Mrs. V and Megan
Every week in the City of Alexandria, more than 60 volunteers visit a senior for an hour or more in their home, apartment, assisted living or healthcare community through the Friendly Visitor Program of Senior Services of Alexandria. The program is designed to enhance the quality of life of socially isolated seniors by providing social interaction, mental stimulation and emotional support.
Recently, a volunteer, Paul, was matched with Mr. S., who was the Clerk of the Supreme Court during the time Thurgood Marshall was a Justice of the Supreme Court. As a videographer, Paul plans to create an oral history of the many fascinating stories Alexander tells during their visits. Another volunteer, Megan, is visiting Mrs. V., who received a Master’s Degree in mathematics in the ‘40s and was one of the first women to work on scientific computers in the country. Megan plans to bring the movie, “Hidden Figures,” on an upcoming visit to watch together.
A few of the volunteers bring their dogs or small children on their weekly visits. Some pairs play cards or Scrabble together or go to activities within the assisted living community including musical performances, bingo and chair yoga. The unanimous sentiment of both the seniors and volunteers in this unique program is the realization that what starts as a weekly visit becomes much more than that — a special friendship. If you know of a senior living in Alexandria who would benefit from this program or have an interest in volunteering, please contact me at 703-836-4414 Ex. 120 or email me at friendlyvisitor@seniorservicesalex.org.