Your Compassion, Their Hope: Volunteer to Advocate for the Elderly and Special Needs
We are a non-profit charitable corporation. Donations are tax deductible because we are a 501(c)(3) tax exempt non-profit. Volunteer advocates are trained & supported — the lifeblood of our mission. A “seed” grant from the State of Indiana for a Volunteer Advocates for Seniors or Incapacitated Adults (VASIA) programs in the west & east divisions, is used. Donation pledges from the County governments, businesses and residents are required for a 50% match under this grant, and benefits local counties.
Guardian Advocates, Inc. invites you to join our dedicated team as a Volunteer Advocate for Seniors and Incapacitated Adults (VASIA). By becoming a volunteer, you will play a crucial role in protecting and supporting some of the most vulnerable members of our community.
Information about Guardian Advocates
- Guardian Advocates Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit corporation formed in 2018.
- We serve senior adults and adults with disabilities in your county who do not have family or others to help them.
- As their court-appointed guardian, our staff and volunteers visit them, monitor and coordinate their care, handle their finances and public benefits, and provide basic needs for them as a family member would do.
- We match volunteers to clients for whom our nonprofit provides guardianship services.
- Client referrals come from hospitals, nursing homes, group homes, assisted living, mental health facilities, law enforcement, lawyers, adult protective services, families, and friends.
- We operate your county court’s Volunteer advocates for Senior & Incapacitated Adults (VASIA) project that was created in 2013 by the Indiana Supreme Court’s office of Adult Guardianship.
- We educate about elder care, special needs care, guardianships and alternatives.
- We advocate, protect, and support victims of elder abuse, neglect, self-neglect, and financial exploitation.
- Our service counties are: Tipton, Howard, Cass, Fulton, Miami, Grant, Madison, and Delaware Counties.
Here’s why you should consider volunteering with us and how you can get involved.
Make a Meaningful Impact
Volunteering with Guardian Advocates allows you to make a significant difference in the lives of seniors and incapacitated adults who need advocacy and support. Your efforts can help them achieve a better quality of life and ensure they receive the care they need and deserve.
Personal Growth and Fulfillment
Volunteering provides a sense of purpose and fulfillment. It offers a unique opportunity to give back to the community and develop new skills, such as advocacy, communication, and problem-solving.
Community Involvement
As a volunteer, you will be part of a community of like-minded individuals dedicated to making a positive impact. You’ll have the chance to work with professionals and other volunteers, building a network of supportive and compassionate people.
Volunteering Roles with Guardian Advocates
Volunteer Advocate
General Purpose: Build positive relationships with clients to ensure the highest quality of life for at-risk adults.
Duties & Responsibilities: Visit clients monthly, work with program staff to implement care plans, report changes in medical status and environment, complete and maintain visitation documentation, and complete all required training .
Special Project Volunteer Advocate
General Purpose: Assist with specific projects such as mailings, phone calls, and other administrative tasks.
Duties & Responsibilities: Maintain and implement mailings (birthday, thinking of you, etc.), report to staff for assigned duties, and complete all required training .
Do you have other skills, talents, or desires to help with Guardian Advocates?
Reach out directly to see about how you can share your passion to help the organization.
Benefits of Volunteering
Training and Education
All volunteers receive comprehensive training covering topics such as the aging process, elder health care, mental illness, and other topics surrounding advocacy. Continuous education ensures you stay informed and effective in your role.
Support and Guidance
Volunteers are provided with ongoing support from our experienced staff, including one-on-one reviews and access to training materials. Our team is always available to answer questions and provide guidance.
Recognition and Appreciation
We value our volunteers and show our appreciation through various recognition programs. Your hard work and dedication do not go unnoticed, and we ensure you feel valued as part of our team.
Resume Enhancement and Letters of Recommendation.
Our volunteers are able to add their role at Guardian Advocates to their resumes and benefit from professional growth.
Volunteer Responsibilities
Building Relationships
The primary purpose of a VASIA Volunteer Advocate is to build positive relationships with clients to ensure the highest quality of life for the at-risk adult. You will visit clients at least once a month, advocate on their behalf, and report any changes or concerns to the program staff.
Advocacy and Support
Volunteers are responsible for advocating for their clients, ensuring they receive the care and services they need. This includes identifying natural supports, reporting changes in medical status, and maintaining accurate documentation of visits and interactions.
Confidentiality and Ethical Standards
Volunteers must maintain the confidentiality of all client information and adhere to the program’s code of ethics. This ensures the dignity and privacy of the individuals we serve are always protected.
Real Stories of Impact
Here are some inspiring examples of how Guardian Advocates has made a difference in the lives of those we serve:
Amy was living in her house with a young couple who exploited her financially. Guardian Advocates intervened, ensuring she preserved her money for her needs and secured Medicaid benefits for her nursing home care. Now, Amy is happy, involved in facility activities, and her financial exploitation has ended.
Adult twins Jack and Jill were removed from an abusive household by Adult Protective Services. Guardian Advocates helped Jill complete her high school education and assisted Jack in exploring vocational rehabilitation and employment opportunities. Both now enjoy a better quality of life, socialization, and community involvement.
Carolyn was struggling with self-neglect, unable to manage her home or health. Guardian Advocates arranged for 24-hour care, ensuring she now lives in a safe and sanitary environment. Carolyn’s Medicaid covers her nursing home expenses, and plans are in place to transition her to assisted living for an improved quality of life.
Kate was evicted from her condemned home and found herself in a dire situation. Guardian Advocates arranged for her rehabilitation and assisted her move to an assisted living apartment, utilizing her long-term care insurance to cover the costs. Kate now lives in a safer, more supportive environment.
Will, a delusional military veteran, was found wandering and in need of help. Guardian Advocates worked to find him appropriate assisted living placement through Medicaid waiver, ensuring he receives the care and support he needs.
*All names have been changed to maintain privacy and dignity for our clients
How to Become a Volunteer
Qualifications
– Be at least 21 years old.
– Have experience working with or caring for older or disabled adults.(Reccomended)
– Be capable of exercising sound judgment and following guidelines.
– Commit to at least one year of service.
– Successfully complete the application, screening process, and essential training program provided by Guardian Advocates.
**Application Process**
Fill out the form below on the Volunteer page, Our Volunteer coordinator Sandy Montgomery will reach out with the application and background check information for you to fill out. After completing those steps there is an interview and then required training sessions to prepare for your role as a volunteer advocate.
Become a Volunteer
Join Guardian Advocates today and make a lasting impact on the lives of those who need it most.
Your commitment and compassion can help us continue to provide vital support and advocacy for seniors and incapacitated adults in our community.
Thanks for signing up! Sandy will reach out soon to help you get setup and/or to answer any questions in regards to becoming a Guardian Advocate.
For more information or to start your application, please fill out the form or contact:
Sandy Montgomery
Community Outreach Coordinator
12 E. 10th Street, Anderson IN 46016
Phone: 574-702- 5684
Email: Sandy@guardianadvocates.org
