The Teen Connect program matches high school students with senior clients for telephone companionship. Through participation in this project, students learn about the issues and consequences of aging and the social concerns that impact the elderly. Most importantly, through these weekly telephone calls, the seniors gain a friendship that helps reduce isolation and loneliness, while sharing their life experiences. By having teens connect with these older individuals, there is a wonderful opportunity to learn from each other by building bridges between generations.
Teens who participate in the Teen Connect Program will receive community service hours for each weekly phone call.
Under the supervision of the Volunteer Department at Jewish Family Service, students will attend an orientation for pre-service training. Supervision meetings with other teen volunteers are designed to address issues and/or concerns regarding their senior clients that might develop during the course of the telephone contacts.
