Why Volunteer?

Volunteering for Rapp Respite is an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution. Your efforts will not only enhance the lives of those with dementia and/or Parkinson’s Disease but also offer a revitalizing break to their dedicated caregivers, making a profound impact on the entire community.

Individuals with dementia and/or Parkinson’s Disease often feel isolated. Engaging in social interactions improves their sense of well-being. Participating in mentally stimulating activities is also key to slowing the progression of dementia and/or Parkinson’s Disease. By volunteering for Rapp Respite, you'll provide connection and assistance with thought-provoking activities for those who need it most.

Additionally, caregivers for individuals with dementia and/or Parkinson’s Disease are often overextended. Providing them with respite to attend to their own needs is important to their well-being and ability to continue providing care.

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Ways to Volunteer

Rapp Respite will take place at the Washington Baptist Church, 180 Gay Street, in Washington, VA. Rapp Respite will meet on Mondays and Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

There are two ways to volunteer with Rapp Respite: as a General Program Volunteer or as a Special Session Volunteer.

1). General Program Volunteer

General Program Volunteers interact more closely with members, and ideally, volunteer on a regular, ongoing basis. As a general program volunteer, you will receive specialized training to effectively assist individuals with dementia and/or Parkinson’s Disease, ensuring that you feel confident and capable in your role.

You will be supported by the Dementia Program Director and the rest of the volunteer team, creating a collaborative and supportive environment.

2). Special Session Volunteer

Special Session Volunteers join us occasionally to share skills in areas such as music, arts and crafts, cooking, gardening, specialized fitness activities, social service projects, etc.

As a Special Session Volunteer, you provide fun and novel experiences that are engaging and stimulating for program participants.

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What happens next?

If you’d like to apply for either opportunity, here are the next steps:

Read the POLICIES AND PROCEDURES MANUAL.
If you have questions after reading through the policies and procedures manual and the application, they can be directed to: rapprespite@rappathome.org.
Fill out and submit the application for either General Program Volunteer or Special Session Volunteer by clicking the button below (If you are not comfortable completing the application on-line, you may email rapprespite@rappathome.org to request an emailed copy of the application.):

If your volunteer application is approved, we will be in touch to schedule a conversation to tell you more about the program and find out more about you. All general program volunteers will be required to complete a background check and attend training regarding understanding and working with people living with dementia and/or Parkinson's Disease.

Our volunteer application process is carefully conducted by Rapp at Home staff. Please be patient with our team, as it takes time to sort through applications. However, if you have not heard from us within two weeks of submitting an application, you can email us to verify that we received your application materials: rapprespite@rappathome.org

Thank you so much for your interest in volunteering with the program!

Apply to Be a General Program Volunteer Apply to Be a Special Session Volunteer