Dolphin Companions/ECS, formerly Dolphins of Delaware Valley

Cause Area

  • Advocacy & Human Rights
  • Community
  • People with Disabilities
  • Seniors

Location

225 S. 3rd StreetPhiladelphia, PA 19106 United States

Organization Information

Mission Statement

To alleviate loneliness and boredom in the elderly confined to a nursing home or other retirement community and to stimulate mental alertness through conversation and friendship To visit on a one-to-one basis with someone who has few, if any, outside visitors To make a commitment to visit once a week for about an hour in a local facility. Interviewing residents and Dolphins volunteers for compatibility. Training for and monitoring the relationship To continually grow by increasing the number of Dolphins, residents and facilities we serve

Description

We match volunteers (Dolphins) one-to-one with the forgotten elderly in nursing homes or retirement communities in Chester,Berks, Buck, Delaware, Montgomery Counties and the western edge of Philadelphia. We basically, create a friendhsip. Our Dolphins range in age from 9 to 87, are male and female and come from all walks of life. We match them with someone in a facility near the Volunteer's home or workplace and ask that they visit one hour a week. The day and time is chosen by the Volunteer and the Resident Friend and can be flexible every week. Our Volunteers can read or write letters for them, take a walk with them or just reminisce.

Reviews

Would you recommend Dolphin Companions/ECS, formerly Dolphins of Delaware Valley?
3 reviews Write a review
by Marilyn K. from Philadelphia, PA (Administrator for this Organization) (2018-02-02 09:58:24.0)
So Flexible, yet rewarding.
by ashley h. (2013-01-21 19:36:33.0)
I have volunteered with the Dolphins since the summer of 2006 and I have visited the same individual since that time. We have developed a real friendship and I intend to stay connected to her for life. I would absolutely recommend the Dolphins for someone who is looking to spend time with this wonderful population.
by Christina and Maya A. (2013-01-21 13:01:31.0)
This volunteer opportunity requires a once a week visit to an elderly person in a nursing home. They match you with a resident in the nursing home of your choice. The day and time of the visit is up to the volunteer. My daughter (now 15) and I have visited the same resident weekly since April 2012. Our friend is alert, interactive, and a pleasure to visit. She's 83 years old. So many other residents would benefit from weekly contact with a friendly face. We consider this a lifetime commitment now and a blessing.

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