FAQ

What is your mission?

South Coastal Village Volunteers brings together neighbors helping neighbors in a community of mutual support. As we grow older, we can live independently in our homes and remain active in the communities for as long as possible.

Which services do you provide?

Please see under the Memberships > Membership Services menu item.

Which services do you not provide?

Core services do not include:

• Preparing or administering medication
• General household tasks, such as laundry, dishes, vacuuming, dusting, meal preparation
• Personal hygiene assistance or assistance dressing
• Major home repairs
• Major yard work
• Heavy lifting
• Shoveling snow or lawn mowing

When are services from volunteers available to members?

Services are available Monday through Friday during business hours, except for federal holidays.

If I do not live in any of the three service ZIP codes, am I eligible to be part of the Village?

We would welcome you as a volunteer and may provide services if you live in a community contiguous to the service area. SCVV will consider expanding to adjacent areas as we gain experience and an increase in the number of volunteers. Consider becoming a supporting member to help us grow and to get to know us before you need us.

What is the cost to join?

The fee is $500 per year for up to twenty-five hours of service per month ($1.67 per hour) for full membership for one person, and $750 per year ($2.50 per hour) for a household. Subsidized memberships are available for lower-income families based on documented need.

Short-term memberships are available for $75 for thirty days and can be renewed for a maximum of ninety days. A supporting membership is $250 a year, which offers access to our programs and events. It is a way to get to know SCVV before you need us. $200 of the annual fee may be tax deductible. Consult your tax professional.

If I volunteer, can I choose which services I’ll provide?

Yes, you can specify what you are comfortable doing and when you are available.

Are volunteers vetted?

Yes, volunteers first complete an application, then they are interviewed by SCVV. Following that, a minimum of two reference checks will be conducted. Potential volunteers will then be asked to pay a $17 fee for an official background check. Certain counties may charge an additional fee that will be passed on to the volunteer. In most cases, it can range from $2 to $4.

What is required of a volunteer when providing transportation?

Volunteers who are willing to be drivers must sign a waiver of liability, as do the members they serve. Volunteers must also have a current driver’s license, proof of insurance and no recent moving violations.

Do volunteers need first-aid training or other types of training to work with senior citizens?

SCVV is a nonmedical service provider, so training in first aid is not required. The Village does provide training in a number of areas during orientation and ongoing volunteer workshops.

Can I donate to SCVV and not join yet?

Yes, there is a “Donate now” button on this website, or you can send a check made out to South Coastal Village Volunteers to PO Box 1453, Bethany Beach, DE 19930. You can also become a supporting member. These members help support the SCVV mission while they get to know us. The annual membership is $250, of which $200 may be tax deductible.

How can I find a VIllage in another area?

To locate a Village in another area, go to https://vtvnetwork.org.