Friendly Visiting is a program organized by Upper West Side nonprofit DOROT that matches volunteers with seniors for weekly visits. “This program creates long-lasting friendships based on mutual interests and enriches the lives of both the older adults and their volunteer visitors,” said Executive Director Mark Meridy.
Carolyn, a friendly visitor, shares, “My weekly visits were extremely important to the two seniors I visited and they looked forward to seeing me. I had not, however, expected how important this volunteer service would become to me. We became good friends. We talked about everything. We shared the events of our lives — the highs and the lows. What’s more, I became much more aware of and attuned to the daily life and issues that seniors, even those with family, constantly face.”
DOROT’s social workers provide ongoing support to both the volunteer and the senior for the duration of their Friendly Visiting relationship. Volunteers commit to visit the same senior every week for a year, and receive ongoing training on issues that are specific to the elder community. Friendly visitors also get the chance to meet and share their experiences with other Friendly Visiting volunteers.
Another Friendly Visiting volunteer, Laura, was carefully matched with a senior named Arthur. They met once a week for over three years and developed a strong bond as they took walks and spent time together at the farmer’s market near Arthur’s apartment. Commenting on the experience, Laura said, “Every time I leave Arthur’s apartment, I feel better than when I walked in, and I know it brightens his world, too. I always say we both volunteer. But maybe I should rephrase that. Neither of us ‘volunteers’ anymore. We’re friends.” Although Laura no longer resides in New York City, she still regularly speaks to Arthur on the phone.
DOROT always receives requests for visitors from seniors. Volunteer with DOROT and enhance your life and that of an older neighbor. One hour a week, scheduled at a mutually convenient time, makes a meaningful difference. Please consider becoming a Friendly Visitor today.
DOROT, now in its 40th year, brings hundreds of volunteers from all backgrounds to the homes of frail older adults to help dispel their loneliness. DOROT alleviates social isolation among the elderly and provides services to help them live independently as valued members of the community. It serves the Jewish and wider community, bringing the generations together in a mutually beneficial partnership of elders, volunteers and professionals.
To become a friendly visitor or DOROT volunteer, please call 212-769-2850 or visit the website dorotusa.org/volunteer.
