little moments that matter frances dancy

“I Have A Friend”

little moments that matter

By Laurie Black

As I approach my tenth year with the Senior Visitors Program, I am grateful for the wonderful people in our community I have met. It is especially an honor to work alongside volunteers who are truly dedicated to helping the seniors in our area.

One of those volunteers is Frances Dancy. Frances joined the Senior Visitors Program in its inaugural year, 2000; she has been volunteering for 21 years! Over those years, Frances has visited with many seniors. By the end of 2003, she was recognized for having over 500 hours of service. Today she has well over 1,000 hours of service. However, Frances does not really think about years or hours. She focuses on those little moments that bring joy to seniors. senior's husband, he declared, "I am so grateful for Frances. She is so kind. Her phone calls mean so much to me. It always brings me cheer."

Former Senior Visitors Program Director, Virginia Whiting, said of Frances at a volunteer recognition event in 2004, "She has an exceptional talent in her manner with people. She is dedicated, warm, supportive, friendly, patient, always smiling and able to provide comfort to others in need. [She] is a true friend and advocate for the elderly." These many years later, the same can be said of Frances. Her sincerity and kindness are an inspiration!

I asked Frances why she chose the Senior Visitors Program 21 years ago and why she is still with us today. She simply said, "Since I was little, I was around older people and they are my favorite people. Whether it was a grandmother, uncle, or older neighbor, I always enjoyed seniors. They have a lot of wisdom. They just want someone to listen, to hear them. I can do that."

On behalf of the seniors and families served by the Senior Visitors Program, I want to give special thanks to Frances - and all our amazing volunteers who give so freely of their time. The little moments you give to seniors do matter. Thank you!

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.

Frances recalls the first senior she visited, "He was a sweet man. He couldn't talk much [due to health issues], but we shared a love of music. When I would visit, he would sit down at the piano and play." In 2011, Frances was matched with a senior lady who she is still connected to today. In those ten years, her senior has declined now lives in an assisted living facility. Due to the COVID pandemic, Frances has not been able to visit her senior in quite a while. Frances said, "I do not feel like I'm doing much [volunteer work] these days. I still reach out to my senior's husband to offer support and check on my senior. I wish I could do more." However, when I spoke with her Laurie Black is the Senior Visitors Program Coordinator.

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