Washoe County is pleased to provide a new opportunity for citizens to get involved in their community. The Public Guardian Department, which cares for individuals deemed as wards of the County by a court, is looking for compassionate, dedicated volunteers to assist them by becoming Companionship Volunteers.

A Companionship Volunteer is someone who provides visits and companionship to identified vulnerable citizens of Washoe County under the guidance and supervision of the County’s Public Guardian office. Due to budget reductions and subsequent staff reductions, social workers in the Public Guardian’s office are not able to visit their clients as often as they would like. While not replacing professional staff, Companionship Volunteers can make visits with elderly and/or disabled individuals identified by the Public Guardian as needing more frequent contact than currently possible. Volunteers with a positive attitude, compassion and patience would be ideal for this volunteer opportunity, and be willing to participate in minimal training.

To view and express interest in this opportunity, along with other county volunteer openings, go to the Washoe County website at www.washoecounty.us. Simply mouse over “Online Services” and click “Volunteer Opportunities.”

Volunteers work in partnership with Washoe County employees to achieve the common goals of enhancing the quality of life and maintaining services for the future of our community. In 2010, citizen volunteers contributed nearly $1 million of services through more than 46,000 hours of volunteer time.

For more information regarding the Companionship Volunteer opportunity, please contact Susan DeBoer at, sadeboer@washoecounty.us or 775-674-8827.

Visit http://www.co.washoe.nv.us/citizens/volunteers.html for more info.