Phone: 920-922-7760

Volunteer Services

ADVOCAP’s Volunteer Services connect people age 55 and older with opportunities to support their neighbors and communities in meaningful and impactful ways. Through programs like RSVP, Foster Grandparents, Senior Friends, and Volunteer Transportation, older adults can share their time and experience to help children succeed in school, reduce social isolation for seniors, support local community organizations, and increase independence for older adults and individuals with disabilities. Each program offers flexible ways to get involved, along with training and support from ADVOCAP staff.


Funding for ADVOCAP Volunteer Services is provided in whole or in part by:

AmeriCorps Logo
AmeriCorps Seniors Logo

Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)

RSVP connects volunteers ages 55 and older with meaningful opportunities to support local community organizations, such as food pantries, meal sites, and thrift stores, among others. Volunteers use their time and skills to strengthen programs that support children, older adults, individuals with disabilities, and families across the community.

ADVOCAP RSVP eligibility requirements

  • Age 55 or older
  • Resident of Fond du Lac, Green Lake, or Winnebago County
  • Application and (depending on placement) a background check are required

Application process

  1. Meet with a Volunteer Development Specialist to learn about the program and complete a registration form.
  2. Background checks are completed when required.
  3. You will be contacted after the background check to schedule training.
  4. You are matched with a school or placement based on your interests and abilities.

Contact your local Volunteer

Development Specialist to apply for RSVP

Northern Winnebago County
Mitzie Dedering, 920-426-0150
mitzie.dedering@advocap.org

Southern Winnebago County
Roxane Fitch, 920-426-0150
roxane.fitch@advocap.org

Fond du Lac & Green Lake Counties
Ann Stiefvater, 920-922-7760
ann.stiefvater@advocap.org

Foster Grandparent Program

Foster Grandparents provide academic support to students in local schools. Volunteers help children build confidence and strengthen skills in reading, math, writing, and other classroom activities while serving as a positive, consistent adult presence in their lives. Volunteers who meet income guidelines may qualify for a non-taxable hourly stipend.

ADVOCAP Foster Grandparent eligibility requirements

  • Age 55 or older
  • Live in Fond du Lac, Green Lake, or Winnebago County
  • Commit to volunteering at least 5 hours per week

Application process

To apply, meet with a Volunteer Development Specialist to learn about the program and complete a registration form. Applicants must complete a criminal background check and attend required training before being matched with a participating school based on their interests and abilities.

Contact ADVOCAP to apply to be a Foster Grandparent
Bridget Bestor: 920-922-7760 | bridget.bestor@advocap.org

Transportation Program

ADVOCAP’s Volunteer Transportation Program provides rides for individuals referred through Winnebago County ADRC and Veteran Services. Volunteer drivers use their personal vehicles to transport participants to medical appointments and other essential destinations, helping older adults and those with disabilities remain independent, access services, and stay connected to their communities. The ADVOCAP Transportation Program is funded by AmeriCorps Seniors, WI Department of Transportation, and Winnebago County.

ADVOCAP Transportation Program Driver requirements

  • Age 55 or older
  • Live in Winnebago County
  • Valid driver’s license, vehicle registration, and auto insurance
  • Reliable vehicle

Application process

To apply, contact ADVOCAP to discuss the program and receive an application. Applicants must pass a background check and complete program training before driving. Once approved, drivers receive ride requests and choose which trips they are available to provide. Mileage is reimbursed monthly.

Contact ADVOCAP to apply to be a volunteer driver
Kari Tschech: 920-273-9126 | kari.tschech@advocap.org

Volunteer driver holding truck door for transportation participant who is sitting in the vehicle

Are you in need of transportation services? Contact ADRC to learn more.
To receive transportation services through ADVOCAP, you must be at least 60 years old and/or disabled and live in Winnebago County. Contact ADRC by phone at 877-886-2372 to obtain a transportation referral. ADRC will ask you a few questions to determine your eligibility. If you are eligible, they will then send the referral to ADVOCAP. Please do not contact ADVOCAP directly, as you will need a referral from ADRC to receive services.

Are you a U.S. Military Veteran living in Winnebago County? 
Please contact Veterans Services for a transportation referral at 920-232-3400. 

Senior Friends

The Senior Friends Program in Green Lake and Winnebago Counties helps reduce social isolation by connecting volunteers with older adults and individuals with disabilities through regular check-ins, either in person or by phone. These visits provide social connection and support, helping participants remain more independent and engaged in their community.

Individuals can apply to be either a volunteer or a program participant. See below for information about each.

BECOME A SENIOR FRIENDS VOLUNTEER

ADVOCAP Senior Friends volunteer eligibility

  • Age 55 or older
  • Live in Green Lake or Winnebago County
  • Enjoy meeting new people and spending time getting to know others
  • Commit to volunteering at least 5 hours per week

Apply to be a volunteer

To apply, contact ADVOCAP to learn more about the Senior Friends program and receive an application. Once submitted, applicants will complete a required background check and training before beginning volunteer service.

BECOME A SENIOR FRIENDS PARTICIPANT

If you are age 65 or over, feeling isolated or alone, and looking for friendship — this program is for you.

Benefits of being a participant include building rewarding friendships, staying social through conversation, sharing life experiences and thoughts, hearing new stories, and enjoying a happier and healthier life.

Apply to be a participant
Participants can be referred by an agency, family member, or the individual can contact ADVOCAP to set up an interview in their home, a public place, or at the ADVOCAP office.

Contact ADVOCAP to join Senior Friends
Mitzie Dedering: 920-426-0150
mitzie.dedering@advocap.org

Two older adults laughing in a conversation as part of senior friends volunteer program

ADVOCAP operates its programs and services in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and related nondiscrimination authorities. For more information and the procedures to file a complaint, contact Tony Beregszazi at tony.beregszazi@advocap.org or 920-922-7760. For hearing impaired, please use Wisconsin Relay 711 service https://wisconsinrelay.com.