Friends Are The Family You Choose
Friends Are The Family You Choose
Hi there, my name is Nicole. I used to be an elementary school teacher, but after I started volunteering at Acclaim Health, I was inspired to pursue a new path. Now, I am proudly a Care Manager for the Friendly Visiting program at Acclaim Health, and I am truly passionate about it because this program addresses an important challenge in our community: social isolation.
As people age, some may find themselves feeling isolated and alone. This can lead to feelings of depression, anxiety, and sadness. Since the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath isolated our community even more, these feelings have been amplified, so many more clients are on the waiting list to join our Friendly Visiting program. I can see how the isolation has affected their mobility, mood, and cognitive abilities. It’s heartbreaking.
But that’s where this story changes.
The companionship of a caring Friendly Visiting volunteer is the secret. When one of these clients is paired up with a Friendly Visiting volunteer, magic happens.
I’d like you to meet Dorothy (who LOVES to read!) and her volunteer Audrey. This dynamic duo meets once a week to discuss everything from the latest books they’ve read to their families and sharing milestones in their lives. Audrey often brings novels that are recommended by her husband, and Dorothy usually enjoys them more than the ones she picks out herself. She has now read 300 books over seven years thanks to her personal book club with Audrey’s family.
Dorothy shares “Audrey brings me sparkle and blossom, I know that I am going to have Audrey as a visitor, so I don’t dwell on what I don’t have. I have everything.”
“I am so blessed to have Dorothy as my client,” Audrey says. “It’s interesting to learn so much about Dorothy’s life… I leave the place with a skip in my step when I’ve been to visit. She’s just a wonderful, wonderful lady.” Initially inspired to volunteer because of her Mom back in England, Audrey now realizes she gets back as much as she gives. “It is a two-way street.”
It’s an incredibly uplifting experience to see the tangible ways Audrey and Dorothy enrich each other’s lives. Through listening, compassion and empathy they have created a beautiful bond. “It’s about continuing to learn about different people and their experiences in life…I thoroughly enjoy my volunteer work, it is a blessing to be able to do this,” says Audrey.
Creating meaningful relationships between clients and volunteers helps promote inter-generational understanding and connection with community while expanding horizons. As people, we are hardwired to connect with other people. It’s a survival instinct. There is a saying “It takes a village,” and I truly believe that. The sun will always come out in the end when we step up for one another.
With Gratitude,
Nicole T. Care Manager, Friendly Visiting Program Oakville
