Purpose: To come alongside older adults who live alone and build mutually beneficial relationships through phone calls and reassurance. Individual or family-unit volunteers are thoughtfully matched with an elder based on interests, personality, and location.
Location: Hamilton County
Responsibilities & Expectations: Volunteers call the elder a minimum of once per week to check-in and provide reassurance. Volunteers may have additional opportunities to deliver supplies or do home visits following social distancing protocols.
Qualifications: Valid license and insurance required. Reliable transportation a must. Ability to commit to position for a minimum of one (1) year strongly suggested. Willing to meet different kinds of people and being open to new experiences strongly preferred. We are excited about encouraging inter-generational friendships, but you must have a parent or guardian accompany you if you are under 18. This opportunity is only for individuals in the greater Chattanooga area.
Think you might be interested? Fill-out an application online by going to www.stalexiusoutreach.org/volunteer
There are many ways to get involved, so give us a call if this doesn't quite fit what you are looking for!
Hospitality at Home is the flagship program of St. Alexius Outreach Ministries, Inc., the newest ministry of the Alexian Brothers. Creating connection for lonely, isolated older adults is at the heart of what we do. We are sustained by our dedicated volunteers, committed support staff, and the presence and service of the Alexian Brothers. We strive to carry on the Alexian Brothers' defining values of compassion, dignity of the person, care of the poor, holism, and partnership. Our mission is to alleviate isolation and loneliness through friendship and supportive services.
Description
Isolation and loneliness are growing crises within the ever-increasing older adult population. These factors impact seniors' overall well-being by affecting physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health while also increasing susceptibility to abuse. We serve older adults (70+) living alone by offering ongoing friendship and supportive services to alleviate these risk factors while bringing hope and reassurance. While our focus is on serving older adults, as many as 1 in 5 Americans experience loneliness and we believe that this ministry can address loneliness for people of all ages through volunteerism and friendship.
