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Become a Volunteer with Better Together

LSS Better Together is an independent adult service that provides aging adults who live on their own with long-term relationships and neighborly activities.

Volunteers are matched with a Neighbor to enjoy a variety of activities together, such as running errands, going for lunch, participating in community events or
just visiting. Volunteers simply commit to spend time with their Neighbor for four hours per month.

If you have special skills or talents you would like to share with an older adult, please contact LSS to see how you can help. Examples include assisting with technology, cleaning and organizing projects, baking or hair styling.

Apply for this Volunteer Opportunity

If you would like to become a Volunteer with the LSS Better Together program, here are the steps you will need to take:

Step 1: Fill out the Better Together application and background release form.

Complete an application and background release form. Submit the completed application to LSS. Please be sure to complete all blanks on the application before submitting it.

Step 2: Complete a background screen.
Upon successful completion of a background screen, which includes a FBI fingerprint check, criminal records check, outstanding warrants check and personal reference checks, volunteers are invited to attend training. In order for volunteers to transport neighbors, they must have a valid driver’s license, current auto insurance and a relatively clean driving record.

Step 3: Attend mandatory training and orientation.
Volunteers must attend a mandatory training and orientation meeting prior to meeting with a neighbor. At the training, volunteers will learn more about their match if one is available.

Step 4: Match & meet with your neighbor.
The volunteer will work with the neighbor to schedule a time to meet. This can take place at any time throughout the week and can vary according to you and
your neighbor’s schedule.

Step 5: Start volunteering.
Neighbors work with their volunteer to decide what they will do at each meeting. Volunteers and neighbors may be involved in a variety of activities, such as
playing cards, going for a walk, watching a movie, eating a meal together, going shopping, knitting or just drinking coffee and talking. LSS will provide guidance and support, as well as conduct regular check-ins with the neighbor and volunteer participants throughout their participation in the program.

If you would like more information about what volunteering at the LSS Better Together program looks like, please read our Volunteer Description.

Better Together Volunteer Application

To become a volunteer for LSS Better Together, please complete the fields listed below and click "Send Now" at the bottom of the page. If a couple, family or group are volunteering together, every person over the age of 18 must complete an application.

If you do not receive a confirmation email within 48 hours confirming the application went through successfully, please contact LSS Better Together at 605-444-7805.

Please also be sure to complete the release for a criminal background check. Both the application and release forms must be completed in order to apply to become a mentor.

Fill Out the Volunteer Application

Contact Information

Gender
Country
Address Line 1 *
Address Line 2
City *
State/Province *
Postal Code *
Best Contact Method
Prefer call in
Country
Address Line 1 *
Address Line 2
City *
State/Province *
Postal Code *
Have you ever been convicted of a drug charge?
Have you ever been convicted of a criminal offense?
Have you ever been convicted of abuse, neglect, or assault?
I am volunteering
I am comfortable working with a senior who lives alone.
I am comfortable working with a senior with limited mobility.
I am comfortable working with a senior on daily living tasks (grocery shopping, sorting mail, etc.)
I am comfortable going to community events with a senior.
I am comfortable transporting a senior in my personal car.
I am comfortable with a senior having a pet.
I am comfortable with a senior smoking or living with a smoker.
I am comfortable with a senior having limited room in their home or struggling to keep their home clean?
I am comfortable with a senior having some memory issues.
I am comfortable with a senior dealing with a chronic condition.


Referral Information

How did you hear about LSS Better Together? Check as many as apply and describe below


Matching Information

I am available the following days/times:

I would like to meet:
I am interested in participating in monthly events organized by LSS?


References

Please list three non-family references. Please provide complete information to expedite your application.

1st Reference


2nd Reference


3rd Reference


Volunteer Agreement

Please check yes or no to confirm your understanding of the program guidelines. Thank you for carefully reading before completing.

By checking yes, I hereby state that if accepted as a mentor, I agree to abide by the rules and regulations of LSS Mentoring Services. I affirm that:

The information I have provided in the application may be verified, and I give permission to Lutheran Social Services of South Dakota to make inquiry of others concerning my suitability to act as a volunteer.
In the course of volunteering as a mentor, I may be dealing with confidential information, and I agree to keep said information in the strictest confidence. This means that I will not discuss my senior’s personal problems publicly or with others. If I need help, I will seek the assistance of LSS. I understand that this confidentiality does not apply to suspicions I may have about abuse, neglect, illegal activity, or suicide. If these issues arise, I will immediately contact program personnel.
The relationship between volunteers is an “at will” arrangement, and that it may be terminated at any time without cause by the volunteer, the senior, or Lutheran Social Services.
I agree to attend orientation.
I agree to abide by the policies and guidelines of the program. I understand that failure to do so may result in termination of the mentoring relationship.
I understand that all activities shall take place only during mutually agreed upon times.
I will volunteer approximately four hours per month. In the event that I cannot attend as scheduled, I agree to contact my senior in advance of the scheduled meeting.
I am willing to commit to one year in the program and will be asked to renew my participation in subsequent years.
I understand that I will be able to meet in public locations throughout the community.
I will participate in an additional training, submit to additional background screening (fingerprinting, auto insurance, etc).
I agree that my assignees, heirs, distributes, guardians and other legal representatives will not make a claim against, or sue for injury or damage resulting from the negligence or other acts, howsoever caused, by any employee, agent, or volunteer contractor of the organization as a result of my participation as a volunteer. I hereby release LSS from all actions, claims, or demands that I, my assignees, heirs, guardians and legal representatives now have or may hereafter have for injury resulting from my participation as a volunteer.
If my volunteer service includes driving an automobile, I acknowledge that I have both a valid driver’s license and automobile liability insurance policy as required by state law. I agree to maintain my license and insurance in good standing for my entire tenure as a volunteer for the organization. I am knowledgeable of and agree to abide by local and state traffic laws. I agree not to drive while under the influence of alcohol and/or other intoxicating substances.
By clicking here, I certify that all the information I have provided in the application above is accurate.