Friends of the Elderly (LBFE), an organization working to end loneliness for seniors, is seeking volunteers in Kane and DuPage counties. “We’ve been offering programs to DuPage and Kane County seniors since May of this year, but we have decades of experience ending loneliness in Chicago,” says Maria Stamos, LBFE’s Expansion Program Planner.
“One of the great things about LBFE is the variety of volunteer opportunities available,” Ms. Stamos adds, “If you like to garden, organize, or socialize, whether you can volunteer a few hours every week or only a few hours a year, we have just the opportunity for you! All volunteer contributions can be life changing!”
Studies show loneliness is linked to profound health problems in seniors. In fact, lonely seniors are twice as likely to die prematurely as their more socially connected peers. Working with volunteers, LBFE helps seniors enjoy a life full of friendship, connection, and celebration as they age which improves social connection and quality of life
And the good news is that volunteering doesn’t just help seniors-- it also has proven health benefits for the volunteers themselves. People who volunteer report a sense of fulfillment and research shows volunteering provides tangible health benefits including a decreased risk of depression, lower stress and even decreased blood pressure.
Ms. Stamos points out that there are opportunities for volunteers no matter how much time they have to offer.
- With just one hour a month, a volunteer can help set up for a social gathering.
- With a commitment of two hours a month, a volunteer can become a Phone Visitor to a lonely and isolated elder, reaching out twice a month to chat and catch up.
- By volunteering three hours a month, a volunteer can host a book group or other get together at Audrey’s House for interested seniors.
- Becoming a Visiting Volunteer requires a commitment of just four hours a month, sharing time with an elder twice a month and building a friendship.
- With five hours a month, volunteers can help find seniors who need us.
LBFE has operated in Chicago since 1959 and serves about 1,000 seniors in the city every year. Events, visits, and other programs help seniors who are aging without support from family or friends build new and lasting relationships. All services and programs are free to our seniors, regardless of income.
Original source can be found here.
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