Tag Archives: volunteerism

Boston AgeStrong Commission Releases ‘Bus Buddy Chronicles’ Video Series Focused on Helping Connect Older Adults and Public Transit

Boston’s AgeStrong Commission, which is leading the way on the city’s age- and dementia friendly efforts, released a video series called “Bus Buddy Chronicles,” which highlights the department’s AmeriCorps Bus Buddy Volunteer Program. The initiative pairs trained volunteers with older adults to help navigate the MBTA system. Continue reading

The ‘Experience Matters’ Program Highlights the Value of Older Adult Volunteers

Cities of Service launched the Experience Matters program in 2019 in partnership with AARP where five participating cities engaged residents aged 50+ to tackle public problems. Each city received $30,000 and technical assistance from Cities of Service. Full-time AmeriCorps VISTA members served in each city hall to build capacity and raise awareness for the initiatives.

Cities of Service compiled a report that outlines the activities and impact of the Experience Matters program and shares lessons that can inform future work with older volunteers. These include: Continue reading

Age-Friendly Funding Alert: Mass Service Alliance, Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program

Massachusetts Service Alliance – Due Date: Feb. 5th

In response to the current COVID-19 pandemic crisis, The Massachusetts Service Alliance (MSA) announces the release of a second Request for Proposals for COVID-19 relief efforts. MSA seeks to award grants of up to $4,000 to support volunteer community service projects and volunteer capacity-building initiatives needed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Continue reading

‘Good Neighbors’ Service in Greater Boston Matches Older Adults and Volunteers

Nesterly, an intergenerational homesharing platform, in partnership with the City of Boston, created a new, free service called Good Neighbors. Good Neighbors supports older adults who must stay home as a result of COVID-19 by matching them with volunteers to fulfill no-contact deliveries and friendly check-ins (calls/letter writing).

This service is available in Greater Boston, which Nesterly and the Good Neighbors initiative have defined as within 20 miles of the city. Also available are longstanding organizations like FriendshipWorks and Little Brothers-Friends of the Elderly, which also connect older adults and volunteers.

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Greater Boston Orgs Collaborate on Platform to Connect Volunteers with Nonprofits

A new volunteering platform is launching in Greater Boston to provide another avenue for prospective volunteers to connect with organizations that need their help.

Connect for Good is free to both volunteers and nonprofits and is designed to provide users with a variety of intuitive entry points to discover nonprofit organizations that match the causes and types of activities they want to pursue. Continue reading