Get Involved
Southside Senior Service & Outreach
Volunteer Program
The Tallahassee Senior Services Volunteer Program enlists the assistance of more than 450 volunteers who provide programs and serve as support staff. In 2011, volunteers served 195,125 hours at a value of $367,033.
The Tallahassee Senior Center depends on its 450 plus volunteers to offer an outstanding number, variety and quality of programs and services. Older adults (age 55+) are specifically encouraged to lend their interests and skills to Center activities. Their time and talents are matched with opportunities to serve in ways such as greeting newcomers, directing callers, coordinating programs, teaching classes, fundraising, providing health screenings, maintaining the leisure library, serving lunch, helping with data entry and other administrative duties, and serving on advisory boards.
Some volunteers are recruited through a direct call for help. Others come to us with a skill, talent or life experience they want to share. Many times, participants themselves take on these service leadership roles as needs arise. New volunteers receive orientation to Tallahassee Senior Services as well as training pertinent to their area of service. All volunteers must operate within the TSC volunteer policies and procedures, the volunteer and participant standards of conduct and must sign a participant confidentiality agreement.
Current Volunteer Opportunities
Except as noted, contact Gena Varn at 891-4005 if interested in any of the following volunteer opportunities:
- Greeters to welcome guests and new members. Flexible schedules.
Student Intern Opportunities
Tallahassee Senior Services encourages and promotes the participation of university students by offering a variety of learning experiences. Placement opportunities vary from one-time presentations to full-time internships. Undergraduate and graduate level students learn about an array of senior and caregiver issues and related individual and community service delivery. Students gain knowledge of program planning, partnership development, budgeting, marketing, fundraising, and policy and advocacy.
Students in social work, psychology, nursing, pre-med, recreation and leisure, public administration, communications, and other geriatric-related disciplines can apply for the limited number of internships available. Pre-intern students in geriatric programs are welcome to attend programs at the Senior Center to experience the health and wellness mission of the Center firsthand, however, volunteer positions are rarely available to meet 20-hour or less service-learning requirements.
TSS provides programs and services at the nationally accredited Tallahassee Senior Center and its 15 satellite sites. For more information regarding student opportunities, contact Hella Spellman, 891-4007.
Support Groups
These are groups that are part of the Tallahassee Senior Services or meet at the Tallahassee Senior Center.
Al-Anon - Support for families and friends of alcoholics
Beginners: Fridays, 7:15 - 8:15pm
Family Group: Wednesdays, 7:15 - 8:15pm and Fridays, 7:15 - 8:15pm
Support groups meet weekly. Al-Anon aids families and friends of alcoholics and anyone is welcome.
Diabetes Education and Support Group at Smith-Williams
2nd Wednesdays, 11:30am - 12:30pm
Focuses on obtaining supplies, eating properly, obtaining optimal health and quality of life. Participants will hear expert speakers and have opportunities to share. The group is a partnership between Tallahassee Senior Services and "Diabetes and You."
Grandparents as Parents (GaP)
Last Wednesday of the month at the Leroy Collins public library from 12-1:30pm
Raising your grandchildren can be challenging and socially isolating. Getting support and camaraderie from others in the same situation is key to making the situation manageable and can make a positive difference.
The Grandparents as Parents (GaP) program assists grand-families by providing support groups, educational seminars, legal services, health screenings, family picnics and field trips as well as access to community agencies. Lunch meetings are generally held on the last Wednesday of the month at the Leroy Collins public library from 12-1:30pm.
GaP is a program of the Tallahassee Senior Foundation funded by the Leon County Commission, grants and donations. For more information, call Karen Boebinger at 891-4027 or email Karen.Boebinger@talgov.com.
SA Support Group
Tuesdays, 8:00 - 9:00pm
A support group for people dealing with sexual addictions. $30 monthly.
Area Organizations
Capital Coalition on Aging
3rd Wednesdays, 8:30 - 9:30am
The mission of the Capital Coalition on Aging, coordinated by the Area Agency on Aging of North Florida, is to promote communication and coordination, and to build greater understanding and cooperation among providers of services to elders in the capital area of North Florida. Anyone may attend the meetings.
FFU - Faculty and Friends of the University Investment Club
1st Tuesdays, 7:00 - 9:00pm
The purpose of FFU is to improve the investment performance of novice and experienced investors via running an investment portfolio. Although current membership is near capacity, this club will help another group get started. Call the Senior Center for contact information.
Tallahassee Stamp and Cover Club
2nd Tuesdays, 7:00pm
From world albums to topical collections, this group talks about and trades stamps. Whatever your collecting needs, the club can help. Free appraisals and estate advice for collections you wish to sell. There are also special programs throughout the year. $5 annually.
Tal-Kug (Tallahassee Komputer Club)
2nd Thursdays, 7:30 - 9:00pm
Help each other solve program problems or hear about new software at meetings of this informal group. Everyone welcome to join, ask questions or provide input. Occasionally, there is a speaker. Dues: $12 per year or $1 per month. Dues pay for monthly one-page newsletter, postage and donation to the Senior Center.