Volunteers Needed Now:
Tech Coaches – ongoing on Zoom or in person
Friendly Visitors – weekly visits in home
Winter Package Delivery and phone/in-person visit January 29-30
On the Upper West Side alone, thousands of older adults – many of whom have lived in our community for 50+ years – are aging solo. Social isolation and loneliness have been linked to a higher risk for a variety of serious illnesses. It is DOROT’s mission to help.
Here in our neighborhood, volunteers are making it easier for older neighbors to feel connected to a caring community. DOROT volunteers are paying friendly visits to older adults, checking in over the phone, running errands, celebrating birthdays and providing tech coaching to those in need of a bit of extra help to use their devices. Four times a year, DOROT volunteers deliver seasonal treats to hundreds of older neighbors and take time to chat.
Both the older adults and the volunteers say the same thing – it’s beneficial being on the giving and receiving end.
“I’m homebound with no family and a lot of my friends have passed on. Connecting with a volunteer has been a godsend. She’s so intelligent and we talk about many different subjects. I always say that DOROT is a light in the forest of my life,” says one older adult. Volunteers share a similar sentiment. “It is extremely helpful to support folks that feel somewhat isolated. I have learned so much. It deepens my appreciation for older community members and helps me develop a deeper sense of empathy.”
As the New Year begins, resolve to get involved with DOROT. Volunteers are needed immediately to be Tech Coaches, weekly Friendly Visitors, and to participate in Winter Package Delivery on January 29-30. To learn more, visit www.dorotusa.org/volunteer or email volunteers@dorotusa.org. Or, if you know of an older adult who might enjoy participating in DOROT programs, please call 212-769-2850.
