Volunteer Opportunities
A Matter of Balance
Chances are you know someone who has fallen or who is afraid of falling. A Matter of Balance is a proven program designed to help people manage concerns about falls and increase physical activity. Spectrum Generations is looking for volunteers to help provide this program.
A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls is conducted in 8 two-hour sessions and uses group discussion, problem–solving strategies, videos and gentle physical exercise. Older adults learn positive coping methods to reduce fear of falling and remain active and independent.
A Matter of Balance coaches help participants become more confident about managing falls by believing that they can increase their strength, find ways to reduce falls, and protect themselves if they do fall. In addition, participants report that they have increased the amount they exercise on a regular basis.
A Matter of Balance coaches need good communication and interpersonal skills, enthusiasm, dependability and a willingness to lead small groups of older adults. Coaches also need to be able to lead low to moderate level exercise.
For more information about the program or about volunteering, contact Vicki Foster at 800-282-0764, ext. 126 or vfoster@spectrumgenerations.org.
Living Well for Better Health
The Living Well program, is an evidence-based workshop given two and a half hours, once a week, for six weeks. People with different chronic health problems attend together. Program participants demonstrate significant improvements in exercise, cognitive symptom management, communication with physicians, self-reported general health, health distress, fatigue, disability, and social/role activities limitations.
What do volunteer leaders do?
The workshop is led by pairs of volunteer leaders - most have chronic health conditions themselves. The leaders follow a structured workshop outline that builds the confidence of participants to manage their own health condition.
Volunteer leaders must successfully complete a four day Lay Leader Training. Spectrum Generations then asks certified lay leaders to commit to deliver the six-week workshop at least twice in the following year.
Is it difficult to be a volunteer leader?
No, it is not difficult to be a volunteer leader. Leaders will have a thorough 4 - day training, and receive ongoing support from the program’s coordinators as needed. All course materials are provided. There is no charge for this training.
For more information about the program or about volunteering, contact Vicki Foster at 800-282-0764, ext. 126 or vfoster@spectrumgenerations.org .
