Elderly & Disabled
It was a humbling and strange experience for me personally. Deep in my heart, I believe that’s a good and necessary emotion for me.
-Juan Collazo ‘01
on his service at a local agency
Friendly Caregivers
Contact/Volunteer Coordinator:
Tracy Hartmann
822-7118 x447
33 E. Northampton Street
PO Box 1285, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701
Description of Opportunities:
Friendly Caregivers, sponsored by Catholic Social Services, pairs volunteers with senior citizens in need of a friend or a favor. Services include friendly visiting, telephone reassurance, and running errands such as getting groceries or going to the post office. Volunteers provide a link to the outside world for an elderly person who is possibly isolated by illness, disability, or age. The requested minimum commitment is only 1 hour per week, and the program makes clients aware from the beginning that college students may not be around over breaks.
Guardianship Volunteers
Contact/Volunteer Coordinator:
Gerri Mikelski
823-5144
31 W. Market Street, Wilkes-Barre PA 18701
Description of Opportunities:
The Guardianship Volunteer Program, sponsored by Family Services, matches volunteers with elderly or developmentally challenged adults who do not have friends and family for support. Volunteers are asked to be a friendly and reliable visitor who occasionally runs small errands. Visits occur at nursing homes, personal care homes, or private homes once a week commitment.
Little Flower Manor
Contact/Volunteer Coordinator:
John Maday
823-6131
200 S. Meade Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
Description of Opportunities:
Little Flower Manor, a care facility for the elderly, uses volunteers to facilitate activities for residents. From setting-up to serving refreshments, volunteers help with numerous aspects of events. Most importantly, volunteers spend time with residents. Volunteers can also staff the gift shop.
Summit Health Care
Contact/Volunteer Coordinator:
Marsha Brislin
825-3488
50 N Pennsylvania Ave., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
Description of Opportunities:
Residents at Summit Health Care are always glad to see the friendly faces of volunteers. Volunteers help with events such as Bingo and Glamour Group and sometimes transport clients to these events. Leading the rosary or serving as a Eucharistic Minister are also possible services. Volunteers can run small errands for residents or just visit with them. Volunteers must be patient with the residents and must want to establish relationships with them. Not all clients can communicate easily, but they enjoy spending time with people regardless.
Wilkes-Barre Senior Center
Contact/Volunteer Coordinator:
Karen Weed
825-3484
5 E. Market Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701
Description of Opportunities:
Volunteers fill numerous needs at the center, such as serving with the feeding program and helping with special events. The center is open from 8am-4pm, and most activities occur from 10am-1pm. Recently renamed the Charles T. Adams Senior Center, it is only a short walk from King's.