Please click here to apply online.

The Mission of Elm Terrace Gardens' Volunteer Services Program is to support our residents and enhance their quality of life through a broad range of activities; give every volunteer the orientation, job training, supervision, and encouragement he or she needs to be successful; and, help maintain strong ties between our residents and the wider community we serve.

Click one of the titles for more information:

• What are some volunteer positions we presently need?
• A Very Special Group
• Who volunteers?
• Why volunteer?
• How can volunteers help?
• How can I get started?
• What can I expect as a volunteer?
• Apply Online



What are some of the volunteer positions we presently need?

We presently need volunteers to assist with the following:

* Crafts - Monday afternoons 2:30-3:30
* Bingo - Wednesdays at 2:30 or Saturdays at 2:30
* Piano Playing/Sing Alongs
* Karaoke
* Nail Polishing - Thursdays at 10:30
* Hand Massages - Fridays at 3:00
* Terrace Greetings Gift Shop - Mondays 9-11 starting 8/2/10
and also Fridays from 1-3 immediate opening.


A Very Special Group

Meet a very special group of people:

Our volunteers!

Elm Terrace Gardens is a community, and like any community, we are made up of special people.

At the center are Elm Terrace Gardens' residents. Our purpose is to meet the health care, social, recreation, and day-to-day living needs of this exceptional group of individuals. Our goal is to make sure our residents' lives are as full, enjoyable, and independent as possible--for as long as possible.

Second is the Elm Terrace Gardens staff. Our staff delivers quality care as needed. Everyone on our staff shares a common motivation: to serve our residents.

Third, but certainly not least, are Elm Terrace Gardens' volunteers. Our volunteers serve along side our staff, expressing a personal commitment to helping others.


Who Volunteers?

Many Elm Terrace Gardens' volunteers are retirees with time they are willing to share. Often families and friends of our residents volunteer their time as well. Volunteers represent many interests. For example, volunteers enjoy art, music, computers, or other areas of interest.

Some of Elm Terrace Gardens' residents themselves volunteer. For them, giving a few hours a week is a wonderful way to keep active and involved in the lives of others, helping them to maintain the highest possible quality of life.


Why Volunteer?

Caring individuals volunteer for many reasons, representing a mix of giving and receiving--giving something to others, but at the same time realizing the sense of involvement and accomplishment that can only come from service to others. Reasons to volunteer include:

* the pleasure of visiting with persons who are otherwise alone;
* the satisfaction of sharing your skills with other people who will enjoy them;
* curiosity about learning new skills;
* a feeling that life has been good to you and it's time to give something back;
* looking for an opportunity to meet people and be part of a team;
* changing your routine and accepting a new challenge.
Many say, "I don't think I have any talents that fit," but that really isn't the case. Remember, the most important thing you have to share is yourself--just being present in someone's life is a gift of service.


How can Volunteers Help?

Everyone has something important to share with others. For some, it might be a life-long love of music or art. For others, it might simply be the caring needed to sit quietly with a resident.

So, what exactly do volunteers at Elm Terrace Gardens do? Here are some examples. Volunteers:

* visit with a resident on a regular basis;
* lend a hand during activities, social events, or outings;
* take walks with residents, or help them with transportation to and from
appointments;
* many, many other tasks too numerous to mention.


How can I Get Started?

If volunteering at Elm Terrace Gardens sounds right for you, or if you would just like to learn more about the opportunities, please call us at (215) 361-5642 or send us email at volunteer@etg-ccrc.org. We will be glad to describe our program and try to answer all your questions. You can also fill out our online application here.


What should I expect as a volunteer?

If you volunteer at Elm Terrace Gardens, here are some important things you have a right to expect:

* the training you need to be a successful volunteer;
* assignments that are meaningful, that need doing, and that help our residents lead richer lives;
* recognition and appreciation for the important contribution you will be making.

And, there are some things Elm Terrace Gardens expects from our volunteers:

* following through on your commitments;
* learning the information and skills every volunteer needs;
* treating others with kindness and respect.
As a volunteer, you make an important difference in the lives of Elm Terrace Gardens' residents. If your experience is like that of most volunteers, however, the biggest difference you will be making will be in your own life!