The FAQ below will answer many of your questions about volunteering at AgeCare Harmony Court
Complete application and health clearance forms, pass a background check, and attend a one hour orientation session. Volunteers do a 30-minute one-on-one interview to determine their best placement and schedule.
Fill out the Volunteer Application and receive a negative TB test. Our program is rewarding and fun, but demands a significant service-based commitment on your part. Please carefully consider your schedule and your ability to commit your time.
On average, volunteers keep a regular schedule of one shift per week. Most shifts are two – four hours long. Your shift will be “fixed” (same placement, same time, same day each week). You commit to a minimum of 100 hours of service (a six-month continuous commitment).
Yes! Many of our volunteers give their time more than once a week, sometimes even in two or more service areas. We are especially interested in recruiting long-term volunteers. Many of our volunteers have been with us for many years and have completed thousands of volunteer hours.
Our minimum requirement is 60 hours of service. We do not provide references or write letters of recommendation until the minimum of a 60-hour commitment is met.
No. We do not accept volunteers doing court-ordered service.
Please fill out the Volunteer Application form completely and print legibly in ink. Don’t forget to sign and date your application. If you are under age 18, your parent or legal guardian must also sign. Incomplete forms will not be considered.
In the event something happens to you while you are on your volunteer shift, we need to be able to reach someone on your behalf.
Yes. If you are under 18, your parent(s) or legal guardian(s) must sign the application.
You may list teachers, friends, neighbors, members of church or social groups you belong to, or anyone who can provide a reference to your character and suitability as a volunteer in working with elders in a diverse setting. Do NOT list relatives for a reference.
You may obtain TB testing from your own healthcare provider or from a TB Clinic. In the Vancouver area there are also the following clinics:
Vancouver Chest Clinic
655 West 12th Avenue
Vancouver, BC
Phone: 604-707-2692
New Westminster TB Clinic
100-237 East Columbia Street
New Westminster
Phone: 604-707-2698
We use a two-step TB test. On the first day, the test is delivered to your forearm; 48 hours later a nurse “reads” the results of your skin test. The visits are brief, but you must be sure to schedule them so that you can return 48 hours later for a reading.M
This is a common experience. If you have a positive test, please bring documentation of a negative chest x-ray done within the last year.
You will be scheduled for a placement interview, about 30 minutes long, during weekday business hours. At this interview we will discuss your skills, experience, schedule, areas of interest, and our needs and availabilities, to determine the best match for you in our volunteer program. For many positions, additional training may be required. We’ll decide that at your interview.
At Volunteer Orientation you will learn about the history of Harmony Court, how the Volunteer Program fits with the mission of Harmony Court, and your responsibilities as a volunteer. You will also learn important health and safety information about volunteering at our facility.
Volunteering is fun, rewarding, and an essential part of Harmony Court.
We look forward to you joining our program!
If you have questions about volunteering or completing the forms, call Justine at the volunteer office at (604) 527-3328.