| “The whole thing was a bit of an experiment,” I shared with a colleague recently. “We are, after all, primarily a meals program…but we really believe in the importance of personal connection with the people we serve. So many seniors in our community are socially isolated and often quite lonely.” *
A year ago January, CHMOW initiated Phone Buddies — a simple program in which a volunteer caller is paired up with one of our CHMOW clients, and agrees to phone once a week just to chat. Our hope is that the weekly calls can supplement the care our drivers show when they deliver meals. Not all clients can come to the door; some would benefit from longer engagement that drivers cannot give while en route.
Well, a year plus later, most of the initial ten buddy pairs have continued their weekly conversations, with new pairs being added regularly. And based on what we heard at our recent Phone Buddies Luncheon, the results of the “experiment” are overwhelmingly positive!
Buddies on both sides of the “line” are gaining deeper compassion, learning new perspectives, and finding nothing short of friendship.
So grateful!
Carey Davis
CHMOW Executive Director
PS Here are a few more comments shared at the luncheon that I thought you’d enjoy:
“I spent my career talking on the phone and thought I was done with that…but something nudged me to say YES to the Phone Buddies [program]. I’m so glad I did!” –DK
“I was alone in a new city…facing health issues, and mental health issues, and grief from the loss of my dad. My buddy always had something encouraging to say.” –RC
*The Surgeon General deemed loneliness a health epidemic in the US in 2023.
Seniors are particularly vulnerable. Learn more HERE
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