Volunteer Guardians are substitute decision-makers for people who have disabilities and are unable to make informed personal decisions in their own best interest.
Guardians do many things to ensure the quality of life for the people they serve. They make informed, major life decisions concerning medical care, therapies, and living environments. But, guardians also do the "little things" and the little things mean a lot.
Download the VGP Brochure for more information.
How Can You Help?
If you have the time and the desire to protect and advocate for someone who cannot speak for him or herself, consider volunteering. You can make a difference in the life of a person who may be lonely and vulnerable and who may have no visitors or others involved in his or her life.
Who Can Volunteer?
Caring, committed adults who are at least 21 years old, have good communication skills, and reliable transportation. You must live or work in Delaware, Fayette, Franklin, Fairfield, Licking or Pickaway Counties.
What Will You Do?
Become "legal guardian of the person" for individuals whose mental impairment so incapacitates them that they are unable to care for themselves or make sound personal decisions.
Where Are You Needed?
A special emphasis is being placed on serving residents of nursing homes in Delaware, Fayette, Franklin, Fairfield, Licking and Pickaway Counties.
You will have:
- Support, training and technical assistance from the staff of the Volunteer Guardian Program.
- A volunteer attorney will be assigned to give you legal advice concerning the management of the guardianship.
- Formal Statutory authority granted by the Probate Court.
- The satisfaction of enhancing the quality of life for another human being.
Application
If you are interested in volunteering download and read the Application Form.
- Application Form (MS Word or Adobe PDF) Once completed, you may send the application through email or regular mail.
Additional Resources
National Guardianship Association
If you have questions (about nursing home navigation, surrogate medical decision makers, why are "they" telling me I need to get guardianship, etc.) or are interested in more information, contact Jane at 614-645-3883 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Wendy at 614-645-1928 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..