Members and volunteers enjoy ice cream, sodas, desserts, and fellowship at The FriendShip’s Volunteer Appreciation event.
April is Volunteer Appreciation Month. The FriendShip is a local nonprofit organization founded to serve older adults who choose to live in their homes and maintain healthy, independent, active, and engaged lifestyles. All services to the members of The FriendShip are provided by a group of dedicated volunteers who give their time to help with small home repairs, transportation to appointments, technology assistance, yard maintenance, and social activities. There is an application and an annual membership fee for members of The FriendShip and an application and strict screening process for community volunteers.
On April 27, The FriendShip celebrated Volunteer Appreciation Month by hosting a special social to honor its volunteers during its annual business meeting at St. John’s Episcopal Church. The event was themed “What Floats Your Boat.” Members and volunteers enjoyed ice cream, sodas, desserts, and fellowship.
Sam Waldrep, president of The FriendShip, celebrated the role volunteers play, saying, “Our volunteers are there to provide a lifeline for our members. They enable The FriendShip to fulfill its mission to support older adults who choose to remain in their own homes. Currently The FriendShip’s pool of volunteers is over 50. On average, 27 of these volunteers are engaged in some type of monthly service to our members.”
Eleanor Stein and Sam Waldrep
Eleanor Stein serves as the primary staff support for the organization. She shares, “I have worked for almost eight years at The FriendShip, and during this time I have been so inspired by our volunteers. They are so dedicated and make such a huge difference to our members who appreciate both the practical assistance they receive as well as the kindness and positive energy.”
Allison Witte became involved with The FriendShip through her Public Health Capstone Seminar class at USC. She says, “Volunteering with The FriendShip has been the most rewarding experience of my college years because of the wisdom and meaningful friendships I formed. The FriendShip fosters a true sense of community and makes everyone feel like they belong. I’m so lucky to be a small part of something so special.”
Eileen Schell, member of St. John’s Episcopal church, volunteer, and former board member, says, “I have been involved with The FriendShip from its founding (2012) and have met so many dedicated members and volunteers. It is a wonderful organization that helps seniors age in place.”
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