Volunteer Opportunities
Join the heart of Aging and Human Services (AHS) by becoming a volunteer. AHS offers a variety of opportunities where volunteers can make a difference in the lives of vulnerable residents. AHS volunteers are all ages. Children are welcome to accompany parents or grandparents when delivering meals or providing transportation. Currently, AHS does not offer one-time volunteer experiences, group volunteer days, or award community service hours for school or court.
New Volunteers - Volunteer Orientation
All Aging & Human Services volunteers must attend a formal volunteer orientation before starting. We are actively recruiting volunteer drivers for Home-Delivered Meals (Meals on Wheels) and Catch-a-Ride. Volunteer orientations are held monthly from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at our central office in Olathe. Advance registration is required due to limited seating. To sign up, please register for orientation online. Volunteers can complete their applications and upload required documents directly through our Samaritan volunteer portal.
AHS is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services, and activities. If you need an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter or any other ADA accommodation for this class, please reach out to the volunteer services coordinator by phone or email. We prefer to have two business days' notice to help us meet your needs most effectively.
Current Volunteers
Log in to the Samaritan volunteer portal to sign up for Home-Delivered Meals routes and Catch-a-Ride shifts. If you need assistance, please contact the volunteer services coordinator by email or phone.
Catch-a-Ride
Catch-a-Ride - Volunteers provide rides to seniors, those with a physical disability, or adults in a major life transition who do not drive and public transportation is difficult or impossible to use. Rides are provided to essential appointments in Johnson County such as medical, social service agencies or food pantries. Volunteers choose their schedules and the geographical distance they are willing to drive. Mileage reimbursement is available.
Catch-a-Ride operates Monday - Friday from 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Volunteers must be at least 25 years old, drive their personal vehicle, attend a formal orientation and Catch-a-Ride training session, and complete both a criminal background check and a motor vehicle record check.
Home-Delivered Meals
Home-Delivered Meals (Meals on Wheels) - Volunteers provide a hot noon-day meal during the lunch hour. Volunteers deliver meals Monday - Friday from 10:45 a.m.–noon. There are over 50 daily volunteer routes. Volunteers deliver as teams or as individuals. Children are welcome to accompany parents or grandparents.
AHS is currently recruiting both regular (weekly) and substitute (as-needed) drivers. Volunteers deliver from one of eight centers: Blue Valley, De Soto, Gardner, Lenexa, Merriam, Olathe, Overland Park and Spring Hill. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, drive their personal vehicle, attend a formal orientation, Home-Delivered Meals training, and complete a criminal background check.
Food Pantry
Food Pantry: Currently, there are no on-site volunteer opportunities available.
Food drives are always needed and encouraged. Volunteers can host a food or hygiene drive. Email for more information about hosting a food drive.
Donations are accepted online and through our Amazon wish list and shipped directly to our food pantries in Gardner, Lenexa or Mission. Food pantry hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
SHICK (Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas)
SHICK (Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas) is a free, unbiased, and confidential program that utilizes trained community volunteers to answer questions about Medicare and other insurance issues. SHICK volunteers assist and support the public and the SHICK program in various ways, such as distributing information, assisting with administrative tasks, attending events, making group presentations, and counseling Kansans. Volunteer counselors do not work for any insurance companies. They aim to educate and assist the public in making informed decisions about their health care options. Interested applicants are screened and interviewed prior to attending state training to become a SHICK volunteer. Volunteers must complete Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services training, attend a formal Aging and Human Services orientation, and complete a criminal background check.