Hello Volunteers!

Thank you for your interest in becoming a volunteer with Happy in my Home, Community Support Services of Niagara. Happy in my Home is a volunteer based, not-for-profit agency providing comprehensive client-driven community support services, helping older adults and adults living with disabilities live independently in their own home. Happy in my Home strives to work closely with community partners and healthcare professionals to keep older adults in their home and from frequenting the emergency department or admission to an alternate level of care bed. We offer a number of volunteer programs that help make a positive impact in the lives of our clients.  Joining our volunteer team is both fulfilling and rewarding. Join our volunteer team today!

How to become a volunteer…

  • Submit your interest to us by completing the Volunteer interest form below
  • Upon receipt of the volunteer interest form, a member of our team will contact you in 2-3 business days, via email with a Happy in my Home, Volunteer Application Form
  • Please note that an interview will be scheduled with you following receipt of the Volunteer Application Form
  • References listed on the Volunteer Application Form will be contacted
  • Vulnerable Sector Police Check required; can be completed following the interview
  • Driver’s abstract required for all transportation services
  • Driver’s licence and $1million liability insurance required for all transportation services
  • Successful completion of the Happy in my Home volunteer orientation

Volunteer interest form

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Which types of volunteer activity are you most interested in? Select all that apply. Descriptions and details can be found below.
Volunteer Opportunities

I would like to volunteer in...

Which community would you like to support? Please select all that apply.

Volunteer Opportunities

Discover what Happy in my Home has to offer!

Social isolation and loneliness increase the risk for a variety of physical and mental conditions which inevitably leads to unnecessary hospitalizations or pre-mature admission into long-term care. Our Friendly Visiting program is a volunteer-based program where a volunteer is matched with an older adult to provide either in-person visits in the client’s home and/or phone chats.  Become that familiar face, or that friendly voice that brightens an older adult’s day.

Our Grocery Delivery program has had a positive impact to our clients. It allows them to place their grocery order with our team, allowing them full control of preferred consumable and non-consumable items. Our team member can provide guidance during the ordering process by identifying sales and discounts. They can also ensure the need for non-consumable products (such as toilet paper) ensuring our clients have everything they need to live independently and happy in their home. The Grocery Delivery program naturally fosters a friendly chat while placing the grocery order and again upon delivery of the grocery order by our caring compassionate volunteers. Become that familiar face to our clients by delivering their groceries. We offer a flexible schedule and mileage reimbursement.

Social isolation and loneliness increase the risk for a variety of physical and mental conditions which inevitably leads to unnecessary hospitalizations or pre-mature admission into long-term care. Our Lunch Out program provides an opportunity for older adults to socialize in a group setting where they can come together to enjoy a meal and companionship.  Lunch Out volunteers offer our clients monthly companionship by transporting our clients from their home to the restaurant venue to enjoy lunch with them and others. We count on our Lunch Out volunteers to safely return our clients to their home. Become a companion to an older adult in your community today!

Our Meals on Wheels program services the Welland/Pelham and Lincoln and West Lincoln areas. The program offers both hot and frozen meal options. The compliment of meal options, with a rotating seasonal menu, suits the needs of our clients, while considering their dietary restrictions. Our Meals on Wheels program has been monumental to the grow of the agency, dating back to 1967. Our team of volunteers is committed to delivering meals daily, to ensure that our clients are fed a nutritiously balanced meal. Help feed older adults in your community, by becoming a Meals on Wheels volunteer.

Our Snow Buddies volunteer program is a fall prevention measure associated with our Safety at Home program. Our pool of Snow Buddies volunteers oversees the removal of snow from our client’s porch, stairs, walkway and driveway, allowing our clients to safely exit and enter their home. The Snow Buddies program has been well received and supported by other community partners such as high schools within the Niagara Region. Our team of Snow Buddies volunteers is mostly comprised of high school students looking to earn their volunteer hours. The Snow Buddies program has encouraged intergenerational connections in the community which is integral to the sustainability of the program.

Our Transportation program prioritizes medical appointments due to a growing need for the service, we recognize that many older adults may no longer drive and would otherwise be isolated to their homes. With the help of our team of volunteers, our Transportation program also provides rides to non-medical appointments such as shopping, banking, etc., allowing older adults to maintain their independence and stay connected to their communities. Help us keep our clients connected to their community, but becoming a Transportation volunteer. We offer a flexible schedule and mileage reimbursement.

The Wellness Supportive Living program is a partnership with the Ontario March of Dimes, the Niagara Region, Niagara Regional Housing and Community Support Services of Niagara. The goal is to provide comprehensive support services to older adults living within identified social housing to enhance independence and improve the overall health and well-being of at-risk individuals. Volunteers assist the Wellness Program Coordinators with recreation and social functions.

Activities may include:

Bingo
Breakfast
Coffee Time
Special Luncheons
Crafts
Games/Trivia
Friendly Visiting/Phone Chat
Internet Cafe
Baking

Represents the residents of the Niagara region in determining and demanding appropriate organizational performance.

The Board serves as a link between the community and CSSN.

Monthly morning meetings at St. Catharines head office.

Three (3) year term commitment.

Interest and/or knowledge of policy governance and volunteer-based community support services.