Volunteer With EveryStep

Hospice

EveryStep provides hospice services in communities across the state of Iowa. To read a story about the work of a hospice volunteer, click here. Some of our hospice-focused volunteer opportunities include:

• Providing companionship to patients by reading, playing cards, or offering a comforting presence.
• Completing homemaking tasks by assisting patients and their families with chores and outdoor work.
• Transporting patients to doctors’ appointments, delivering essentials, or running errands.
• Veteran-to-Veteran volunteers are paired with patients who have also served our country. These specialized volunteers provide companionship while talking, reading and sitting with patients. EveryStep is recognized as a Level Four Partner through We Honor Veterans.
• Music volunteers sing, play musical instruments, or play CDs for patients' musical enjoyment.
• Life Review volunteers are specially trained individuals who interview patients about their lives. The conversations are recorded and given to patients and their families as a gift for a long-lasting memories.
• Story Book volunteers are specially trained individuals who record the patient reading a story that can then be shared for generations to come. The patient and family are given the CD and the book as a memento.
• Community Outreach volunteers help spread the word about EveryStep's mission at community events and speaking engagements.
• 11th Hour volunteers are specially trained individuals who can provide a quiet presence during the final hours of life while providing companionship and support for family members.

To learn more and show interest in volunteering, click the link below or contact the location in which you'd like to work.

Centerville - Application | 641-856-5502

Des Moines - Application | 515-274-3400

Mt. Ayr - Application | 641-464-2088

Mt. Pleasant - Application | Email | 319-385-4472

Osceola and Winterset - Application | Email | 515-462-5205

Senior Companion

The Senior Companion Program at EveryStep matches companions with home-bound adults in our community to provide companionship, transportation, and respite at no cost to clients. Senior Companion volunteers are individuals age 55+ who offer friendship, social support, respite for caregivers, support with daily activities, and transportation to adults who need help with tasks, such as, shopping, appointments, and recreation activities. Senior Companions volunteers must reside in Polk, Warren, Marion, or Lucas Counties. The program aims to help older adults maintain their independence longer and provide assistance to family caregivers.

As a Senior Companion, volunteers can earn a modest, tax-free income for their time and compassion. The extra monthly income earned will not decrease housing, medical, food, disability, or other financial assistance received. Senior Companion volunteers have a regular, weekly schedule and consistent clients to build a relationship with over time. Senior Companions enjoy paid time off, holiday pay, meal and mileage reimbursement, and flexibility and independent scheduling. Senior Companions make new friends and help improve the quality of life for older adults in our community. As a Senior Companion, you will belong to a group of peers and staff who will support you.

Make a difference – be a member of the Senior Companion group who share the mission of compassionate support to individuals in need! To read a story about a Senior Companion volunteer, click here. To learn more and show interest in volunteering, click one of the buttons below.

Des Moines

Grief & Loss

The important work we do at Amanda the Panda is fueled by the enthusiasm and love of hundreds of volunteers. There are many ways to help, from gift wrapping and housekeeping, to participant interaction and support. To read a story about a Grief & Loss volunteer, click here. Our Grief & Loss programs are looking for volunteers to help with a variety of activities, such as:

• Support Group Facilitator volunteers guide, support, and offer resources to grieving individuals in a peer group setting.
• School Group volunteers provide a safe space for students experiencing loss within rural communities. Learn More
• Support Group Helpers include Childcare and Kitchen aide volunteers.
• Transportation volunteers pick up and drop off participants for support groups.
• Office Assistant volunteers help with organization, cleaning, filing, and other administrative work.
• Cheer Box volunteers can either help with the preparation and wrapping of Cheer Boxes or help deliver Cheer Boxes across the state of Iowa.
• Baking/Cooking volunteers will provide delicious snacks and meals for Amanda the Panda programs.
• Yard Work/Lawn Care volunteers will help with lawn care and grounds maintenance.
• Internships are often available.

Click the button to learn more about our Amanda the Panda activities and complete the volunteer application form, or call us at 515-223-4847 if you have questions.

Apply to volunteer.

EveryStep Giving Tree Thrift Store

Sales and donations at the EveryStep Giving Tree Thrift Store support programs benefiting our services. Whether it’s sorting, pricing, or working at the cash register, volunteers are vital in helping our shop make a difference in the community. To read about a volunteer, click here. We are always looking for new volunteers to join our team.  Volunteer opportunities include:

• Greeter.
• Retail assistant
• Donation sorter
• Pricing/tagging items
• Cleaning

To learn more and show interest in volunteering, click the button below.

Apply to volunteer.

Care and Support Services

EveryStep Care & Support Services offers many types of volunteering experiences that help young people, support struggling families, and strengthen connections between generations. 

To learn more and show interest in volunteering, click the button below.

Apply to volunteer.

EveryStep Foundation

When Iowans face life’s most difficult moments, EveryStep offers support and empowerment at the right place and the right time. Contributions to EveryStep Foundation ensure that vulnerable Iowans receive that same support and empowerment, that we may care for an entire family not just our patients, and that we may expand our reach to include new people and new innovations. Volunteer with the EveryStep Foundation and ensure we help our fellow Iowan's live their best lives. Volunteer opportunities include:

• Event volunteer (set-up, check-in, facilitating activities/competitions, and more).
• Event committee member.
• Administrative support.

Click the button to learn more about our EveryStep Foundation activities and complete the volunteer application form.

Apply to volunteer.

Bright Kavanagh Center Administrative Office

Volunteers at our Bright Kavanagh Center help with a number of administrative duties in a variety of departments. Volunteer opportunities include:

• Administrative support volunteer (filing, data entry, etc.).
• Garden and grounds volunteer.
• Board member.
• Mail delivery volunteer for EveryStep Des Moines locations.
• Receptionist volunteer.

To learn more and show interest in volunteering, click the button below.

Apply to volunteer.

Group Volunteer Opportunities

We have opportunities for groups to volunteer at EveryStep. This is the perfect set up for businesses, organizations, teams, community groups, churches, and youth programs to work together and give back to the community. To schedule a volunteer day, please call our administrative building at 515-274-3400.