2022 Encore Community Services Friendly Visitor/Senior Companion

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WHAT IS THE FRIENDLY VISITING PROGRAM?

The Friendly Visiting Program at Encore matches older adults in the community with dedicated volunteers who provide companionship and a sense of family to those they visit. As friendly Visiting Buddy, you can:

• Develop a friendship with a senior via in-person visits, Facetime, or Zoom
• Hear interesting stories and learn about personal and New York history
• Help ease a senior's loneliness, which helps their overall health
• Become an advocate for an older adult who may not have many people in their corner
• Enjoy a break in your day with chats, games, and socializing with someone who has a lot to share

WHAT IS REQUIRED TO BECOME A FRIENDLY VISITING BUDDY?

• Background check
• Must be 18 years and older
• Commitment of six months, one hour a week with the hope to continue
• For in-person visitors, proof of vaccination
• Two references

MEET SOME OF OUR SENIORS:

• Be a friendly visitor to Robyn, a sweet and amiable senior looking for a volunteer to converse with and liven up her week. Robyn loves chess and prefers a volunteer that would like to play and discuss chess. Robyn's interests also include the piano and harmonica. Robyn hopes for phone calls and visits.

• Be a friendly visitor to April, a friendly senior looking for a volunteer to talk to and add some connection to her days. April is looking to have a volunteer that could call and have a friendly chat related to her interests in economics, new technology, gardening, and puzzles.

• Be a friendly visitor to Arlene, a senior living on the Westside. Arlene is an 84yr retired nurse. Arlene wants to chat and hang out with someone who would like to discuss books, music, art, and sports. She is politically aware, insightful, and sure to put a smile on your face.

Please reach out to Kimberly at kimberly.olund@catholiccharitiesny.org to express interest in this opportunity!