How to become a LIV-UP Volunteer

Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. LIV-UP is proudly a “Volunteer First” organization. Whether you're running errands, providing friendly check-ins, or helping with light tasks, your efforts can mean the difference between someone staying safely in their beloved home or having to relocate.

Our Volunteer Coordinator helps match Members’ needs with Volunteers’ availability, skills, and interests—ensuring a meaningful and successful experience for everyone involved.

Our Volunteers assist with everyday tasks that can make a big difference in the lives of older adults. Some examples include:

• Providing simple household help: Changing light bulbs, adjusting door handles, tightening cabinet doors, hanging pictures, replacing vacuum belts, etc.
• Making friendly visits: Reading aloud, sorting mail, playing music, or just spending time together.
• Picking up and delivering: Library books, prescriptions, laundry, or mail.
• Offering tech help: Setting up phones, tablets, computers, printers, scanners, TVs, or Wi-Fi.
• Organizing: Closets, kitchens, file cabinets
• Providing transportation: Rides to doctor’s appointments, grocery stores, hair salons, or other local errands.
• Helping supervise: Youth or other volunteers during special workdays at Members’ homes.

Some Volunteers prefer to help with administrative or event-related tasks. These roles are just as important to keeping LIV-UP running smoothly!

• Assemble welcome packets and volunteer materials
• Respond to requests for membership information
• Assist at local health fair tables and information booths
• Join our Speakers’ Bureau (training provided)
• Help set up, clean up, or serve refreshments at events
• Arrange event venues
• Design or distribute flyers and promotional materials

Many of our Volunteers come from the wider community—both retirees and working adults. Some of our Members also choose to volunteer, which helps foster a strong culture of giving and receiving that we deeply value.

While only Members are eligible to receive services, anyone can be a Volunteer.

We welcome Volunteers who wish to help regularly or occasionally. Before you begin, here’s what to expect:

If you have not already submitted a completed application, you may obtain a blank one via the link at the bottom of this page. Fill it out, email it to livupfl@gmail.com or mail it to:

LIV-UP

P.O. Box 4367

Clearwater, FL 33758

Attn: Volunteer Coordinator

We value our Members’ safety and peace of mind. As such, LIV-UP requires you to undergo a background check — and for Volunteers who plan to transport Members, a Motor Vehicle Record Check is also required. The background check is handled online through Sterling Volunteers, a nationally recognized program.

NOTE: If you already have a valid background check on file with another organization (e.g., a school, church, or nonprofit), you may submit that documentation instead of repeating the background check.

Along with the Motor Vehicle Record Check, you’ll also need to provide copies of your:

• Florida Driver’s License
• Vehicle registration
• Auto insurance declaration page

These documents are required for insurance purposes and will be kept on file.

• We cover the cost of these checks, but if you’re able to contribute toward the fees, we’re very grateful — it helps us serve more Members.
• If you’ve had a background check in the past three years, just let us know and provide documentation.
• Because these checks are handled by a secure third-party service, they remain confidential.

NOTE: LIV-UP maintains a supplemental insurance policy that covers Volunteers for excess liability up to $500,000.

Interview & Matching — You’ll be invited to a short interview so we can learn more about your interests, experience, availability, and skills. This helps us match you with opportunities that are both rewarding and impactful.

Orientation & Training — Once your screening is complete, you’ll be invited to an orientation session to learn more about our organization, expectations, and tips for successful volunteering. Training ensures you feel confident and supported as you begin helping Members.

We would be thrilled to welcome you to the LIV-UP family! Your time and care make it possible for older adults in our community to remain safe, connected, and independent—and we are so grateful for your generosity.

May I bring a friend / spouse / child / brother / sister / or pet with me when I volunteer?

• Because of insurance reasons, we ask that you don't; when you are volunteering, your focus should be on the services you are providing to the member.

What if I accepted a volunteer assignment, but at the last minute, I can’t get there?

• We understand that things happen, but please contact our Volunteer Coordinator at (727) 378-2186 as soon as possible to let us know you can’t make it. Leave a message with your name, phone number, the name of the member you were supposed to help, and the time you were supposed to be at their home. We will let the member know you’ve been detained, and we will reschedule the visit.

What if a member asks me to perform a task I don’t know how to do or don’t feel comfortable doing?

• When you are assigned to perform a specific task or activity for a member and the member asks you to do something else or something you are neither comfortable nor capable of doing, please let the member know that they will need to make an additional request to LIV-UP.  For insurance and safety reasons, all requests for services — including those you've not volunteered to do — must come through the LIV-UP office.

What if a member requests my contact information in case they need to do a last minute re-schedule?

• It is better for them to reach you through LIV-UP. Keep in mind that a member may not contact you directly to request a service or any type of assistance as a LIV-UP volunteer. They are instructed to contact LIV-UP directly to arrange services.

What if a member asks me for a ride to the store or elsewhere during the visit?

• Ask the Member to call LIV-UP directly for help with transportation.

What if I can’t locate the member’s house or feel uncomfortable in the neighborhood?

• This would be a very rare occurrence, but, if you need directions to the member’s home, please ask the LIV-UP Volunteer  Coordinator to provide directions when you accept the assignment. If you get lost, call the Volunteer Coordinator at (727) 378-2186. All LIV-UP members are visited in their homes by a LIV-UP Ambassador at the time they enroll. If there are any issues of concern in the neighborhood or the home, you will be told about them in advance.

What if a member tries to give me a tip, money or a gift?

• LIV-UP Volunteers are never permitted to accept money or gifts from members. Even though the member may offer something as a sign of their appreciation, kindly thank them and explain that you are not permitted to accept gifts or money from a member. You may certainly accept a snack or drink of water, if it is offered!

What if I knock on the member’s door and ring the doorbell, but no one answers?

• Many older adults have difficulty with mobility or limited hearing and vision. It might just take a while for them to answer the door, so be patient. Unless you have been asked to, do not repeatedly ring the doorbell or bang on the door. If, after several minutes and attempts no one comes, do the following. 1) Call the Volunteer Coordinator at (727) 378-2186 and let them know. 2) Leave a note on the front door or someplace where the member will see it. State your name, the time, and that you were sent by LIV-UP to do a service for them. LIV-UP Staff will then follow up with the member until we reach them and are sure they are all right.

What if I am supposed to do a household chore for a Member (change a vacuum cleaner belt or install a fluorescent light) but the Member doesn’t have the part or  item?

• Do not accept cash from the Member to purchase the part or item. You can (1) ask the Member to purchase the item him or herself and let LIV-UP know, so that we can reschedule the visit. Or, (2) for an item under $10 in value, you may, if you wish, purchase the item and request reimbursement from LIV-UP. You must keep the original receipt and complete the Reimbursement Form provided by the Volunteer Coordinator. You will be reimbursed directly and the member will be charged in their next membership payment.

What if I see, hear or smell something that seems unsafe? While it’s rare, you could observe something in the home that causes you concern. For example:

• Has a burner on the stove been left on?
• Are scatter rugs or electrical cords loose and in the walkway where they could be a trip hazard?
• Is it very warm or very cold in the home?
• Does the home have a bad odor?
• Does the member seem particularly upset, worried or depressed?
  

You can ask the member about the situation, e.g., “Is your air conditioner broken?” or “Would you mind if I moved these loose cords?” Comply with the member’s wishes, but let LIV-UP know your concerns about the situation. Every home has had an Ambassador visit, but it is true that daily life can change rather quickly.

What are LIV-UP members like? What can I expect?

• Many of our members are widows/widowers or live alone. Take time to introduce yourself, wear your LIV-UP name badge, and make friendly conversation. Make eye contact and show an interest in them, without prying too much. You might be surprised at how appreciative the member is for your help. You will, almost always, find that you have something in common. Often, interacting with the Volunteer is as important or more important to the Member than the job or task to be done.

Ready to volunteer?