Welcome to Companions to Elders!
We are so ready for another delightful semester of volunteering — keep reading if you are, too!
But first… what is Companions to Elders?
For those of you who are new here, Companions to Elders (C2E) is Brandeis’s volunteer group dedicated to creating intergenerational connections and supporting older adults in our community. We offer all different kinds of opportunities to get off campus and connect with elders, and we also gather on campus for educational and social programs related to subjects like memory loss conditions, institutionalized ageism, and other topics that connect to our volunteering.
How can I get involved?
There are so many options! We will email with more volunteer opportunities and educational programs as the semester continues, but here is our current list:
Weekly visits to the Springwell Congregate House
What: For one hour each week, we walk over to the Springwell Congregate House, located right next to campus. We play games, chat, and hang out with the residents. It’s a bright spot in their weeks, and in ours, too!
When: TBD, but you can help us decide! Fill out the form below to let us know when you’re available. We’ll pick a time that works best for the most potential volunteers.
Where: We’ll meet on campus and walk over together. If you have any concerns about the walk, please let us know and we will accommodate your needs!
Who: You, maybe?? Fill out this form to express interest and tell us when you’re available to make the weekly visit.
One-on-one calls with an elder from Springwell
What: If you are interested in connecting with an older adult and cannot make it to the in-person visits to Springwell, one-on-one calls with an older adult can be just as fun and rewarding! We try to match students with older adults who have similar interests and preferred languages.
When: Once per week, but the exact timing is up to you and your calling buddy :)
Where: Wherever your heart desires, so long as there is cell service.
Who: You, perhaps?? Fill out this form to be paired with an older adult from Springwell.
Monthly Memory Cafés
What: The JF&CS Memory Café is a joyful social gathering for people living with cognitive changes or dementia and their care partners. Each month includes a facilitated, creative activity. The goal is to reduce social isolation, spark creative engagement, and provide shared respite for people living with dementia and caregivers. Volunteers help with set-up, clean-up, checking participants in, and encouraging conversation and participation. It is a bit like helping to host a party!
When: The first Friday of each month, from 10am to 12pm; volunteers are asked to join from 9:30am to 12:30pm. The next Memory Café is October 2!
Where: Jewish Family & Children's Service Headquarters.
Who: You, I wonder?? Fill out this form to express interest in volunteering, and we’ll get you started on the (very simple and easy) background check process. Please note that the group going to Memory Cafés may not include C2E coordinators. Even if we are not there, we will help with logistics and ensure that you are all set to volunteer at the Café.
One-Time Volunteer Events
Want to volunteer, but you aren’t available for repeat events? No problem! We partner with senior living homes and communities off campus to staff holiday parties, yard sales, and more. More detailed events will come out soon! Stay tuned!
On-Campus Educational Programs
Keep an eye on your email! We’ll be reaching out soon to share dates and info about some exciting, on-campus learning opportunities, including a training session for volunteering at Memory Cafés.
Wow, that was a lot of information. To summarize: We’re back, we’ve got things for you to sign up to do, and we’ve got even more things you don’t even know about yet! Fill out those forms, watch your email for more information, and get excited for a great semester of C2E :)
Happy volunteering!
Team C2E (Dhihita, Wendy, Bernice & Emma)