 3 pm. You can choose one of those days or both, a morning shift or one in the afternoon. If you can only commit to two days a month, that's fine. If you seek warmer climes in the winter and will be gone for awhile, we can also accommodate that.

Volunteers do the following:

• Lead or assist with group activities tailored to participants’ abilities

• Offer companionship and emotional support

• Provide conversation and engagement during coffee time and lunch

• Ensure a safe and comfortable space

  
  
  
  

Getting Started with Among Friends

Joining Among Friends as a volunteer is straightforward. Here are the steps to get involved:

1. Contact us amongfriendsrf@gmail.com.

2. Arrange a visit to the program and see what we do.

3. All new volunteers attend an orientation and training session to learn about volunteering at the program.

4. Choose the role that fits your schedule and interests

5. Begin volunteering and enjoy making a difference

   
   

Among Friends welcomes volunteers of all backgrounds and provides ongoing support to ensure a positive experience.

Why Your Contribution Matters

Dementia affects millions of families, and caregiving can be overwhelming. By volunteering, you provide essential support that improves quality of life for both people with dementia and their caregivers. Your involvement helps build a compassionate community where no one faces these challenges alone.

Among Friends depends on volunteers to sustain and grow its programs. Your time and talents can make a real difference.