Agency: ElderFriends

Description: Become a Friendly Visitor

Volunteer to be a friend to an isolated and lonely senior. Your time can make a difference - not just in the senior's life but yours as well. Volunteers participate in an application process, training and background checks. ElderFriends staff is here to support you and your elder friend. Volunteers commit to visiting once a week, for a year; but, when you visit and what you do - is totally up to you and your elder friend.


COMMITMENT
Required: Visit an isolated Elder on a weekly basis for a year. Ask about our buddy program

Time/ Days: Weekly visits are flexible- based on needs of Elder and availability of Volunteer.

Outreach & Advocacy:
Assist Elder in meeting needs by working together with them, social service network, and ElderFriends staff.
Keep in contact with ElderFriends regarding progress of relationship, Elder's needs, and changes in Volunteer's or Elder's circumstances. Complete and return statistics' forms once per quarter.

QUALIFICATIONS
-Desire to establish friendship with an isolated Elder.
-Effective communication skills: ability to listen attentively and initiate conversation.
-Sensitivity to needs of isolated Elder facing difficult life circumstances.
-good sense of humor


BENEFITS
-Satisfaction of helping someone who is isolated and in need of friendship.
- Opportunity to make new friends by participating in ElderFriends activities for Volunteers and Elders.
- Opportunity to learn from others' life experiences and attend training’s on aging related topics and communication.

The minimum age for volunteers is 18.

Impact Areas: Seniors

Interests: The interests recommended for this project are:
Health and Human Needs, Seniors

Skills: The skills helpful for participation in this project are:
Good Communication skills, Elvis impersonating, No skills needed

Location: Richmond, VA 23220