Family Caregiver Program

Our Family Caregiver Program supports adults who are caring for a loved one. This program offers respite care for caregivers. Multiple volunteer and internship opportunities are available.

Contact: 931.432.4111 | E: connect@ucdd.org

GIS (Geographical Information Systems)

A GIS Internship or volunteer position would entail working closely with the staff GIS specialist to produce high-quality maps for grants and presentations for developers, designers, and members of the Economic and Community Development team. Additional work may include demographic and spatial analysis of US Census data, American Community Survey, and telephone and boots-on-the-ground surveys for grants. Interested individuals should have basic working knowledge of the following software and skills: ArcMap, Google Earth, Excel, and cartography.

Positions for interested graduate students can be considered on a case-by-case basis. Interested graduate students should contact the staff GIS Specialist directly to discuss ideas.

Contact: connect@ucdd.org

Home-Delivered Meals

If you are interested in volunteering with the home-delivered meal service, please contact Olivia Tillman at (931) 476-4071 or otillman@ucdd.org for additional details.

Housing & Family Services – Laurel Creek Apartments

Located in Cookeville, Laurel Creek Apartments offers housing for seniors. Volunteer opportunities could include visiting and interacting with seniors through activities, such as bingo.

Contact: Myra Walker, P: 931.476.4120 | E: mwalker@ucdd.org

Ombudsman

Provides advocates for residents in long-term care facilities. If residents have concerns or are experiencing problems with a long-term care facility, our Ombudsman representatives seek solutions. For more information, contact Olivia Tillman at (931) 476-4071 or otillman@ucdd.org.

Planning & Community Development

Our Planning and Community Development department offers internship opportunities in various programs, including GIS, grant writing, strategic planning, local planning, downtown revitalization, and historic preservation.

Contact: Tommy Lee, P: 931.979.4105 | E: tlee@ucdd.org

Public Guardianship

Public Guardianship aids seniors who are unable to make financial and medical decisions for themselves. Volunteer opportunities could include visiting seniors in long-term care facilities. For more information, contact Olivia Tillman at (931) 476-4071 or otillman@ucdd.org.

Senior/Activity Centers

Make a difference close to home by volunteering at your local senior center! Whether you can give a few hours each week or just lend a hand at special events, your time can bring friendship, encouragement, and joy to older adults in your community. Contact your local senior/activity center to learn about volunteer opportunities and how you can get involved.

SHIP/SMP

State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) – Provides free, unbiased counseling and education to individuals and their caregivers regarding Medicare and related insurance.

Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) – Educates beneficiaries on preventing, detecting, and reporting Medicare and Medicaid fraud, waste, and abuse.

Both programs serve the Upper Cumberland’s aged and disabled populations by providing free information and support. These two programs have multiple volunteer and internship opportunities, including administrative tasks, outreach/education efforts, and one-on-one counseling. For more information, contact Olivia Tillman at (931) 476-4071 or otillman@ucdd.org.