Volunteering with Waterford

Fulfilling People

“It is abundantly clear from a number of studies that people who live generous lives also live happier lives.”
—Stephen G. Post, PhD, co-author of Why Good Things Happen to Good People

Share your time and talents

Research continues on the positive impact of “giving back” in regard to the physical and emotional well-being of the volunteer. In the past decade, there have been several in-depth studies on the benefits of volunteering for individuals of all ages—youth to older adults.

In Waterford communities, residents are encouraged to participate in a wide range of civic engagement opportunities, and they devote countless hours to community service for deserving programs and organizations.

Volunteers in action slide show

Resident and volunteer Mary Ellen Vaughan (standing) formed a bridge group to introduce others to the game. People have been joining every week, enjoying the social atmosphere and learning the game.
In the spirit of the holiday season, residents and staff once again gathered to pack and place nonperishable food items in holiday food boxes. Each year, the community has joined with the Touchmark Foundation and other Touchmark and Waterford communities around North America to create hundreds of food boxes for families in need.
A rain and snow mix started falling when the Waterford team delivered the 75 food boxes to The Salvation Army.
More than 70 resident volunteers gathered for a party, which celebrated their participation in the Waterford Volunteer Program. During the party, everyone joined the Laughing Exercise.

In addition to volunteering in the surrounding community, residents provide support to programs and services on the campus, sharing years of life experience, talents, and skills. This unselfish commitment contributes to the relationships and outcomes that enhance the quality of life for both the giver and recipients.

Waterford also invites volunteers from the broader community to support activities and services. A menu of possible volunteer opportunities is posted here, and interested people are encouraged to contact us to pursue the possibilities.

The process of volunteering is very much like applying for a job at Waterford. Volunteer candidates fill out an application and proceed through the process of reference and background checks, orientation, and training. We place a high value on volunteers and want to find the right fit for each one.

To find out more about the volunteer opportunities within Waterford, call the community’s main number or click here to contact us and convey your interest.

Pssst! Inquire about volunteering here!

Volunteers welcome!

Waterford communities in the US and Canada actively recruit individuals who want to make a difference in their own and others’ lives by committing time, talent, and energy to the Life Enrichment/Wellness program offerings. Volunteer opportunities include:

Piano players
Musicians
Gardeners
Pet pals
Crafters
Storytellers
Walking/hiking buddies
Bible study leaders
Exercise buddies
Cooking connoisseurs
Hosts and Hostesses
Artists
Discussion group leaders
Board and card game enthusiasts
Needle crafters-quilters; knitting; crocheting; needlepoint; weavers
Excursion buddies

For details on available opportunities, talk with the Life Enrichment/Wellness director or complete the application.

Resources about volunteering

These articles and links provide more information about the benefits of volunteerism:

“Growing Older in America: The Health & Retirement Study”
www.nia.nih.gov/ResearchInformation/ExtramuralPrograms/BehavioralAndSocialResearch/HRS.htm

“The 2007 Canada Survey of Giving, Volunteering and Participating” [Note: This is a 94-page document.]
www.givingandvolunteering.ca/files/giving/en/csgvp_highlights_2007.pdf

Quick Fact!

Touchmark and Waterford communities volunteered over 13,000 hours in 2007.