Volunteering Changes Lives!
DARTS connects helpers with people who need help. You can choose volunteer experiences that help your older neighbors, help school children in your community, or help the DARTS office run smoothly.
- Assist an older neighbor with their shopping and errands; visit an older person and provide social connection; help an older homeowner with their outdoor chores; or give a break (respite) to family members caring for an elder loved one.
- Mentor an elementary school child as a Learning Buddies volunteer for science, math, and reading activities or be a Pen Pal volunteer with a second grader.
- Provide office support, share your technical expertise, manage a special project, or help with special events.
Below are various volunteer roles for all ages. You can volunteer alone or with friends, volunteer as a family, or volunteer with your community group or business. To learn more, call us at 651.455.1560, send us an email, or fill out the online application form to your left.
Assist an older passenger as a bus escort
Provide some comfort to an older person by riding along on the bus to an appointment. By accompanying an older rider, you’ll provide reassurance and assistance in opening a door or getting a coat on or off. You’ll help this person feel more at ease while riding the bus to their appointments.
Flexible schedule to fit your availability! Read more »
Drive older adults to medical appointments
Provide a personal ride service by using your own car for older adults who need transportation assistance in the metro area for medical appointments. Your ride service will assist older adults who are not able to use bus transportation. Read more »
Give a break to a family caregiver
When you give a break to someone caring for their loved one, you’ll see a face light up with thanks. While the caregiver is away, the volunteer spends time providing company (perhaps engaging in a stimulating activity) and supervising the elder family member. You would not do any hands-on care. Your support 2 to 4 times a month for 4 hours per visit allows the caregiver to enjoy some time away to run errands, visit a friend, or get a much-needed rest.
If you’re interested, email or call 651.455.1560
Read more »
Help out in the DARTS office
Use your technical or office skills, along with your people skills, to help keep DARTS running smoothly. Volunteer support opportunities varied depending on departmental needs. Duties could include clerical tasks, phone calling, and data entry to technical computer trouble shooting.
Read more »Learning Buddies Program
Help children build self-esteem while improving their skills in reading, math, and science. As a Learning Buddies volunteer, you'll spend 1.5 hours a week in a Dakota County elementary school.
The Learning Buddies program matches adult volunteers with the needs of school classrooms by using the volunteer's skills and interests with select teachers. Generations connect, share experiences, and learn from one another. It's a win-win-win for schools, children, and volunteers. To learn more, call 651.455.1560 or email us.
Outdoor Chore Help
Think Winter! Join the Winter Rescue Team Read more »
Pen Pals Program
Overview:
Befriend and mentor an elementary school student by writing 2 or 3 letters a month. All ages can volunteer as a Pen Pal. Read more »
Service Opportunities for Businesses and Organizations
DARTS matches businesses, faith-based groups, and community groups with older homeowners who need help with their outdoor chores. Opportunities are flexible. Occasionally, groups will "adopt" the homeowner for a season and take care of snow shoveling or lawn mowing needs for the whole winter or summer. Read more »
Service Opportunities for Youth/Students
Complete your service learning requirements and make a difference in an older person's life by grocery shopping, running errands, visiting, doing outdoor chores, or teaching computer skills. Want to learn more? Call 651.455.1560 or email.
Share time and conversation with an elder
Become a visitor to an older person and experience a special two-way relationship. Your visits will help relieve isolation and make the elder feel more connected to the community. Visits can involve attending a community event, enjoying the outdoors, participating in a game activity, or just getting to know each other through conversations.
Read more »
