Wilshire Network Sites

Frequently Asked Questions

1) Who can volunteer?

Our volunteers come from all walks of life and all over San Luis Obispo County. Some chose to volunteer together as a family, while others prefer to volunteer on their own. All volunteers must complete our screening process (see question 4) and those providing transportation must be at least 21 years of age and have possessed a valid driver’s license for 5 years.
We encourage families to volunteer together and from time to time we can arrange group projects for your colleagues or faith community. Anyone can spread the word about being a Good Neighbor to the community. Find out how you can be an ambassador

2) What is the time commitment for volunteers?

Good Neighbor Program volunteers enjoy a very flexible schedule. You choose when you are available and only accept the projects you have time for.  When the Service Coordinator calls it is with a specific task and more often than not there is flexibility in when it can be completed. For example, Luis needs his lawn mowed but he will be home every morning except Wednesday next week so you as the volunteer can choose which day works for you.

3) How do I qualify to receive services?

The capacity of the Good Neighbor Program is limited to the availability of our volunteers. The only personal qualifications for receiving services are that the potential client be a senior (55+ years of age) or an adult 18+ with a disability. However, please review the definitions of the Services we offer. Clients who need services outside of what we can provide will be referred to appropriate agencies.

4) What is your screening process for volunteers?

All volunteers participate in a criminal background check, provide personal references, and submit a driving record from the DMV office or website here. Additionally, volunteers who participate as drivers have a release signed by a physician attesting to their physical capacity to safely operate a motor vehicle.

5) Do your volunteers help with personal care?

No. Our volunteers are not trained to provide personal care such as assistance with medication, hygiene, or transferring. When the Case Manager assesses the client’s individual needs referrals can be made to more appropriate services.

6) Are there other programs that offer rides for Seniors?

Yes! Ride-On Transportation has a Senior Shuttle and provides rides to Medi-Cal and CenCal medical appointments. Call 541-8747 or click www.ride-on.org
SLO Regional Rideshare also offers information on public transportation in the county. They also offer classes on how to use the local bus system to navigate the county. Call 511, or 781-1385 or click www.rideshare.org

For information on public transit within the city of San Luis Obispo call SLO Transit at 541-2977.