This program requires a commitment of one hour per week for a minimum of one year.

Generally, the visits take place in the seniors' home or in the community.

The program strives to do the following:

• Utilize emotional support skills learned in training.
• Provide emotional support for the senior client.
• Focus on reducing the feelings of loneliness and isolation and increasing a sense of well-being and connection.
• Help the senior client with learning about resources in their community.
• Assist with decision making as it arises

Volunteers keep in close touch with the JSA Volunteer Coordinators and attend regular Educational and Support Sessions. Any concerns about the senior's health and or well-being must be reported as soon as possible and if necessary, additional resources can be explored.

• Be age 55 or older, male or female.
• Mature, stable, reliable and respectful of others.
• Canadian resident for the past year (or able able to provide an International Criminal Records Check).
• Able to commit to spending one hour a week with your senior client for at least six months to one year. Yes, occasional vacations and work travel is fine!
• Interested in helping a senior who is experiencing loneliness and isolation.
• Complete 55 hours of training.
• Provide two reference checks.
• All volunteers are required to compete a current Criminal Record Check.
• As we work with vulnerable populations, vaccinations are highly recommended.

If you're interested in volunteering, please send the below information to [email protected]:

• Full Name
• Email Address
• Phone Number
• City of Residence

You will receive an email containing application forms to submit.

Once we begin to process your application, you will receive an email to let you know that your references will be contacted.

Once all your references are complete, we will be in touch to register you for a virtual training session.

After you attend training, your Volunteer Coordinator will schedule an interview with you.

Finally, your application will be reviewed for acceptance.

Once accepted, your Volunteer Coordinator will begin to look for a Senior Client to match you with. Our intention is to create meaningful and long-lasting matches, as such we try our best to consider your preferences and the needs of your Senior Client. We try to match you with a client who lives in your area that has similar interests as you.

Your Volunteer Coordinator will provide you and your Senior Client with ongoing support and check-ins during your match.