When I was contracted to work with Volunteer Lethbridge at the height of COVID I was surprised to say the least. I had been looking for work for months and like many, believed that my chance of finding a new contract in these challenging economic times and shutdowns would be small. Volunteer Lethbridge has exceeded all my expectations and proven that challenging times can bring capacity building to an organization, improved culture and deepen community. The new Keep In Touch program Volunteer Lethbridge created has strengthened the organizations ability to have a positive impact on lives, solving intractable problems. It has been one of the most meaningful projects I have ever personally been involved with.
The Keep In Touch program is intended to reduce isolation, loneliness and disconnectedness amongst Seniors and vulnerable Community members in Lethbridge and Southern Alberta. The program connects individuals for social interaction and helps to find resources via regular, friendly conversations through a weekly telephone support system. These connections aim to build genuine relationships that ease loneliness during these stressful times due to the pandemic which has hit older adults particularly hard. One of the best ways to demonstrate how much we value our aging loved ones is to ensure that our communities are good places to grow older.
KEEP IN TOUCH AND HELP US CREATE A COMMUNITY WHERE IT IS POSSIBLE TO OVERCOME LONELINESS
Connie-Marie Riedlhuber
Keep In Touch Senior’s Program Coordinator
Volunteer Lethbridge