Volunteer Connect 55+

New and Modified Programs, Services and Volunteer Opportunities offered in response to COVID-19

For information about our volunteer programs and opportunities, call the Aging Helpline at 919-968-2087, email Shenae McPherson or call 919-245-4243.

COVID-19 Volunteer Opportunities: Would you like to share your skills and gifts with older adults in Orange County. Leaders from Orange County’s Department on Aging and UNC’s Partnerships in Aging have created a list to match volunteers with the needs and changing circumstances of individuals and organizations that serve older adults. To volunteer, please add your name to the COVID-19 Volunteer List.  

Emergency Plan & Serious Illness Plan: When we make health decisions ahead of time and put those wishes in writing, we bring peace of mind to our families and to ourselves. The Project EngAGE End of Life Choices Senior Resource Team has created a document to aid in beginning your process for emergency planning during this COVID-19 health crisis. This form is not intended to be or to replace your advanced directives document, but is to be used as a tool to provide additional information for quick access should you need it. Access the form here.

Grocery Delivery Service: If you are in need of grocery delivery, or if you know an older adult who would benefit from this service, Volunteer Connect 55+ is now offering this resource.  To register for this program, complete the online request form or contact the Aging Helpline at 919-968-2087.  This service is being offered to Orange County residents age 60 and over. Ordering requirements apply.

Seymour Tech Remote Learning: We are offering FREE remote technology courses via Zoom. Find the schedule and sign up for these remote learning courses at www.seymourtechcenter.org. Find the course you want and simply click to enroll for each class.

Supplemental Food Box Program: A FREE monthly Commodity Supplemental Food Program food box is available for qualifying for Orange County residents, age 60 and over who meet income requirements. Contact us for information or to apply

Tax Assistance - Virtual Services: The Orange County VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program) has transitioned to a Virtual Service providing assistance with 2019 tax returns for some taxpayers. The tax filing deadline for both Federal and NC State returns has been delayed to July 15, 2020. To learn more visit our VITA website.

Telephone Reassurance:  As we continue to enforce social distancing, and social gatherings aren’t possible, we want to make sure you’re doing okay. Would you like a daily phone call just to check on you? We are actively enrolling new Orange County adults age 55 and over. If interested, contact us today!

Thank you for helping our community during this unique and challenging time!

To see all of the Department on Aging’s new and modified programs, visit our COVID-19 Resources for Seniors page.

Welcome to Volunteer Connect 55+.

Volunteer Connect 55+ (VC 55+) is a program of the Orange County Department on Aging to enrich the lives of people 55+ in Orange County by connecting them to meaningful volunteer experiences in the community. VC 55+ offers a new way for older adults to fulfill their passions and interests through diverse volunteer opportunities with other older adults.

If you are currently volunteering with the Department on Aging, Senior Center Friends, VITA Tax Service, or schools, you will automatically become a member of Volunteer Connect 55+.

Browse the tabs to learn more about this rewarding program.

  1. Join Volunteer Connect
  2. Volunteer Benefits
  3. Volunteer Opportunities
  4. Resources
  5. Sponsors
  6. Staff

Volunteer Connect 55+ seeks to foster meaningful volunteer experiences for Orange County older adults, based on each participant’s talents and passions. The VC 55+ peer-to-peer engagement model encourages enduring and authentic connections between older community members. Our primary goal, encompassed by the central mission of Orange County Department on Aging, is to imbue purpose and richness in the daily experience of our older adults, both as providers and recipients of volunteer service benefits.

To find more about VC 55+, download the VC 55+ Volunteer Handbook and complete the Volunteer Application today!

Contact Us

  1. Shenae McPherson

    Volunteer Connect 55+ Administrator
    Email Shenae McPherson
    Phone: 919-245-4243

  1. Jeanne Chamberlin

    SHIIP & VITA Coordinator
    Email Jeanne Chamberlin
    Phone: 919-245-4274

  1. Bobby Cobb

    VC 55+ Volunteer Coordinator
    Email Bobby Cobb
    Phone: 919-245-4241

  1. Melissa Hunter

    Aging Transitions/VC55+ Social Worker
    Email Melissa Hunter
    Phone: 919-245-4278

  1. Ryan Lavalley

    Project Manager, Handy Helper Program
    Email Ryan Lavalley
    Phone: 919-245-4245