Working with the Volunteer Chore Program has proved to be very rewarding, not only for myself as the Program Director, but also for the 100+ volunteers that put in their time and talents each year to help seniors and adults with disabilities who are low-income in our community.

Volunteers ranging from age 9 to 77 help with things like basic household tasks, essential transportation, grocery shopping, and minor home repairs to help Chore clients remain living independently. Without the help of the Chore Program and its committed volunteers, many of these community members would be forced to move into a permanent care facility prematurely.

Every year over 200 Whatcom County residents are assisted by the Chore Program, and within the past year the program has grown considerably. The unsung heroes of the program, the volunteers, put in over 6300 hours in 2007 to help 215 clients. So far in 2008, we have already served over 100 people! This is amazing and a special, “Thank you” is due to each and every volunteer that has donated their time and energy to these residents.

However, with growth come challenges. The growing visibility of the program has increased awareness in the community and has brought in new volunteers, but the client base continues to grow at a much faster rate than the volunteer base does.

A year ago, we were surprised to see 30 people waiting on what we call the “Needs List;” now we look at a steady list of over 50 clients waiting for services. We are constantly on the look-out for compassionate and eager volunteers to help out with these projects.

What does a Chore volunteer “look like?”

Volunteers with Chore are retired seniors, college students, young families, and everything in between. Volunteers can come on to do specific types of projects (like repairs) or be available to help out with whatever is needed. Some volunteers like to volunteer with a friend, some by themselves, and others bring their children along. This is an opportunity that can be tailor-fit for almost any volunteer.

Who benefits from the Chore Program?

We all do. Helping our senior neighbors and neighbors with disabilities stay in their homes keeps our community diverse. It shows that we care about each one of our county’s residents and it teaches our children the value of respecting and assisting people with all social, cultural, or economic backgrounds.

It also benefits us as tax-payers. Each year it costs approximately $500 per client to run the Volunteer Chore Program. The cost of living in an assisted living facility is around $55,000 a year. Many Chore clients would not have the funds to pay this bill, and that’s where tax-payer money would step in.

And most importantly, it benefits those 200+ members of our community that need our help in order to live a dignified and healthy independent life.

How can you help?

Become a volunteer! A brief 30 minute orientation and a few pieces of paperwork are the only things between you and an amazing opportunity to change someone’s life. Contact Chore at (360) 734-3055 or email chore at whatcomvolunteer.org to set up an orientation or to ask questions. Volunteer commitments are very flexible and you can set up your schedule directly with the client(s) that you are matched with.

Donate! Just 85% of the Volunteer Chore Program budget comes from government funded programs and foundations; the rest comes from individuals just like you. Donations go toward recruiting, screening, and training volunteers, educating seniors and adults with disabilities about the program, and keeping a live person on the end of the phone when a client calls in need of help.

Spread the word! Word of mouth is the best publicity there is. Tell your friends and family that might be interested in the program. Share it with your church or service club. If you would like information to hand out or would like someone to come speak to your group, contact the Chore office.

visit our website at www.whatcomvolunteer.org