Government
Published 1/30/26 4:59PM

Skip the Chat GPT and Chat with Me Instead! It's real life, Face to Face Buddy Time

On-site, Volunteer must be in or near Willington, CT
I Want to Help


  • Details

    Available Times:
    Weekdays (daytime, evenings), Weekends (daytime, evenings)
    Time Commitment:
    A few hours per month
    Commitment Details:
    Flexible! Set Your Own Mutually Agreeable Schedule
    Recurrence:
    Recurring
    Volunteers Needed:
    2
    Cause Areas:
    Agriculture, Animals, Disability, Men, Rural Areas
    Benefits:
    Training Provided
    Good For:
    Public Groups, Age 55+
    Participation Requirements:
    Driver’s License, Background Check, Attend Orientation
    Age Requirement:
    2+
    Other Requirements:
    Compassion, caring, desire to be a good friend and make change in the community with one neighbor at a time!

    Description

    Skip the Chat GPT and Chat with Me Instead! It's real life, Face to Face Buddy Time

    Get some real-life face to face buddy time with a local neighbor who can’t drive due to age related vision loss. This octogenarian has had a wonderful and full life with lots of experiences including animal husbandry, farming, appliance repair and writing his own computer programs to operate laser cutting machines! Wow, there’s something there to keep anyone engaged. You can visit in person or have phone chats. And, if you want a little more diversity, you could help read and sort his mail with him, go for a walk or take a ride around Willimantic and visit the local community. You won’t be bored

    This is a fantastic opportunity for meaningful connection and community support of a hometown friend! This neighbor has such a rich background—animal husbandry, farming, appliance repair, and even writing programs for laser cutting machines—that’s a treasure trove of stories and knowledge.

    Here are a few ideas to make the most of this:

    Ways to Engage

      • Face-to-Face Visits: Bring a cup of coffee or tea and ask about his experiences—maybe even record some stories (with permission) for posterity.
      • Phone Chats: Great for days when you can’t visit in person. You could set up a regular schedule so he knows when to expect a call.
      • Mail Sorting & Reading: This is practical help that also creates conversation opportunities.
      • Walks or Scenic Drives: Willimantic has some lovely spots—maybe check out the Frog Bridge or local parks or that world-famed Uconn Dairy Bar.
      • Shared Hobbies: he’s into tech, you could talk about modern programming or even show him new tools. If farming interests you, ask about old techniques or stories from his farm days, and he still loves to garden.

    Why This Matters

      • It’s not just about helping—it’s about mutual enrichment. You’ll learn from his experiences, and he’ll enjoy companionship and mental stimulation.
      • These activities can combat isolation and keep him engaged socially and cognitively.

    You are almost there, click the link and let’s connect to get you started it’s easy and quick!

    Location

    On-site

    Willimantic CT

    Willington, CT, USA

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