Ways To Help
Volunteer
Become a Volunteer
A Work Of Heart
Thank you for considering volunteer opportunities with FSS. Without the helping hands and caring hearts of our volunteers, we wouldn’t be able to provide many of the programs that enrich the lives of older adults. Our volunteers really do make a meaningful difference. Are you interested in joining the FSS volunteer family and giving back to your community? We’d love to have you on our team. Please contact us at 770-461-0813 or info@fayss.org to connect with us.
“I was looking for more ways to get involved and give back to my community when I stumbled upon Fayette Senior Services! I decided to reach out and was amazed at the opportunities available. Deciding on which area to volunteer was a challenge, but knowing I’m a part of this family has not only made a difference in my life, but I know I’m also making a difference in the lives of those I’m serving!”
– FSS Volunteer
Getting Started
We Want You To Enjoy A Positive Experience, So We Will Make Every Effort To Match You With An Activity That Will Be Rewarding For You And Beneficial To The Seniors We Serve
The first step toward volunteering is to complete the application form. Access the link to submit your application online, print and bring the application to the center, drop it in the mail, or stop by and fill one out at either of our locations. Once received, your application will be reviewed, a background check/driver’s license check will be completed, and we will contact you to schedule an orientation.
Before beginning your volunteer service, you will be asked to:
-
- Complete the volunteer application
- Complete a background check and driver’s record check
- Provide two personal references
- Complete a training program for your choice of service
Available Volunteer Opportunities
-
- Front Desk Receptionist for Fayetteville or Peachtree City – Our reception area is one busy place! You will play an important role by providing administrative support to our member services team. Customer service is our top priority as we welcome new and current members and assist them with class and event registration.
- Fitness Center Assistant – Help us maintain a friendly, clean and safe environment and provide instruction for our fitness equipment. Fitness center volunteers will receive CPR Certification.
- Computer Instructors – Instruct classes on Word, Windows, exploring the Internet, and more.
- Café Assistant – Welcome our guests and members for lunch and offer hospitality to all. Assist our wonderful kitchen staff with food service duties which include serving from the food line, refreshing beverage stations, assisting guests and members with their trays, and cleaning up.
- Meals On Wheels Driver – Deliver nutritious meals to homebound seniors throughout Fayette County. Drivers can choose a regular weekly route or choose to be a substitute driver to be called on as needed.
- STARs Program Assistant – STARs (Seniors Together After Retirement) spend the majority of their days together at the Life Enrichment Center, making crafts, playing games, eating together, and having a great time. You’ll have a helping hand in the activities and assisting with their day.
- Therapeutic Garden – If you have a green thumb, this is the place for you!Help tend the beautiful garden on the grounds of FSS.
- Special Events Assistant – Help with special events. Provide assistance with event coordination, set-up, decorating, and clean-up.
- Tool Team Member – Help perform minor, routine home maintenance tasks and repairs to help ensure the safety of individuals in their homes.
Benefits of Volunteering
Give back to your community and enjoy making new friendships!
Center volunteers have many perks while volunteering:
-
- Free center membership ($30 value for in-county residents and $90 value for out-of-county residents) with 75 hours of annual service
- Fitness Center volunteers receive a free fitness center membership
- Café and STARs Assistants receive a free meal in the café on the days they volunteer
- Free CPR and AED training for Fitness Center and STARs volunteers
- Monthly Volunteer Spotlights in the Enrichment Newsletter
- Quarterly Volunteer Appreciation socials
Volunteering is a work of ‘heart’ and the volunteers at FSS are full of just that!
Keeping Tails Wagging and Hearts Full
“The smallest act of kindness is worth
more than the grandest intention.” — Oscar
Wilde. Sometimes that really is all it takes, one
small act of kindness to begin something truly
meaningful!
When Katie Johnston responded to a
Facebook post asking for pet food donations,
she had no idea it would lead to a volunteer
opportunity with Fayette Senior Services’
AniMeals program. After dropping off her
donation, she met AniMeals Coordinator, Stevie
Coachman, and the connection was instant. She
began volunteering that very same week! Since
then, she has been delivering pet food and
transporting pets to veterinary appointments,
making a difference for so many owners and
their pets that benefit from this program.
“The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.” — Oscar
Wilde. Sometimes that really is all it takes, one small act of kindness to begin something truly meaningful!
When Katie Johnston responded to a Facebook post asking for pet food donations, she had no idea it would lead to a volunteer opportunity with Fayette Senior Services’ AniMeals program. After dropping off her donation, she met AniMeals Coordinator, Stevie Coachman, and the connection was instant. She began volunteering that very same week! Since then, she has been delivering pet food and transporting pets to veterinary appointments, making a difference for so many owners and their pets that benefit from this program.
Originally from the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska, she grew up in Soldotna as an only child with parents who were both public school teachers. She spent her childhood enjoying musical theater, Girl Scouts, camping, and fishing before attending the University of Alaska Anchorage. It was there that she met her husband, Kyle. Married since July 2007, the couple has lived in Fayette County for the past eight years.
Professionally, she serves as a Development Director for nonprofit organizations, while Kyle works as a petroleum land manager. But Katie will tell you her first job was filleting salmon and halibut for fishing charter guests. Away from work, they enjoy traveling the world, fostering dogs, and giving back to causes they care about. In fact, she’s visited all 50 states and 12 countries, a testament to her adventurous spirit!
What keeps Katie coming back to AniMeals is simple: the people and their pets. “I’ve built important relationships with everyone on my routes over the years,” she says. “Making sure our most valued companions are getting the vaccines and nutrition they need brings me so much joy!” Katie credits Stevie’s passion and vision for inspiring her continued service. “I really believe in the vision and appreciate the heart that Stevie brings to the program,” she says. “It’s an honor to support all the hard work.”
That passion is at the heart of the AniMeals program. For many homebound seniors, a beloved pet is more than a companion, they’re family. AniMeals helps provide pet food to Meals On Wheels clients so they can continue caring for the animals that bring them comfort, companionship, and unconditional love without the financial burden and stress
Just for fun I asked Katie if she was to sing karaoke what would her song be. We were not surprised that she answered Hold On by Wilson Phillips. It perfectly reflects the optimism and heart she brings to everything she does. If she had to listen to one song for the rest of her life, it would be Turpentine by Brandi Carlile. Stevie shared that kindness, dependability, and selfless service that Katie demonstrates as a volunteer inspires her and strengthens the impact and mission of our AniMeals program. We’re grateful for volunteers like Katie, whose kindness helps ensure that
both our seniors and their cherished companions receive the care they deserve. Thank you, Katie, for all you do at FSS and in our community!