Friendly Visiting Program - Kankakee County

Our faith-based organization is seeking volunteers of all beliefs to call and visit older adults who are isolated, reside alone, or just need encouragement. You could make these phone calls or home visits to one or several older adults, however many times a week you prefer. The time commitment is very flexible and dependent on volunteer interest. Most Friendly Visiting volunteers serve 2-4 hours a week.

You will receive pre-service orientation and training. All volunteers must pass state and federal background checks.

Overview:

The Friendly Visiting Program connects caring volunteers over the age of 18 with older adults (age 60+) who may be experiencing social isolation or loneliness. Volunteers offer companionship through friendly in-person visits, virtual check-ins, and/or regular telephone calls. By building meaningful connections, volunteers help older adults feel supported, valued, and more connected to their community. The program is free to participant and serves people of all beliefs.

Responsibilities:

Trained volunteers, in addition to having a friendly conversation, can remind seniors to take medications, eat a home-delivered meal or warm a frozen one, and in some cases provide linkage to additional services that can assist.

The need:

Volunteers are needed for clients in Kankakee, Will and Grundy Counties.