Qualifications to Participate in Program

While VFI programs are rewarding experiences, they do involve physical work in a foreign country under conditions that can be stressful away from the comforts of home. (See more details under What to Expect)

To qualify, applicants should be :

• age 17 to 70+ in good physical and mental health
  (A medical clearance form is part of the application packet.)
• age 15 to 16 accompanied by parent or a guardian
• able to walk 1+ mile on uneven ground & climb 3 flights of stairs without difficulty or assistance
• able to lift a minimum of 20 pounds
• adaptable to new situations; enjoy meeting & working with new people

VOLUNTEERS FOR ISRAEL® (VFI) ARMY BASES
This program offers volunteers the opportunity to work on military bases performing non-combat civilian support duties such as packing medical supplies, repairing machinery and equipment, preparing meals, painting and otherwise maintaining the base. Volunteers work side-by-side with the young men and women of IDF (Israel Defense Forces) to help Israel shoulder its defense burden.

Volunteers are housed in barracks on a base, and receive 3 kosher meals per day.  Work uniforms and boots are provided. Evening programming and some touring opportunities during the work week are provided.

The work week is Sunday to Thursday ~2PM. You will have Thursday evening, Friday, Saturday/Shabbat off the base. You are expected back on the base on Sunday morning.

THREE-WEEK PROGRAM
The standard program is a 3-week commitment, beginning on scheduled start dates year-round, with the exception of certain black-out dates noted on the SCHEDULE page.

TWO-WEEK PROGRAM
Because we are aware that many working people can not get away for longer than 2 weeks at a time, we offer 2-week programs.  These begin on scheduled start dates year-round, and with the exception of any black-out dates noted on the SCHEDULE page. This program requires a Sunday start, to allow for maximum work time on this shorter stay.  This is an army base assignment only. 

ONE-WEEK PROGRAM
On an infrequent basis there is a one-week program. Because of the short nature of this program (4 1/2 days) this options requires a Sunday 8AM start, to allow for maximum work time on this shorter stay.  This means that you either arrange your flight to arrive on early Sunday morning or you arrive one or two days before the Sunday start date. This is an army base assignment only.

Application Process: See Application

Dates: See Schedule

Program Cost: $80 non-refundable application fee (only $50 for anyone returning for another program within a 365-day period or for full-time students), plus airfare.  See also Expenses.

Contact: Your local VFI office.

VOLUNTEER FOR NURSING HOMES AND HOSPITALS

This program enables volunteers to work in a nursing home or hospital environment.  Applicants may be placed in in long-term care or psychiatric institutions, or in retirement/nursing home centers, or civilian hospitals.   Applicants must request hospital work in the special programs area on their application. Volunteers must commit to a minimum of 4 weeks (one month). We must have this information 4 weeks (one month) prior to the applicant's program date in order to make the necessary arrangements. Hospital assignments are granted subject to availability.  See Application.

Work Duties: Please be aware that the work in these facilities is similar to candy-striping or orderly work.  Duties can include preparing meals and feeding patients, helping with transport to therapy or doctor appointments, assisting with walks and other activities, doing errands, or maintenance and cleaning chores.  Whether you are working in the kitchen or the laundry, helping with patient care, or assisting with elder care activities, you will have a rewarding experience and provide a great service!

Please keep in mind that a nursing home/hospital assignment can be emotionally stressful. Volunteers may work closely with gravely ill, emotionally disturbed or extremely aged patients. A nursing home/hospital assignment will be most rewarding to those volunteers who have the special gifts of patience, giving, and compassion

SPECIAL NOTE: Some facilities, but not all, will NOT take volunteers who are 65+ years old.
If you are in that age category it may limit the number of facilities that may be available for you to volunteer with. Talk to your VFI regional representative about this.

Accommodations: Volunteers on nursing home/hospital assignments will live in either in dorms provided by Sar-El or staff quarters of the nursing home or hospital. Volunteers will not be guaranteed breakfast or supper, but will receive lunch (the major meal of the day) at their work site.

* Since volunteers will be placed at nursing homes/hospitals depending on requests, expect groups of 1 to 6 persons.

* Although volunteers need to provide their own work clothes, lab coats will be supplied by the hospitals.

Dates: Your request must be made a minimum one month prior to program date. This program is subject to availability.

Cost: $80 non-refundable application fee (only $50 for anyone returning for another program within a 365-day period), airfare, plus some meals.  See also Expenses.

Contact: Your local VFI office.