Why Volunteer?
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
Our guiding principle is Neighbors Helping Neighbors. What this really means is that we expect every Missoula Villages member to not only be a user of services but also to be a provider. We each have unique skills and abilities that we can share to help us all age-in-place and enrich the lives of each other. When you join our village you enter into a wonderful world were we all help each other
Non-Members are encouraged to provide support: Enrich Lives, Including Your Own
Connecting with Missoula Villages members is more than lending a hand—it’s building bridges between generations. By sharing your time, you help combat social isolation and bring joy into daily routines. Giving in this way creates moments of genuine connection that resonate far beyond any single visit. Every conversation, activity, or errand you take on offers companionship and purpose to someone who may otherwise feel forgotten. But best, is how wonderful it will make you feel.
Forge Lasting Connections
Spending time with an older neighbor opens doors to untold stories, memories, and wisdom. These one-on-one visits foster trust, laughter, and mutual respect. As you listen to life lessons accumulated over decades, you’ll gain perspective on challenges you face today. Those moments of shared reminiscence strengthen empathy and remind us all how much we have in common, no matter our age.
Grow Personally and Professionally
Engaging in service with Missoula Villages will sharpen your communication, problem-solving, and adaptability—skill sets employers value highly. You’ll learn to navigate diverse needs, whether it’s providing transportation, coordinating medical appointments, assisting with technology, providing yard work or simply offering emotional support. These experiences enhance your résumé and boost confidence in any career path. Beyond practical gains, every small success reinforces a sense of accomplishment and meaning in your life.
Strengthen Community Well-Being
When older adults stay engaged, communities thrive. Regular visits and group activities reduce loneliness, lower health risks, and encourage active lifestyles. Your presence can help prevent falls, improve mental health, and even support family caregivers by offering a well-deserved break. By volunteering, you contribute to a safer, more vibrant neighborhood where every generation looks out for each other.
Flexible Ways to Make an Impact with Missoula Villages
- Visit for weekly conversation, games, or shared hobbies
- Assist with grocery shopping, pharmacy runs, or transportation
- Lead or join group activities: book clubs, walking groups, or art workshops
- Teach digital skills: video calls, online research, or social media basics
- Provide short-term support during transitions: hospital discharge or post-op recovery
- Be a yard angel, shovel snow or rake leaves
- Help with household handiman(woman) tasks
Requirements for volunteers:
- We are not able to use volunteers who need to fulfill court appointed community service requests.
- We need a committment for at least a few hours a week for a long-term.
- We are not able to fullfill requests to volunteer for just a few hours to fullfill a class or other requirement as background checks are too costly.
- Volunteers must be at least 19 years of age unless they are helping one of our registered volunteers. An example would be a school group helping with fall leaf raking working with one of our volunteers.
Join Us Today
Whether you have an hour a week or more, your time transforms lives. Signing up as a Missoula Villages helper is simple: complete a brief application, attend an orientation, and choose the opportunities that match your interests. You’ll receive training and ongoing support to feel confident in every interaction. Start making a lasting difference—both theirs and yours—by becoming a friend, helper, and champion for older adults in our community.
Fill out the volunteer application form by clicking here and the our team will follow up to get you started. (Please note that we're not able to provide court-ordered community service hours at this time).