“I Have A Friend” two cool ladies By Laurie Black The summer temperatures are hot but hanging out with Mary Escamilla and her friend Carolyn is a refreshing experience. These two friends, introduced through the Senior Visitors Program, are all smiles, teasing, and laughs. Mary started volunteering with the Senior Visitors Program in 2019. She says, "I was first matched with another senior. She was nice, but we were not a good fit. Then I met Carolyn. We felt like good friends from day one. We are both from Michigan and we both love sauerkraut. We just hit it off and I love her to pieces. Even her cat loves me." Mary and Carolyn began visiting in early 2020. They say they talk almost every day. Mary helps with appointments and errands. Mary explained she has the time and wants to help Carolyn as much as she can. Carolyn says, "She's a good friend. I really appreciate her. She helps me so much. If I didn't have Mary, I'd be lost."
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August 2021
I asked Mary and Carolyn what their visits are like. Especially now that they are able to visit in person without worrying about COVID restrictions, Carolyn and Mary enjoy eating out, trying new restaurants and new foods. One of their favorite memories is a trip to Virginia Beach. Carolyn says she used to live in Virginia Beach, and it was fun to go there again. As part of their adventure to Virginia Beach, they visited a tarantula store. Mary keeps tarantulas. Though Mary and Carolyn share of love of animals, Carolyn says, "I'm not into tarantulas, but I went in the store and looked around. It was an interesting adventure."
When asked what surprised her the most about the Senior Visitors Program Mary answered frankly, "I was surprised how long it took to get matched to a senior." Volunteers have to go through mandatory training, a background check, and provide three personal references before they are matched with a senior. Sometimes this can take several weeks. Mary continued, "The wonderful thing about the Senior Visitors Program is the companionship. Carolyn is a big part of my life. She is like family."
I asked Mary and Carolyn to tell me about each other. Mary replied, "Carolyn is an out-going, people person. She is fun and stubborn and adventurous." Carolyn says of Mary, "She's crazy!" They looked at each other and both laughed heartily.
I asked Mary what she would tell someone considering becoming a volunteer with the Senior Visitors Program. She replied, "I would say, 'How much time do you have?' You can just visit or call for an hour each week or you can cultivate a relationship. Either is
Front porch fredericksburg
okay I guess, but for me, I really wanted to create a friendship." . If you know a senior who could benefit from having a weekly, friendly visit or if you would like to volunteer to visit a senior, call the Senior Visitors Program at (540) 371-2 2704 or visit our website at mhafred.org to download volunteer or senior applications. The Senior Visitors Program is a free community service program of Mental Health America of Fredericksburg. Laurie Black is the Senior Visitors Program Coordinator.
