"A community is like a puzzle. Each person has their pieces. Some are missing pieces, others have too many pieces. A great community comes together to fill in those gaps so that every piece is where it belongs." The Volunteer Services Coordinator at the Jefferson Area Board for Aging, Winter Broadhurst, often begins her trainings with this metaphor. The Jefferson Area Board for Aging, or JABA for short, is one of our community's best puzzle solvers. JABA works with volunteers to assess their strengths and match them with community members that could benefit from those strengths.
JABA has been serving individuals and caregivers along the journey of aging since 1975. Today, the organization helps older adults and individuals with disabilities stay engaged by offering a variety of services from operating a senior helpline to running multiple adult care centers. The scope of JABA's mission is so broad that they have an extensive list of programs and resources. This also means there is a constant need for volunteers and a wide variety of opportunities.
Broadhurst says that, "Many of JABA's programs rely on support as the fuel to keep those programs running." For example, the Insurance Counseling Program, which informs people about Medicare and guides them through the enrollment process, banks on volunteers to provide individualized services. Without their support, a lot less people in the community would have informed prescription plans. Volunteers also provide capacity to JABA, allowing it to operate extensive programs while making all their clients feel valued.
Across her work with many volunteers, Broadhurst has realized that, "You have to be honest in your approach to find what works for you. This way volunteering becomes what energizes you." To this end, JABA works extensively with volunteers to hone in on their passions and connect them with their best fit service experience. Kind of like a puzzle!
Currently, JABA is seeking volunteers for their Insurance Counseling Program. Broadhurst says that this program is a key part of JABA's work because ,"We never want somebody to choose whether they're going to eat that night or if they're going to take their medication." As open enrollment for Medicare begins on October 15th, JABA is seeking volunteers ahead of the program's busiest time of year. Apart from one-on-one counseling support, the most needed role is greeters and receptionists, in-person or on Zoom, who welcome clients, help them get situated with their paperwork, and introduce them to their counselor.
JABA is also looking for volunteers to assist with the At Home with JABA and Community Senior Center programs where volunteers help people stimulate their mind, body, and souls through fun activities they can take part in from home or their local community center. For those interested in working with students, the Friends in Schools Helping Program is accepting applicants for new mentors to start in the fall. JABA is also looking for people to serve in this year's Day of Caring! Volunteers will help host Hybrid Senior Proms across Central Virginia, allowing for older adults to connect with one another across counties through Zoom.
Apart from volunteering, you can also assist JABA by donating on their website through one-time, monthly, or workplace contributions: Donate Here.
If you are interested in learning more or signing up to volunteer with JABA visit this link: Volunteer Services and "Become a Fan" of JABA on cvillevolunteer.org to get updates on volunteer opportunities and events: JABA's cvillevolunteer.org Page.
