Project CARE

"I define connection as the energy that exists between two people when they feel seen, heard and valued; when they can give and receive without judgement; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship."  --Dr. Brene Brown

 

Project CARE / Project Generations

Project CARE is a friendly visiting program that helps to alleviate loneliness and social isolation among Tompkins County residents aged 60 and over. Volunteers commit to giving 1-3 hours per week to the program. Volunteers can also provide friendly telephone calls to older adults.

Project Generations volunteers are local undergraduate college students from the surrounding educational institutions. 

Cornell University Project Generations

Interested in participating? What a volunteer may mean to you:

Companionship, conversation, laughter, friendship, help and more...

Click here to request a volunteer

 

Interested in volunteering? Here are some activities a volunteer can do:

  • Weekly friendly visits (conversation, games/crafts, walks, gardening, and more)
  • Telephone friendly reassurance calls
  • Caregiver respite
  • Running errands (shopping, picking up items, etc.)
  • Organization
  • Light housekeeping
  • One-time special requests

Click here for the volunteer application

LINK for active volunteers only (password protected)

Why volunteer?

Volunteering helps to connect you to your community.

It can bring meaning and purpose to your life, it also increases self-esteem, wellbeing, and confidence.

It alleviates stress and depression. As well as having a positive impact on your community.

 

What is the golden rule of volunteering?

The golden rule to volunteering is that if you commit to something...do it!

Your ability to fulfill a commitment doesn't just reflect on you, it also reflects upon the organization you are volunteering for. Great volunteers remain professional in all situations.

 

 

Desirable Volunteer Characteristics

  • Passion
  • Enthusiasm
  • Interest in personal growth
  • Committed & Reliable
  • Team player
  • Positive role model
  • Friendliness
  • Maintains confidentiality

 

 

 

Volunteer Skills List

  • Problem solving
  • Organization
  • Communication & interpersonal skills
  • Relationship building
  • Teamwork
  • Time management
  • Meeting reporting deadlines
  • Mentoring
  • Training others
  • Listening skills

 

 

For more information, questions or to enroll in the program via phone or email:

 Contact Dawn Sprague, Project CARE Coordinator

 dsprague@tompkins-co.org or call (607) 274-5499