Do you enjoy spending time with others?
Elderly or disabled clients can greatly benefit from a volunteer visiting in the capacity of a friendly neighbor providing socialization and much needed contact to the outside world, combating isolation and loneliness. Often those needs are not met by traditional programs, so volunteers can step in and close this crucial gap in services.
Depending on the client's needs, volunteers in this role will just spend time with the client talking, reading or assist with getting the mail and reading it to the client or helping them understand the contents. Some clients may need a hand with simple household tasks such as switching a light bulb or vacuuming. Volunteers and clients could also partake in doing simple art projects together, if desired.
Volunteers will be paired with a client in their area and volunteer and client will agree on the specifics of the volunteer's role prior to any visits. Volunteers should be willing to commit to a minimum of one visit per month for this opportunity.
Please sign up if you are interested and we will be in touch to discuss next steps. Since this is a pilot opportunity the matching process might take a little longer. We'd love for you to provide feedback throughout the process so we can make improvements as we launch this opportunity on a bigger scale.
I'll leave you with a quote from our first volunteer in this pilot:
"The Friendly neighbor program has benefited and rewarded me in so many ways. My client was blind and lonely, little or no interaction with people on a regular basis. My stopping by just once a week to read his mail and chat lifted his spirits greatly. He now can see as he has had both cataracts removed, but I am still checking on him.
I think the only thing one needs to realize is that many live in poor circumstances but that doesn’t mean they aren’t proud of what they have. And most of all everyone needs and deserves respect and human kindness."
