3 minute read
i have a friend: staying in touch
from FPFSeptember2020
Staying in touch despite pandemic
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By Laurie Black
For the past 20 years, the Senior Visitors Program has been connecting local seniors with a volunteer who visits weekly for about an hour. That volunteer often begins as a friendly face and a listening ear, but quickly becomes so much more. Every time I speak with a volunteer or senior from the Senior Visitors Program, I come away feeling inspired by their simple acts of kindness and stories of enduring friendship. Such is the case with volunteer, JoAnn Robinson, and her senior friend, Bea.
JoAnn heard about the Senior Visitors Program from her daughter. After completing the volunteer training and orientation, JoAnn was matched with Bea. They have been visiting now for a little over a year. JoAnn says, "Volunteering is an uplifting experience. I thought that I was doing it to help someone else, but I found that it was a great experience for me!"
Bea lives with her daughter, Patty, and granddaughter, Zoey. Patty and Zoey say of JoAnn, "They became close friends quickly! JoAnn is such a caring, kind and thoughtful person. Mom is always so happy when they have a visit together. JoAnn is genuinely caring about Mom and about our whole family. She engages Mom so much; it is just a real treat to see. They often look at photo albums together and Mom tells all kinds of stories. JoAnn is really positive and always makes it fun for Mom!"
JoAnn says, "Bea is a wonderful person. She is delightful company. Bea is a very creative and talented artist. I love hearing her stories about her past and her lovely family." Bea replies, "It is so wonderful that someone wants to come and visit and have a conversation with you. I like having a friend to talk to and I think JoAnn is a really good friend."
Before the restrictions that the pandemic placed on their visits, JoAnn and Bea enjoyed outings to get lunch or ice cream. Bea fondly recalls a time they drove out Route 3 to the Battlefield Country Store . Bea proudly says, "She drove and I told her how to get there!"
Though they have had to make adjustments due to the pandemic, they have continued their friendship. Patty explains, "During these past months of isolation, JoAnn has reached out to my mom with many phone calls and often will send her cards. This has meant a lot to us!" Patty goes on to say, "Having a senior visitor has really changed life for Mom at 92. There is nothing like having a new best friend! Please, if you can, volunteer for this amazing program, or, inquire about it if you are caring for a special loved one. We are truly grateful for the Senior Visitors Program."
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) 371-2704 or visit mhafred.org. Senior Visitors Program is a free community service program of Mental Health America of Fredericksburg .
Laurie Black is the Administrative Assistant for the Senior Visitors Program
Bring a little sunshine to a senior’s life! Too many seniors feel lonely and isolated.
