How to Get Involved: Volunteering and Donation Opportunities with FTHRA

At FTHRA, volunteers are the backbone of our agency. We would not be able to operate or fulfill our mission of improving the quality of life for the people of Northeast Tennessee without the dedication and support of our volunteers. Whether you have a few hours a week, a day, or just a one-time commitment, there are many ways you can make a meaningful difference in your community by volunteering with FTHRA.

Meals on Wheels (MOW) Volunteers

One of the most impactful ways to volunteer with FTHRA is through our Meals on Wheels program. MOW volunteers help deliver nutritious meals to homebound clients across all eight counties of Northeast Tennessee, including Carter, Greene, Johnson, Hancock, Hawkins, Sullivan, Unicoi, and Washington. By taking a route and delivering meals, you are providing much more than just food—you’re offering a friendly face and a moment of connection for those who may be isolated.

How It Works:

  • Flexible Scheduling: You can volunteer as often as you wish, whether it’s on a regular basis or as a one-time event. Typical volunteering hours are between 8 am and 12 pm, Monday through Friday, and the commitment is about an hour.

  • Congregate Meal Sites: Another way to volunteer with MOW is by helping serve food at our congregate meal sites, which are spread throughout the eight counties. A full list of congregate meal sites is available on our website at www.FTHRA.org.

Volunteer Requirements:

  • Application Process: If you’re interested in becoming a MOW volunteer, you’ll need to complete a brief application. For the safety of our clients, a background check will be conducted with your approval.

  • Get Started: To begin, contact our Meals on Wheel Program Manager, Casie Gump, at 423-491-0304 or [email protected]. She will provide you with all the information you need and help you get started.

Adult Day Services (ADS) Volunteers

Volunteering with Adult Day Services offers the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our senior clients by assisting with their care or simply spending time with them. Located in Johnson City, TN (Washington County), the ADS center welcomes volunteers who are eager to share their time and talents.

Ways to Volunteer:

  • Client Care Assistance: Assist the ADS staff in caring for our clients, providing support, companionship, and care. This role requires a brief training session with the ADS staff.

  • Sharing Talents: If you have a hobby, skill, or talent that you’d like to share, consider visiting the ADS center to meet with clients. Whether it’s playing a musical instrument, demonstrating a craft, or sharing your knowledge on a topic, your contribution will be greatly appreciated. No training is required for this type of volunteer work.

Get Started:

  • Contact Information: If you’re interested in volunteering with ADS, reach out to the staff at the center at 423-928-8855 or [email protected] to learn more and to begin the application process.

General Volunteers

FTHRA also has opportunities for general volunteers, which vary throughout the year depending on the agency’s needs. General volunteers have previously helped with tasks such as landscaping, painting interior walls, and other maintenance projects. These roles are perfect for individuals or groups looking for a hands-on way to contribute.

How to Volunteer:

  • Check Availability: If you’re interested in general volunteering, please contact our agency at 423-461-8200 or [email protected] to see if there is a current need and what it may entail.

Can’t Donate Your Time? Consider Donating Funds

If your schedule doesn’t allow you to volunteer your time, please consider supporting FTHRA through a monetary donation. Your financial contributions help us continue our mission of serving the Northeast Tennessee community. You can donate securely via our website at www.FTHRA.org, where you’ll find a payment portal on our homepage.

Spread the Word

If neither donating time nor money is an option for you, please help us spread the word about FTHRA and the positive impact we have on the community. Follow us on social media—LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram—to stay up to date on our latest news, and engage with our posts to help us reach more people.

Thank You for Considering Volunteering with FTHRA

Volunteers are essential to our work at FTHRA. Without you, we wouldn’t be able to deliver meals to the homebound, provide care to seniors, or maintain the facilities that support our programs. Your time, energy, and dedication help us to achieve our mission of improving the quality of life for the people of Northeast Tennessee.

If you’re ready to make a difference, please reach out to our volunteer coordinator today. Together, we can continue to lead forward, building a stronger, more connected community.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with FTHRA. We look forward to welcoming you to our team!

 

First TN Human Resource Agency