Volunteers are a critical part of the Area Agency on Aging’s work. There are almost 200 active AAA volunteers serving our communities in many different capacities.
Some of them were sidelined for a bit while we discovered new ways for them to engage their clients.
The Computer Learning Center volunteers are learning how to be virtual teachers and coaches using Zoom. While a bit daunting at first, they are having some fun with it now.
Students are having fun as well and learning a lot through a very different format. There have been lots of laughs and real-life moments witnessed by all.
Friendly Caller volunteers are bringing light to the lives of lonely, isolated seniors. The impact of these volunteers is so powerful. That group of volunteers is growing quickly, as is the number of seniors needing those calls.
I’m humbled by the generosity of these volunteers, and grateful for the powerful gifts of time they’re giving.
The largest group of volunteers are members of the Senior Volunteer Programs, AmeriCorps Seniors, and we are almost 100 strong. Most serve as Foster Grandparents, mentoring students at schools. Senior Companions serve other seniors in the community, providing companionship and assisting with grocery shopping, doctor appointments and more.
Senior Companions have continued to serve their clients through calls, cards and letters. While it’s not the same as visiting in person, they continue to be part of their clients’ lives in meaningful ways.
Foster Grandparent volunteering has been a different and bigger challenge. Schools have either been closed, or are open, but not allowing any volunteers in the buildings, understandably. We needed to dive deeper to find ways for them to continue to contribute in meaningful ways.
Most of the senior volunteers don’t have computers, or internet, so participating virtually couldn’t be the solution. Until we found quality tablets for them to use that would include internet.
Not knowing fully what we might be getting ourselves into, we decided to do a beta test with 20 Foster Grandparents, to make sure we were heading in the right direction.
Fast forward to January. After delivering the tablets and doing minimal training with the volunteers, we were able to do trainings with them via Zoom. When we thought they were ready, we scheduled a Zoom meeting with all 20 of them. It was magic.
Keep in mind, they haven’t seen each other or any of us since mid-March. As each logged in to Zoom and began to see their friends and this team, the reactions were beyond my expectations. There were audible gasps from each of them.
They began saying hi to individuals, and then they would see someone else they knew. There were tears of joy all over the place, including yours truly.
One of our staff members was hired just last February, and while she has spoken on the phone with all of them many times, they had never met her. I introduced her to them, and happy tears started flowing again.
“You’re even sweeter than your voice!” It was a moment I’ll never forget. After a few minutes, it felt like we had just been together yesterday. Since that meeting, we’ve been meeting with them regularly. It is boosting everyone’s spirits.
While we are figuring out how we can supply all Senior Volunteers with tablets, we are working with school districts to explore the possibility of mentoring students remotely until volunteers are able to report to sites in person.
Volunteers are the heart of the services we provide. All of these connections are so important. Whether you’re the giver or receiver, you will be blessed.
Let’s keep taking care of each other!