Escort Drivers

Who's behind the closed door? Sonny DeForge loved finding the answer to this question during his four years as an escort driver. Volunteering at least once a week, he took folks to medical appointments and on other outings. Just prior to retiring from this volunteer job, he reflected on his experience. "Oh my golly, I did this for so long that I had repeats," he said. "It was always interesting, since I'm kind of a 'people' person. My riders were all different, but they're all very appreciative. I was able to work my driving assignments into my life since I really believed that I was needed. The cab drivers, they won't come to your door or take the time to fold your walker and put it into the trunk. I have been able to make a difference as a volunteer. "

Lee Brumet's trips have taken her to Takoma Park, Shady Grove, up and down Wisconsin Avenue and across Route 28. "It really helps to know the roads," says this retired registered nurse who began volunteer driving in 1998. "I've lived here just about all my life, so if I get lost I can usually find my way," she said. Ms. Brumet became a volunteer driver in response to an ad that appeared in the Montgomery County Gazette. "I wasn't working and I was looking for something to do," she said. "[All of the riders] have been very nice people and we carry on good conversations. I've gotten no complaints. I expected a few 'crabs' but I really haven't gotten any."

Morrell (Mo) Berry of Rockville provides a window into the anytime, anyplace attitude shared by many of our volunteer drivers. Mr. Berry, a retired moving and storage executive, works part-time in the mornings and spends many afternoons as a volunteer driver. While he waits for appointments to end before a return trip, he sometimes catches up on magazine reading in reception rooms. "I'm free most afternoons so I may as well be doing something worthwhile," he says. "You get a lot of self-satisfaction. If I am free, I'll do it every time they call me."

Bill Paying Assistance

"I believed that I could teach her to use this computer to keep track of all her medical bills," said one of The Senior Connection's volunteers who wants to remain anonymous. "I spend about four hours each month with my friend and she is learning to track these charges. I also help her sort her mail and toss tons of advertising specials that she does not want to read. At first she did not believe that she could learn to use the computer but now she is very comfortable!"

"He manages to take care of his wife and most household tasks except for paying his bills," said Sue Dollins, Executive Director of The Senior Connection. "You see, he has never learned to read and our help is vital to his independence. A volunteer bill-paying assistant can make a real difference in the life of this family by contributing about two hours each month!"

Grocery Shopping

"I figured I had some free time and could do something nice for somebody," said Leslie Mooney, who delivered groceries to seniors during off hours from her job as a full-time nurse in Silver Spring and Washington, D.C., for three years, from 1998 to 2001. "Shopping for someone is a pretty simple thing to do and it's something I was able to fit into my schedule." she said. "I'd give my friend a call and take down her list each week. I'd pick up her order while doing my own shopping and deliver it at a convenient time. The entire process took only a few hours each month." she said. "I always felt appreciated as a volunteer grocery shopper."

The Senior Connection has allied itself with other community agencies to help address the growing need of elderly and disabled persons for shopping assistance. This coalition has named itself ISHOP and includes the following organizations: The American Red Cross, Jewish Council for the Aging, Jewish Social Services Agency, Services for the Visually Impaired, Community Ministries of Rockville and Top Banana. ISHOP plans to increase the awareness of shopping services, to recruit and train volunteer shoppers and to identify financial resources to help sustain the shopping programs of coalition members.

Telephone Reassurance and Support

"We've talked about everything from national politics to family news through the years! Our 'calling friendship' means so much to both of us!" claims one of our telephone reassurance volunteers. For those with only a few minutes to spare each week, volunteering in this way can be satisfying to the caregiver and a really important lift to the senior on the other end of the telephone.

Friendly Visiting Program

No one can have too many friends! In our urban neighborhoods, however, it may be difficult to become friends, especially if one is homebound. The Senior Connection's friendly visiting program fills a real need in our community. During their visits, our volunteers may read, write letters, play games, assist with bill paying, take their friends shopping and arrange social outings. They may also help with some light household tasks, such as putting away groceries, adjusting a VCR or getting things down from high shelves. They do not perform any personal care services.

Joan Ullman became a friendly visitor nearly ten years ago. She and her friend, who had only sons, always wanted a daughter. Joan, whose mother lives in New York, enjoyed having another "mom" to share things with. "My senior partner, who is an expert cook, has shared her grandmother's Italian recipes with me and I take her to medical appointments and to the beauty parlor. We have a special relationship," said Joan.

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