Volunteer

You can make a difference! Grow your skills and advocate for the poor.

The mission of St. Vincent Meals on Wheels is to prepare and deliver nutritious meals to homebound seniors and other vulnerable residents across Los Angeles regardless of age, illness, disability, race, religion or ability to pay. The program operates Monday-Friday. We adhere to the following Vincentian core values: Respect, Compassionate Service, Simplicity, Advocacy for the Poor, and Inventiveness to Infinity.

Volunteer Positions

Duties and Responsibilities

The Runner and Driver team use a SVMOW vehicle to deliver meals to homebound seniors and vulnerable residents across Los Angeles from Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Following strict COVID-19 protocols, meal delivery volunteers take meals to the door of each home and report any concerns or changes to the Dispatch Coordinator.

Teamwork duties include:

  • Preparation for the route—count of meals (hot, cold, beverage) and other food items (breakfast, snacks, frozen) if applicable; and route-specific items such as client residence keys, gifts from MOW, payment envelopes, and temperature kit.
  • Loading of vehicle—load containers for hot and cold meals, beverage bags, and other applicable food items.
  • Delivery of meals to the client—check route sheet for special meals and beverages before presentation to the client; complete the route within established timeframes/policy.
  • Unloading of vehicle—remove any leftover meals/beverages and place in designated containers on loading dock; ensure transport containers are returned to the right location at dock; pick up trash and organize any items such as plastic bags or pencils.

Time Commitment: The minimum time commitment is three months. You must attend an orientation prior to volunteering.

Qualifications: Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work with diverse staff and volunteers in a team environment; demonstrates a positive attitude; strong attention to detail; Volunteers must be age 18+; Drivers require a valid California Driver’s License and an official copy of their driving record from DMV.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements: The performance of duties involves working outdoors in varied weather conditions and the physical abilities to climb stairs and lift/move objects of ten pounds or more.

Benefits: You can make a difference in the lives of 1900+ homebound seniors and vulnerable residents across Los Angeles. Grow your skills and advocate for the poor.

Duties and Responsibilities

Kitchen Aides assist in the preparation of meals in a fast-paced environment and in the cleanliness of the equipment and work area.

Teamwork duties include:

  • Washes, peels, chops, and cuts foodstuffs under the Kitchen Area Supervisor.
  • Prepares and packages cold and hot packs for delivery.
  • Prepares snacks.
  • Prepares bags with labels for frozen packaging.
  • Assembles frozen meal packages.
  • Assists in the cleaning of the food preparation equipment and other kitchen tools or areas.
  • Follows all health and safety/FDA guidelines.
  • Adheres to existing work practices, methods, procedures, and new or alternative systems, as needed.
  • Performs other reasonable duties within the overall function of the position.

Time Commitment: Short term (3 months or less) or Long-term (6 months or more) for 3-4 hours. Shifts are usually 8:00 am-noon. Volunteers are especially needed on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays. Must pass a background check at our cost and attend a brief orientation prior to volunteering.

Qualifications: Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work with diverse staff and volunteers in a team environment; demonstrates a positive attitude; listens and learns fast; strong attention to detail; exhibits dependability, cleanliness, and neatness; food handling certificate or training desired but not required.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements: Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and twist; ability to stand prolonged periods of time; repetitive motion: simple grasping, firm grasping, fine manipulation, pushing, pulling, and reaching; good physical condition; ability to lift ten pounds or more.

Benefits: You can make a difference in the lives of 1900+ homebound seniors and vulnerable residents across Los Angeles. Grow your skills and advocate for the poor.

The Talking Tech Mentor teaches technology to interested SVMOW clients based on their needs. All classes and training will be conducted via telephone.

Classes Offered:

  • Basic computer training
  • Online activities for education and socialization

Time Commitment: The minimum time commitment is three months.

Qualifications: Strong listening skills to determine what the participant hopes to learn; effective communication in a one-on-one format with clarity and patience. Participants who do not have access to a device or internet service are loaned a tablet and/or hotspot by SVMOW. Volunteers must be age 18+ and pass a background check. Bilingual in Spanish, Korean, or Chinese is a plus.

Benefits: You can make a difference in the lives of 1900+ homebound seniors and vulnerable residents across Los Angeles. Grow your skills and advocate for the poor.

The Social Call volunteer provides invaluable social connections for SVMOW clients who lack support and may be at an elevated risk of loneliness or social isolation. Regular conversations make a positive difference in the lives of participants and volunteers.

Time Commitment: The minimum time commitment is three months.

Qualifications: The ability to speak cheerfully and positively about daily life and shared interests; careful listening; the ability to draw out a shy or reluctant participant; communicating clearly and patiently. Volunteers must be age 18+, pass a background check, and complete social call training. Bilingual in Spanish, Korean, or Chinese is a plus.

Benefits: You can make a difference in the lives of 1900+ homebound seniors and vulnerable residents across Los Angeles. Grow your skills and advocate for the poor.

Please complete and submit the form to start the volunteer process.