Become a Friendly Visitor Volunteer or Participant
The Friendly Visitor program works to combat the loneliness and social isolation of our homebound seniors and disabled neighbors. With the efforts of qualified and trained volunteers, we are going beyond the social interactions that occur with regular meal deliveries. We are supporting our senior neighbors to extend their independence and health as they age. These valuable connections provide our clients with much-needed companionship.
Friendly Visitor works to provide much-needed social engagement to our homebound seniors and disabled neighbors. Seniors will receive valuable social interactions through Friendly Visits, Friendly Calls, and Friendly Mail.
Through Friendly Visits, seniors engage in a variety of positive and enriching in-person social activities like playing board or card games, reading their favorite books, watching a good movie, or just having great conversations. Seniors can also receive weekly calls and/or receive letters or cards. A senior can receive one or all three services from our trained and qualified volunteers. No matter what the client decides, these services are a great way to brighten their day and reduce the loneliness they experience!
As a Friendly Visitor volunteer, you help alleviate the loneliness and social isolation our homebound seniors and disabled neighbors face by going beyond the social interactions that occur with regular meal deliveries.
Who can volunteer? Individual volunteers, groups, and organizations are welcome.
How to Apply?
1. Become a Friendly Visitor
Volunteers visit a personally matched senior in the senior’s home. During their visits, volunteers and seniors can engage in a variety of positive, enriching, and beneficial social activities like playing board or card games, reading their favorite books, watching a good movie, or just having great conversations.
2. Become a Friendly Caller
Volunteers are matched with at least one senior to call weekly. Volunteers call their senior-friend once a week for a wellness check and to have a friendly conversation.
3. Send Friendly Mail
Volunteers correspond weekly with at least one senior. Correspondence can be a cheerful letter, heartfelt postcard, birthday card, or holiday card. Whether homemade or store bought, who doesn’t love opening their mail and seeing a personalized message just for them?
At Meals on Wheels, we believe in the power of meaningful connections and the importance of fostering friendships. Our Friendly Visitor Program is designed to provide companionship, support, and joy to individuals like yourself who may benefit from regular social interactions. As a participant in our program, you will be matched with a friendly and compassionate visitor who will spend quality time with you on a regular basis.
Whether it’s engaging in conversations, sharing hobbies, watching movies, or simply enjoying each other’s company, our aim is to create a warm and welcoming environment where you feel valued and cared for. We understand that everyone has unique preferences and interests, and our team will work closely with you to ensure that your experience with our program is tailored to meet your specific needs and preferences.
How to Apply:
If you are a current client and wish to become a participant in the Friendly Visitor Program, please email mowgnb@aol.com or call (732) 249-3488 to speak with our Friendly Visitor Program Director.