“I Have A Friend” changing of the guard

By joyce kinnard

The Senior Visitors program has been serving Fredericksburg and the surrounding communities for 23 years. The program began in order to address the loneliness and isolation too many older adults feel. Loneliness and isolation are known risk factors for depression and are not a normal part of the aging process.

Through a volunteer visitor or through MHAfred's HELPLINE , we are always working to help older adults in our community feel connected and get any assistance they need. Our volunteers look forward to giving back to the community by supporting our older adults with companionship, friendship and conversation.

Sometimes due to life changes and regardless of age, we have to adjust to twists and turns in our lives. So, it is with mixed emotions that we have to say "goodbye" to Laurie Black Laurie is the current Senior Visitors program Coordinator at Mental Health America of

Fredericksburg. Laurie and her family will be starting a new chapter of their lives later this summer in another state. Sitting down with Laurie, she stated, "Saying goodbye can be difficult whether you've been friends for a long time or a short while. I have written articles about MHAfred's Senior Visitors program since 2017. I have loved highlighting the volunteers and seniors of the Senior Visitors program. They are a constant source of inspiration for me and a special part of our community. I am confident the Senior Visitors program will continue to be a valuable resource for many older adults in our area."

Taking the helm as the new Program Coordinator is Denecia Conner Denecia is a student at VCU pursuing a bachelor's degree in social work. She was previously a HelpLine Coordinator for MHAfred. Denecia enjoys volunteering in her community and advocating for those that are unable to do so for themselves. She is a military spouse and a mom to three. Denecia says "I am very excited to take on this new role at MHAfred and I look forward to getting to know all our volunteers and participants".

Lastly, I will "pick up the torch" of writing the Front Porch Fredericksburg articles. I have been with the Senior Visitors program since 2016 as a Senior Visitors volunteer and have now accepted the task of keeping you informed of our work in the community. I'm excited to continue the tradition of bringing exciting news from the Senior Visitor program, introducing the Fredericksburg community to our family of volunteers and program participants.

Although there have been staff changes, the Senior Visitors program will still offer the same excellent services we have always provided to the Fredericksburg community.

Joyce Kinnard is a volunteer with the Senior Visitors program at Mental Health America of Fredericksburg.

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) 371-22704 or visit our website at mhafred org Refer a senior or sign up to be a volunteer! The Senior Visitors Program is a free community service program of Mental Health America of Fredericksburg.

Since 1997