Compassionate Contact Corps (Training Scheduled 2nd Weds monthly)

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In response to today's restrictions, stay at home orders, and quarantine environment, the Center for Development and Civic Engagement (formerly VA Voluntary Service (VAVS)) has developed and implemented a new social prescription program called the Compassionate Contact Corps (CCC).

CCC is a tele-support program to benefit Veterans who are lonely, socially isolated or would simply like to talk to someone regularly. Trained CCC volunteers provide support by making periodic phone or video calls. Veterans and volunteers will be matched based on mutual interests.

All Compassionate Contact Corps volunteers will be required to complete a formal training session. CCC volunteers will report volunteer hours to the CCC Program Coordinator.

10 Benefits of the Compassionate Contact Corps

1. Something to look forward to, feel valued and appreciated, reduces feeling of isolation resulting in improved mental health.
2. Support for family caregivers - reducing caregiver burden.
3. Volunteer/Veteran can be anywhere - connect with the most geographically isolated Veterans.
4. Veterans' share stories, concerns, as well as needs and desires with the volunteer visitor.
5. Volunteer visitors provide support which helps Veteran remain as independent as possible for as long as possible
6. Volunteer can facilitate communication with VA Care Team and others relaying accurate information and reducing misunderstandings.
7. Volunteers receive training and information about local resources and community services - ensuring the Veteran is connected with appropriate resources.
8. Volunteer recognizes changes and other nuances that may be early indicators of a new issue or worsening of an existing issue, ensuring early treatment and intervention.
9. All of the above enhances the Veteran's health with a reduction in overall healthcare costs, clinician time, ED visits, and hospital stays.
10. Veteran is more likely to stay on topic and appointments can be more productive if the Veteran has another platform to reminisce and socialize.

• Volunteer must pass a background check and other onboarding requirements, plus additional training.
• Volunteer is engaging, a good listener, friendly, empathetic, compassionate and nonjudgmental, reliable, trustworthy, and considerate.
• Volunteer makes a longer volunteer commitment (1 year) as Veteran and volunteer will build friendship and be a constant in the Veteran's world.
• Must have a reliable phone/tablet/PC and a quiet private space for each tele-visit.
• Good understanding and ability to adhere to program boundaries.
• Volunteer must be in good physical health and cognitively intact.