Get Involved
Help us build a place where independence is by design, not by exception. Whether you're looking to volunteer or looking for support for yourself or someone you love, there's a place for you at RNFI.
Become a Volunteer
RNFI volunteers are the backbone of our Independence by Design program. Whether you can give two hours a month or two days a week, we have a pathway that fits your life.
Your time is a
gift that changes lives.
We serve adults with Autism and I/DD, Seniors with aged realetd needs, and Family Caregivers across Vance, Granville, Franklin, Wake, Warren and Durham counties. Volunteers receive training and ongoing support — no prior experience required.
Sign Up
Fill out our short volunteer form and tell us which pathway fits you.
Training
Complete self-paced training online.
Background Check
Once training is complete, we run your background check.
Onboarding
After you clear, join a live onboarding session — your volunteer hours officially begin.
Get Matched
We connect you with a workshop, a Respite event, or match you with a participant or a project that aligns with your interest and skills.
Virtual Companion Network
Regular virtual check-ins, friendly conversation, and remote engagement for adults with Autism/IDD or Seniors with aged related needs. No experience required — just consistency and kindness.
Isa's Barn Respite Support
Provide on-site companionship and social engagement at Pebblebrook Farm's Respite Retreats — giving family caregivers meaningful rest and renewal.
Skills & Tech Support
Help participants set up and use smart home technology, voice assistants, sensors, and assistive technology tools that support independent living skills. Build hands-on experience with technology increasingly used across healthcare, aging services, and disability support fields.
Community Education
Help plan and facilitate caregiver education workshops, community learning sessions, and hands-on horticulture activities at Pebblebrook Farm's Living & Learning Center.
Program Support
Get hands-on with the AI and automation tools that companies increasingly rely on — workflow automation, data tracking and analysis systems, and the tech stack behind real operations, with exposure to finance, project management, and digital platform implementation work along the way.
Sign Up for a Program
Independence by Design offers free, volunteer-supported programming for adults with Autism/IDD, Seniors with aged related needs, and family caregivers, across Franklin, Granville, Vance, Warren, Wake, and Durham Counties.
Virtual Companion Network
Regular phone or video check-ins offering friendly conversation and social connection, or help with common everyday technology devices — no in-person visit required.
Community Care Hub at Pebblebrook Farm Living & Learning Center
Group activities, sensory inspired adaptive gardening, and caregiver support groups at our Granville County campus.
Respite & Life Skills at Isa's Barn
One-on-one and small-group activities that give family caregivers meaningful time to rest, while participants engage in independent living skill-building workshops.
There's no cost to participate.