Working through VINE’s Caring Connection Program, volunteers provide friendship and support to a an older adult as they face the changes and challenges of growing older. VINE care receivers typically meet with their volunteer two to four times a month for about an hour and might go for a walk, talk, play cards, or go somewhere on an outing.

Volunteers, committed to working a half day with VINE Chore Staff, provide services to elders and those with disabilities. Typical chores provided include: snow removal, lawn mowing, window washing, trimming shrubs, replacing a washer on a leaky faucet, raking, garden preperation, weeding, etc. We rely on volunteers to help accomplish these tasks.

Every day, VINE’s drivers take community members to the doctor and other appointments, on shopping trips and errands, and to exercise classes. Volunteers do not lift people out of wheelchairs, but may offer a steady arm or carry a package for someone. During the time that the care receiver is busy with their appointment, the volunteer is free to do their own errands. VINE’s transportation staff calls the volunteer several days before the scheduled ride and drivers are free to accept or decline an assignment based on their own plans. Volunteers indicate their preference for where they would like to drive, including local and out-of-town trips. Mileage reimbursement is available.

Volunteers are scheduled a few times a month to assist fitness center members with any questions they might have with the fitness equipment. Individuals volunteering in the fitness center must be a premium VACC member and go through the HUR equipment training. Contact Lisa Johnson at (507) 387-1666 to learn more.

Volunteers commit to deliver a Meals on Wheels route twice a month. Meals are picked up in North Mankato and delivered to individuals in the Mankato, North Mankato, and Eagle Lake areas. The routes are typically completed in one hour.

We offer unpaid internships at VINE and at the VINE Adult Community Center.
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Volunteers assist individuals with reading, English language skills, and/or computer skills. They may be matched one-on-one with an individual or participate in a group.

Water safety is important, especially now that we have our very own warm-water exercise pool. Pool Monitors provide oversight during open swim times. They are not lifeguards, but can get help if an emergency occurs in the pool area. A premium VACC membership is required. For more information contact Lisa Johnson at (507) 387-1666.

Volunteers go through training and teach community members classes like Matter of Balance and Chronic Disease Self-Management. The classes might be held in Mankato or another community and are led by two teachers.

Volunteers assist VINE staff in picking up and transporting furniture and other home goods from community member’s homes to the VINE Store. Individuals must be able to lift 50-100 pounds.

Individuals provide support to the VINE store staff with ringing up items on the cash register, cleaning items in preparation for sale, organizing and pricing items, repairing broken items, etc. Training is provided and schedules are flexible.