Volunteer Project Catalog

AgeUp

Do you love getting creative with paint, paper, glue, and good company? Bring your passion for art and connection to life by volunteering with our Arts & Crafts Program for Older Adults! We’re looking for friendly, creative volunteers to help lead or assist in fun, hands-on art activities with older adults. No professional art experience needed — just enthusiasm and a smile! As a volunteer, you’ll: 🎨 Help seniors with simple, enjoyable craft projects 😊 Spark joy, creativity, and self-expression 🤝 Provide companionship and encouragement ⏰ Help out just a few hours a month (flexible hours!) and make a big difference Whether it’s making seasonal decorations, painting, or even adult coloring, you’ll help create more than art — you’ll create joy.

AgeUp

With over 400 facilities in San Mateo County, we rely on a team of volunteers to visit the facilities regularly to observe the environment and advocate for residents when there is an issue. The role of an Ombudsman is to listen, mediate, and make sure the situation is resolved so that the elder is safe and well cared for. If you have these skills, we’d love to talk to you. The program has the following requirements: What You'll Do: -Visit assigned care facilities regularly to connect with residents and hear their concerns -Investigate complaints confidentially and work to resolve issues -Advocate for residents' rights, dignity, and quality of care -Document visits and communicate with families, facility staff, and state agencies when needed -Respond to concerns about abuse, neglect, or rights violations What We Provide: -Comprehensive training (36 hours classroom/online + 10 hours field observation) -Official certification from the California Department of Aging -Ongoing support from experienced staff — you're never on your own -Continuing education to keep you sharp and effective The Commitment: -5-10 hours per month (flexible schedule between 7am-10pm, any day of the week) -One-year minimum commitment -Monthly volunteer meetings -Serve facilities throughout San Mateo County Requirements: -18+ with high school diploma or equivalent -Background check and fingerprint clearance -Valid driver's license and auto insurance (if driving for assignments) -Full COVID-19 vaccination -No conflicts of interest (employment or financial ties to care facilities) We would love to add some bilingual individuals to our team as well to better serve our community.

AgeUp

Do you have a passion for sharing knowledge, stories, or fascinating ideas? Join us in offering engaging, thought-provoking presentations that enrich the lives of older adults in our community! We’re seeking enthusiastic volunteers to be guest speakers, delivering talks on topics like history, science, literature, culture, and current events. What you’ll do: 🎙️ Prepare and present accessible, interesting talks or discussions 💬 Encourage lively conversations and questions 🕒 Flexible scheduling — one-time or recurring sessions 🧓 Help seniors stay mentally active and socially connected No formal teaching experience required — just curiosity, passion, and respect for your audience!

AgeUp

Be the voice of fun — volunteer as a Bingo caller for long term care residents! Are you outgoing and cheerful? Do you love creating joyful moments? We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to serve as Bingo Callers for our community of older adults — bringing energy, smiles, and a touch of excitement to everyone’s favorite game. As a Bingo Caller, you’ll: 🎤 Call numbers clearly and keep the game lively 🎉 Create a fun, welcoming atmosphere for seniors 🤝 Encourage social connection and engagement ⏰ Volunteer just a few hours a week or month — flexible scheduling! No experience needed — just a friendly voice, a sense of humor, and a love for people. Training and support are provided!

AgeUp

Become a physical exercise instructor for older adults, and help them stay strong, active and independent! Are you a fitness enthusiast or certified instructor with a passion for helping others? We’re looking for an energetic, compassionate exercise instructor to lead fun, safe, and engaging movement sessions for seniors in our community. What you’ll do: 🧓 Lead group fitness classes tailored to older adults (e.g., chair yoga, balance training, light aerobics) 💬 Encourage physical wellness, mobility, and confidence 🎵 Create a welcoming and motivating environment 🕒 Flexible schedule — weekly or biweekly classes Ideal candidate: ✔️ Experience or certification in fitness, physiotherapy, or senior wellness ✔️ Friendly, patient, and enthusiastic about working with older adults ✔️ Knowledge of safe exercise modifications for older adults Why join us? ✅ Make a real difference in the health and happiness of older adults ✅ Build community connections ✅ Supportive team & flexible commitment

AgeUp

Join our Friendly Visitor Program and brighten the days of older adults living in long term care facilities! Whether it's sharing a cup of tea, playing a game of cards, or simply chatting about life, our friendly volunteers bring connection and kindness to older adults in San Mateo County. Why Join? ✅ You'll combat loneliness by providing connection and companionship ✅ We'll match you with a resident living close to you ✅ Visits are flexible — weekly, biweekly, or tailored to your schedule Requirements: Be at least 18 years of age Be able to pass a background check Commit to at least 2 hours/month of volunteering

AgeUp

We're looking for volunteers to spend time gardening with residents in long-term care. Whether it's planting flowers, tending to raised beds, or simply enjoying the outdoors, your time can brighten someone's day. No green thumb required — just a kind heart and a willingness to connect. As a gardening volunteer, you’ll: 🌿 Help set up and maintain raised beds, potted plants, or small garden plots 🌻 Support seniors with hands-on help and friendly conversation ☀️ Create a calm, welcoming outdoor space full of life and color 🕒 Flexible hours – even one morning a month makes a difference! Location: Senior living facilities in San Mateo County No gardening experience required — just a love for nature and people.

AgeUp

Volunteer for a Nail Painting Activity with Older Adults! Help brighten a senior’s day with a little color and conversation. We’re looking for friendly volunteers to assist residents with simple nail painting during our activity sessions. This relaxing activity is a wonderful way to bring joy, boost confidence, and create meaningful connections with older adults. As a volunteer, you’ll: ✨ Help residents choose and apply nail polish 💬 Enjoy friendly conversation and companionship 😊 Create a fun, relaxing atmosphere ⏰ Volunteer just a couple of hours — flexible and rewarding! No experience needed. Training and supplies will be provided. Come share your time, creativity, and kindness — a small gesture can make a big difference!

AgeUp

Come spend time with residents and share your talents or interests. There are so many fun ways to get involved! 🤹 Teach residents to juggle 🪀 Show off your yo-yo skills 🃏 Play cards or board games 🐰 Bring your bunny or 🐶 puppy for a friendly visit 🎹 Play the piano 🎻 Play the violin or another instrument 🌱 Help with gardening 🎲 Lead a bingo game 🎨 Assist with an art or craft class 🍪 Bake cookies together ♟️ Play chess or do puzzles 💐 Arrange flowers 😄 Tell dad jokes and share laughs 🥁 Lead a drum circle 🏐 Play chair volleyball 🍹 Serve drinks at a Happy Hour 🗣️ Practice your TED Talk or share a hobby 📰 Read the news or short stories aloud …and everything in between! All ages are welcome to participate.

AgeUp

AgeUp partners with Letters Against Isolation to fight senior loneliness one handwritten letter at a time. HOW LETTERS AGAINST ISOLATION WORKS When you sign up as an LAI volunteer, you'll receive a link to the online portal listing the names and addresses of our partner facilities around the world, the number of letters requested at each location and requests for letters in languages other than English. The portal is refreshed every two weeks, so there are always thousands of letter-writing opportunities available! You’ll then have the pleasure and enjoyment of writing as many or as few letters as you wish. We ask that your letters be upbeat, positive and creative (and without political or religious references). LAI's volunteers send handwritten letters only, not e-mail, as there is something very special about receiving personalized correspondence! If you need ideas, please check out the LAI blog. Keep in mind that you won’t know who you’re writing to, and there’s no expectation of a response — each letter is a one-time act of kindness meant to brighten someone’s day. Once your letters are written, sign up via the web portal and put your letters in the mail! Kindly update your portal pledges to indicate that your letters have been sent so that our record-keeping is accurate. And be aware that your letters may not reach the seniors for 2-3 weeks, given postal delays and staffing patterns which vary at each of our partner facilities. Check out the website to learn more at https://www.lettersagainstisolation.com/.

AgeUp

Attention performers! Whether you strum, sing, or swing to the beat, our residents would love to see you shine! Volunteer your time to perform music or dance and create moments of laughter, rhythm, and fun. AgeUp is seeking local musicians of all genres — both adults and students — to provide entertainment for residents of long-term care facilities. If you have a talent to share and a passion for brightening someone's day, we'd love to have you join us. Benefits of Volunteering as a Music Performer: 🎵 Bring joy, laughter, and energy to residents’ lives 🤝 Create meaningful connections through music and movement 🌟 Share your talent and inspire memorable moments ❤️ Experience the personal reward of brightening someone’s day 🎶 Flexible opportunities for adults and students of all genres One hour of your talent can make a lifetime of memories.

AgeUp

Be a lifeline of friendship – become a Phone Buddy for an older adult! Looking for a simple way to make a big difference in someone’s life? Join our Phone Buddies program and bring connection, comfort, and conversation to seniors who may be feeling isolated or alone. Just one phone call can brighten someone’s entire day — and yours too! What’s Involved? 📞 Make friendly weekly phone calls to an older adult in your community ⏰ Just 15–30 minutes a week — completely flexible with your schedule 🤝 Build meaningful relationships and help reduce senior loneliness 🏡 Volunteer from the comfort of your home 🎓 Orientation and training will be provided No special skills needed — just a caring heart and a listening ear. We provide training and support.

AgeUp

Come play Scopa with long-term care residents! Scopa is a traditional Italian card game played with a 40-card deck. The name “Scopa” means “broom” in Italian, referring to the move where a player “sweeps” all the cards from the table. The game is easy to learn, quick to play, and strategic. Objective The goal is to score the most points by: Capturing the most total cards Capturing the most cards in the Coins suit Capturing the Settebello (the 7 of Coins) Earning the best Primiera (a special point based on card values) Making Scopas during the hand How the Game Works At the start of each hand: Each player receives 3 cards. 4 cards are placed face-up on the table. Players take turns playing one card from their hand: If the card matches the value of a card or combination of cards on the table, the player captures those cards. If the capture removes all cards from the table, that player scores a Scopa (a “sweep”). If the player cannot capture anything, their played card stays on the table. This continues until all cards in the deck have been played.

AgeUp

Become a travel buddy for older adults and bring the world closer. Do you love sharing stories about places you’ve been or exploring new destinations? Join us as a Travel Volunteer and help seniors experience the joy of travel — through storytelling, virtual tours, or accompanying them on local outings. As a Travel Volunteer, you’ll: 🗺️ Share your travel experiences and inspire curiosity 📸 Lead virtual or in-person travel presentations and discussions 🚶‍♂️ Accompany older adults on safe, local excursions or day trips 🤝 Create meaningful connections and broaden horizons No special travel expertise needed — just a passion for adventure and friendship!

AgeUp

Bring laughter to the table and volunteer for game time with older adults. Do you love a good game of cards, dominoes, or Scrabble? Join us in creating joyful moments for local long term care residents through our Table Games Activity Program! We’re looking for friendly volunteers to spend time playing classic table games with older adults in a relaxed and social setting. Your time and conversation can make someone’s whole week! As a volunteer, you’ll: 🃏 Play fun games like checkers, rummy, bingo and dominoes 💬 Share stories, smiles, and companionship 🕒 Enjoy flexible volunteer hours — just a couple of hours a week 🎉 Help create a fun, inclusive atmosphere that encourages mental sharpness and social connection No special skills needed — just a love of games and great company.

AgeUp

Become a Tech Concierge Volunteer and help older adults stay connected. Are you tech-savvy and do you enjoy helping others? We’re looking for friendly, patient volunteers to join our Tech Concierge Team and support long-term care residents with basic technology needs. 💡 What you’ll do: Help older adults with smartphones, tablets, or computers Guide them through email, Zoom, texting, or social media Troubleshoot simple tech issues in a clear, supportive way Make a real difference by empowering older adults to stay connected 🧓 Who you’ll help: Older adults in our community who want to feel more confident using technology to talk with family, join online events, or just explore the digital world 🕒 Time commitment: Flexible scheduling, in-person or virtual support options available ✅ You don’t need to be an expert: Just bring a basic understanding of tech, a patient attitude, and a passion for helping others. We’ll provide an orientation and ongoing support.

AgeUp

Do you love to dance and perform? Join us in spreading joy and energy to older adults in care facilities throughout San Mateo County! We’re looking for individuals and dance groups — all styles and ages — to share their talent and brighten residents’ days with live performances. Volunteer performers will: 💃 Perform for older adults in long-term care facilities 🎶 Share music, culture, and connection through dance ❤️ Make a meaningful difference in the lives of older adults Whether you’re a solo dancer, part of a group, or a school club, we welcome you! Performances can be scheduled based on your availability. ✨ Bring smiles, movement, and heart to our community.

AgeUp

Do you enjoy performing magic or illusions? Use your talent to bring smiles, laughter, and wonder to older adults in care facilities across San Mateo County! We’re looking for volunteer magicians — from hobbyists to seasoned performers — who would love to share their gift of magic and brighten someone’s day. As a Volunteer Magician, you’ll: 🪄 Perform short magic shows for seniors and staff 💖 Create moments of joy and connection through entertainment 🎭 Inspire laughter, curiosity, and delight Whether you perform close-up tricks or full stage acts, your time and talent can make a meaningful impact! Performances can be scheduled based on your availability. ✨ Make every show a magical memory.