Redefining Retirement Matchmakers and Skills Based Volunteering

Skills Based Volunteering (SBV) is a movement that brings passion, purpose, and possibility to corporations, professionals and non-profits. It enables different sectors to work collaboratively and share expertise while building capacity and making the world a better place one social good mission at a time. The following benefits of Skills Based Volunteering were cited recently in an article: 

• Skills-based volunteer projects often establish a long-term, mutually beneficial relationship between nonprofits and volunteers. 
•  Skills-based volunteers can fill nearly any gap in expertise your organization is experiencing. 
• The relationships you build with skills-based volunteers doesn’t just allow for rapid-fire project completions, it gives you and your team the opportunity to develop professionally in ways you never imagined. 

Here at The Bergen Volunteer Center, the Redefining Retirement Matchmakers work to connect retirees with the perfect position that compliments their skill sets so that both the agency and volunteer gain the most from the experience/relationship. Redefining Retirement is designed to help Bergen County understand and benefit from the asset and valuable resource older adults are and will continue to be. By engaging this population locally in meaningful volunteer work, the Volunteer Center hopes to encourage and support retirees who want to age in place — in towns where they have lived for many years. 

Working with the five Bergen County Age-Friendly Coalitions— Englewood, Garfield, Ridgewood, Teaneck, and Westwood — Redefining Retirement works with interested nonprofits to identify their volunteer needs and connect them with retired volunteers who have the specific skills needed.

Redefining Retirement Matchmakers are trained volunteers who will make initial connections between the nonprofits and interested retirees. Matchmakers hold “office hours” once a month, in locations within the five Age-Friendly communities, and Hackensack, where they meet with prospective volunteers and conduct interviews.

INTERESTED IN JOINING THE MOVEMENT AS A MATCHMAKER OR VOLUNTEER? Visit the website and also follow the blog to learn more about our Redefining Retirement Matchmakers.