Volunteering at VINE (PDF, 111 KB)

Volunteers are the hands and hearts of VINE. After attending an initial orientation session and completing necessary background checks, volunteers are free to choose how they'd like to share their time and skills. Our trained and insured volunteers contribute thousands of hours of their time each year providing essential services that help friends and neighbors remain independent, living in their own homes and apartment.

Caring Connection (PDF, 112 KB)

Trained older adults volunteers, selected for their rich life experiences and the gifts of listening and compassion, provide friendship and support to a peer as they face the changes and challenges of growing older.

Caregivers (PDF, 122 KB)

VINE staff and volunteers work tirelessly to support family caregivers as they care for their loved ones. VINE's services are not intended to replace the traditional role of family caregivers.

Hot Meals on Wheels (PDF, 131 KB)

The program is managed by a committed group of caring volunteers working in partnership with VINE and Centenary United Methodist Chuch. Meal costs are kept to a minimum through the generosity of J.D. Truffles Catering, North Mankato, MN, and volunteers who donate both their time and milage delivering the meals.

Summit Center (PDF, 140 KB)

The Summit Center provides a variety of services for adults age 55 and older in our area. We offer health clinics, exercise classes, educational trips and programs, support groups, and entertainment opportunities.

Health and Wellness (PDF, 132 KB)

VINE's professional staff coordinates a variety of fitnss programs and educational opportunities to help connect with friends and neighbors and enjoy physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness throughout their later years. VINE's wellness activities are offered throughout Blue Earth and Nicollet Counties and at the Summit Center.

Nursing Home and Hospital Transition (PDF, 134 KB)

The program helps people return safely home after a time of recuperation at the hospital or health care center. VINE's professional staff can coordinate needed support with the care receiver, their health care team, and available family members.

AARP Tax Preparation (PDF, 132 KB)

Highly trained volunteers assist older adults and low-income community members in filing federal and state returns and rent credits. Services are provided at the Summit Center and to people living in area nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

Transportation (PDF, 102 KB)

VINE's volunteer driver program is nationally recognized for excellence and efficiency, providing hundreds of rides per week throughout VINE's service area.

Chores (PDF, 94 KB)

Under the supervision of VINE's professional staff, VINE volunteers help with many different tasks, such as ramp construction, railing and grab bar installation, small home repairs, heavy household chores, mowing, snow removal, and seasonal tasks.

Jail Volunteers (PDF, 81 KB)

The human resources provided through a continued partnership with the Blue Earth County Jail greatly inhance VINE's ability to provide chore assistance. Selected inmates incarcerated for committing non-violent crimes are given the opportunity to volunteer their time for VINE's chore program.

People to Jobs (PDF, 162 KB)

Though the People to Jobs Program, VINE helps low-income workers get to their jobs and their children to daycare. Rides are provided only when public transportation is not an available option.

St. Peter and Rural Nicollet County (PDF, 83 KB)

In 2003, at the request of the St. Peter Ministerial Association, VINE extended its outreach to St. Peter and rural Nicollet County.