Chand, an unassuming older man with an easy smile, dedicates 30 hours a week to volunteering as an AmeriCorps Senior Companion. Assigned to a specific individual with special needs at one of the day programs under contract with the North Bay Regional Center, Chand embodies the spirit of compassion and community service.
Every day, Chand walks from his bus stop to the United Cerebral Palsy day program in Rohnert Park, located less than a block away. Upon entering the building, his smile brightens as staff and clients greet him. He moves through the large facility to store his personal items in a locker before meeting his assigned companion, Patrick, to start his day as a Senior Companion volunteer.
Chand had brought two cards for Patrick to color, a simple yet meaningful activity. He attentively asked, “Do you want to color the Cupcakes or the Dragon?” With patience, Chand waited as Patrick focused on the outlines on the paper. Eventually, Patrick selected a magenta marker, and they began their creative session together.
Patrick, like many individuals served by the North Bay Regional Center, has an intellectual disability that makes routine tasks and communication more challenging. Each client has a personalized assignment plan with specific goals they have identified. Some may need extra help transitioning between activities, while others may struggle to be understood.
“Our volunteers are a step beyond the average in character and compassion,” says Melissa Slama, who supervises the program. “Working with individuals who have intellectual disabilities requires special characteristics. Obviously, it’s a no-judgment zone. We’re here to add friendship, support, and meaning. It takes patience and unhurried compassion to wait for ten minutes while an individual puts on their own coat to go for a walk, but it’s an important level of independence that deserves encouragement. When you see the pride and smiles on their faces, you realize that what just happened was really important.”
Today’s lunchtime includes a walk to a nearby fast-food restaurant. Senior volunteers are never in charge of their companions and are always supervised. Day Program staff create the schedules and activities, while Senior Companion volunteers provide insightful encouragement and repeat directions as necessary. As extra eyes and ears, volunteers are in a perfect position to inform staff if someone is having a rough day.
AmeriCorps volunteers are unique because they receive a tax-exempt stipend, allowing them to volunteer without incurring personal costs. They also receive a daily meal and reimbursement for travel to and from their site. This financial support helps low-income senior citizens improve their quality of life economically and socially.
The program offers training for new volunteers, monthly in-service training, paid leave, and holidays. Anyone interested in learning more about the program should contact Melissa Slama, Supervisor of the Senior Companion Program, at 707-566-3005 or melissas@nbrc.net.
