Moving Forward Together

Serve Older Adults

Volunteers are the Heart of JFS

Provide Rides for an Older Adult

Provide safe & reliable transportation to older adults ensuring they remain active, healthy, and connected to their community. Easy to use web-based scheduling system and mileage reimbursement and secondary auto insurance provided. Volunteers may drive people to the doctor, and sometimes to visit friends. The focus is helping our neighbors stay connected to the people and places they love most. 

On the Go Rides & Smiles Driver

  • San Diego County Regions include North County Inland, Northern San Diego, and Eastern San Diego
  • Must be 25+ years and possess your own vehicle
  • Minimum of 2 rides per month for minimum of 3 months
  • Flexible scheduling: you choose who, when, and where you drive
  • Car insurance, Background & DMV Checks required
  • Mileage reimbursement available

Provide Support at a Social & Wellness Center

JFS operates two Social & Wellness Centers — the College Avenue Center and Balboa Avenue Older Adult Center. Daily activities at these sites provide opportunities for older adults to connect, socialize, and exchange stories and smiles.

College Avenue Center Volunteer 

  • Located inside Temple Emanu-el near San Diego State University
  • Must be 18+ years
  • Shifts available Monday through Friday, mornings and afternoons
  • 3-month minimum commitment
  • Must complete Background Check & Program Interview

 

Balboa Avenue Older Adult Center (BAOAC)

  • Located at the Joan & Irwin Jacobs Campus
  • Must be 13+ years
  • Shifts available Monday through Thursday from 10-2
  • 6-month minimum commitment, 4 hours per week
  • Must complete volunteer waiver & Program Interview

Befriend an Older Adult

Create connection and friendship with an older adult to prevent isolation and preserve their dignity and independence. This is a flexible position — visits can be scheduled based on the volunteer and client’s schedules.

Aging Care Friendly Match 

  • Must be 18+ years
  • Provide own transportation and clean driving record
  • Enjoy working one-on-one with older adults
  • 6-month minimum commitment; schedule to be determined by volunteer and client
  • Must complete Program Interview, Background & DMV Checks

Help with Home Repairs

Provide minor home repairs and safety modifications to help older adults maintain their independence and safety in their own homes. Many clients are low-income and this free service provides much-needed assistance with fall prevention. Most repairs are small — installing grab bars and smoke detectors, replacing light bulbs — and volunteers will receive training.

Fix It Volunteer 

  • Multiple locations throughout San Diego County
  • Must be 25+ years
  • Provide a minimum of one repair every 3 months
  • Must provide own transportation, and have experience with minor home repair/modification work
  • JFS provides tools and mileage reimbursement
  • Must complete Background & DMV Checks, HIPAA training