Volunteer Opportunities at a Glance
Do you have a few extra hours? Would you be interested in putting those hours to mutually beneficial use? Subarta deliberately pairs volunteers with older persons for short- and long-term service opportunities in order to provide aid and establish a noble career. Yes, you can affect the life of a senior by volunteering with Subarta Trust! Imagine your phone call, visit, or assistance having a life-altering influence. Why? Because research indicates that fostering relationships minimizes social isolation and its negative impacts on older persons, thereby enhancing their quality of life and well-being.
However, did you know that our volunteers also benefit from time spent with their match? Volunteers indicate that:
- Gained a sense of purpose;
- Received the gift of friendship;
- Felt connected and less lonely;
- Filled a void left by the death of a loved one;
- Were reinvigorated by making a difference in their community;
- Acquired resilience and perseverance, especially while volunteering during the pandemic;
We have numerous options available, and we urge you to review our program listing to determine whether one is a good fit for you, a family member, a coworker, or a friend. We anticipate hearing from you!
Not finding what you’re looking for but still interested in volunteering? Please visit our Contact Us page and drop a line if you wish to contact.
What Opportunities Are Available?
Warm companionship: Friendly Visitors establish one-on-one interactions with senior citizens. They meet once a week to sip coffee or tea, swap tales, go on walks, errands, or errands together, and perform minor jobs. Over time, both individuals develop and learn from one another, frequently becoming close friends. While in-person visits to our Shymoli Care Center is required, there are options for our countryside canter visits in Singair, Manikganj. Visits can be organized according to both your and the older adult’s availability.
Medical Escorts: Our Medical Escorts provide elders with comfort, reassurance, and mobility/navigation support beginning in the home, continuing to the physician’s office and appointment room, and concluding with a safe return home. Medical door-to-door escorts require weekday availability and typically a 3 to 4 hour window of time. We require a minimum commitment of 6 to 9 months. Volunteers with or without cars are encouraged to apply.
Friendly Helpers: Volunteers serve elderly persons with a specific need and no one to aid with short-term assistance. Activities may include assisting with organizing, seasonal duties, errands, and library book retrieval. Only Dhaka Center are served. Volunteers should anticipate spending one to three hours per task. We ask participants to commit to three “helps” within six months. Typically, these aids can be scheduled around the volunteer’s availability.
What’s the process for becoming a volunteer?
- Complete and submit the online volunteer application
- A Subarta staff will contact you to confirm your interest, availability, and schedule an interview. (Be sure to check your spam folder for any correspondence.)
- Schedule an interview with a coordinator
- Review and complete paperwork, including a background check documentation
- Attend a volunteer program training
Who’s eligible to volunteer?
- 18 or older for Friendly Helping; 23 or older for all other in-person programs
- Must pass a Subarta background check
- Must be willing to commit for at least 6 to 12 months, depending on the program
- Offer flexible service hours, however certain programs require weekday availability
- We encourage participation in our activities by individuals. Banks and corporate, educational institutions, social club and other organizations.
- We warmly welcome people from all walks of life in the society and involve themselves in voluntary caring of elderly with prior permission from us.
What happens after I’ve been screened and attended a training?
- Medical Escort and Friendly Helping matches can become available rapidly. After you have completed the training process, your program coordinator will contact you directly to discuss specific options.
- You can expect a Friendly Visiting match within 2 to 6 weeks. Geographic proximity, availability, and the interests and preferences of both the senior and the volunteer are considered while making matches. Typically, you and a member of the Subarta Trust staff attend the initial meeting with your senior together.
- We hold the view that volunteering is not a pointless activity. A Certificate of Appreciation from Subarta and the opportunity to lead a holistic meeting for future Subarta Openings await you after you have successfully completed your training.
Apply for Volunteers online