As one of Florida’s smallest state agencies, volunteerism is a large component to services provided by the Department of Elder Affairs. With the help of our volunteers, the Department and the aging services networks foster an environment where seniors can thrive, grow, and engage in civic opportunities in their community. Through its dedicated corps of volunteers, the Department can be a perfect fit for anyone with a passion for advocacy and helping seniors.
DOEA Volunteer Programs
- Americorps
A network of national service programs that engage members and community volunteers in intensive service to meet critical needs in education, public health and the environment. - Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
Utilizes volunteers to help improve the lives of Floridians by advocating on behalf of those who live in long-term care settings such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities and adult family care homes. - Hope Heroes
You can get involved in Hope Florida – A Pathway to Purpose by becoming a Hope Hero! Hope Heroes volunteer their time and services to help members in their community. The Hope Heroes Program is a collaborative effort, spearheaded by First Lady Casey DeSantis and administered through the Department of Elder Affairs, to fulfil special needs that can’t always be met through traditional means. - Respite for Elders Living in Everyday Families – RELIEF
Offers respite services to caregivers of frail elders and those with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia. - Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders – SHINE
Provides educational materials and free, unbiased insurance counseling to Florida elders, caregivers and family members. - DOEA Senior Volunteer Program – Connecting seniors and organizations with volunteer opportunities to enhance the lives of Florida’s elder population.
Volunteer Partnership
- Guardian ad Litem Program – is a network of professional staff and community advocates, partnering to provide a strong voice in court and positive systemic change on behalf of Florida’s abused and neglected children. There are 21 local Guardian ad Litem programs in 20 judicial circuits in Florida.
Contact Information: 1-866-341-1425 - Senior vs Crime – is a non-profit organization of senior volunteers working to right civil wrongs for Florida seniors and to educate seniors about scam, consumer fraud, con games and other criminal acts. Seniors v Crime is a special project of the Florida Attorney General. The Seniors vs Crime Project is actively seeking volunteers to become Senior Sleuths and help the Project to better protect Seniors from harmful activity.
Contact Information: 1-800-203-3099 - Volunteer Florida – The Governor’s Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service was established in 1994 by the Florida Legislature to administer grants under the National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993. The Commission grants funds to Florida AmeriCorps and National Service programs; encourages volunteerism for everyone from youth to seniors to people with disabilities; promotes volunteerism for disaster preparedness and response; and helps to strengthen and expand Volunteer Centers in Florida.
- DOEA All Stars Partnership Program – An opportunity for local nonprofit, faith-based, and private sector All Star organizations to join an ever-growing database of community resources to help meet the needs of Florida’s seniors.
Intergenerational Connections
The Department recognizes the projected increase in the number of Florida retirees and the benefits of social interaction between elders and youth. Intergenerational programs are social vehicles that provide unique opportunities for different generations to come together to share experiences, skills, and knowledge that are reciprocally beneficial and foster positive long-term relationships. We partner with schools, civic organizations, and local intergenerational programs to highlight these great opportunities.
For more information about activities, as well as programs for volunteering and intergenerational relationships please contact the Office of Volunteer & Community Services at 850-414-2020.
