Meet Wayka Cespedes, the new Friendly Visits Volunteer Coordinator at Meals on Wheels in Greater New Brunswick (MOWGNB). MOWGNB is proud to announce the launch of the Friendly Visitor Program, which offers participants the opportunity to connect with volunteers outside of the standard meal delivery service. Friendly Visits will take place in person or by phone on a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly basis, in an effort to combat the loneliness and social isolation facing homebound seniors.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your role at Meals on Wheels in Greater New Brunswick?

I’ve been working in the people industry for over seven years, primarily in the customer service field. Over those seven years, my experience has expanded to both children and patients. I most recently worked as a substitute teacher for various districts in New Jersey. And now I am looking to expand my experience, working with our homebound neighbors.

My role as a volunteer coordinator is to ensure that every interested participant is matched with someone of similar interest, as one of our priorities is for an enjoyable experience for both the participant and volunteer. I oversee volunteers on their visits and report any feedback for improvement.

Can you tell us what the Friendly Visitor Program is and how it works to combat the loneliness and social isolation of our homebound seniors?

The Friendly Visitor Program is a project intended to combat the loneliness and social isolation of our homebound seniors and disabled neighbors. With the efforts of our qualified and trained volunteers, we go beyond the social interactions that occur with regular meal deliveries. We are supporting our neighbors to extend their independence and health as they age. These valuable connections provide our participants with much-needed companionship.

How will MOWGNB incorporate this program into its meal services?

MOWGNB has extended the invitation to all meal-receiving participants. First, having expressed interest, the participant will be interviewed by the volunteer coordinator (me), to later pair them to a volunteer with similar interests. The volunteers go through a similar interview process including a background check. After making a volunteer-participant match, friendly visits can be scheduled weekly, bi-weekly, monthly and even via phone, depending on the participant’s preference.

What excites you the most about the Friendly Visitors Program? 

What excites me most about the program is being able to make a positive impact in the day-to-day lives of others.

What motivates you to work for Meals on Wheels in Greater New Brunswick?

What motivates me to work for Meals on Wheels in Greater New Brunswick is knowing what the organization stands for. Working for a team whose values align with my own is rewarding.  

What do you want interested participants and/or volunteers to know about the Friendly Visitors Program?

What I want everyone interested to know is that we, as humans, naturally long for connection. Believe it or not, our seniors, disabled and homebound neighbors, are one of the most neglected populations. By checking-in weekly, bi-weekly, or even monthly via visit or call, we are letting them know that they are not alone, thereby making the world of a difference in their lives.

How do interested participants or volunteers learn more about the Friendly Visitors Program? 

Prospective participants or volunteers can contact us by email at mowvolunteer.manage@gmail.com.