The Little Things: One Volunteer's Incredible Impact

Elaine Badger spent 8.5 years with CVCOA as an AmeriCorps Senior Companion, logging over 1780 hours!  She worked with at least ten individuals, three of whom she was with the whole time she served.  Being a Senior Companion has been an important part of Elaine’s life and she “kind of went above and beyond” for some of her clients, as her stories corroborate.  I spoke to her recently to find out more about the vital role she played in peoples’ lives and the special relationships she formed along the way.   

 Elaine would see one of her clients, Donna, faithfully every week and wait on her while she was visiting, seeing if she wanted a cold drink or a meal warmed up.  Donna loved McDonald's, and Elaine would even bring her lunch.  Being a musician, Elaine would sometimes play Donna some songs, to her delight.  

 Another client of Elaine’s had lost her husband shortly before Elaine came on board.  She and her husband had always loved going for a Sunday ride, which she missed, so Elaine would take her.  She was fairly isolated up in Jeffersonville and getting out made a big difference to her.  

 Elaine told me how interesting it was to take one gentleman around as it was like a history lesson.  Wherever she took him, he would tell her things that had happened at that place in the past.  Once a month she would take him to get his groceries, and she remembers well having to lug all the food in together!  

 Elaine's volunteer superpower is recognizing the little things that made her clients happy. She made them happen, and it really made a difference in their lives.  As she told me, one client loved microwave popcorn, so she’d make it for her.  Another loved to play Yahtzee so that’s what they’d do!  She would tailor her visits to suit their needs and interests.     

 While Elaine's journey with clients such as Donna has come to an end, she certainly isn't at the end of her volunteer journey . . . after almost 9 years of service, she plans to continue giving back and supporting her neighbors. 

Are you interested in supporting your neighbors as Elaine has?  Our Good Neighbor volunteer program might be right for you! Through this program, you can provide companionship, rides to medical appointments, assist with grocery shopping, help to organize papers, prepare garden beds, provide respite, help with chores or simple home repairs, and more. We match you based on your desired tasks and the needs of the individual! 

 Email [email protected], complete our online interest form, or call Nancy at (802) 595-4772 to learn more!