Wilshire Network Sites

Testimonials

Client:
“Before I was matched with my volunteer I was unable to sleep and was anxious all the time. Since we’ve been matched, I sleep better and I am no longer worried about little things.  My friend has been a lifesaver!”

Volunteers:
“My life changed after being matched! It was scary at first but we became fast friends. I don’t know who benefits more, me or my senior friend.”

“Volunteering for Caring Callers has been a meaningful journey. I give my time and energy, but the clients also teach me many wonderful things about living.“

“I was matched with a lady that was diagnosed with agoraphobia.  Within the first couple of months we actually started to attend community events together. We have been matched for over a year and she is more socially active and no longer confined to her home!”

“It gives the person something outside of their shrinking world to look forward to.  Their world has become so small with their contemporary’s passing on and families living elsewhere. Caring Callers gives them the feeling that they’re not useless just because they are older.”

Volunteer:
“Now in his 80’s, Frank mentioned that was a long time swing dancer. One evening my wife and I took Frank over to Cal Poly for a swing dancing event. Not only did he enjoy the live band and watching the college kid’s dance, he actually got up and danced twice himself! You should have seen the smile on his face -- it sure topped our evening.

Volunteer:

Hi Caring Callers!

I volunteered for you while I was in high school, probably around 2001 and 2002, and I visited with Edna Chadwick. 

After I left for college, I lost touch with her (all to blame on me, the whirlwind of college swept me up) and then I lost her number, but often would think of her. 

Well the other day, she came across my high school phone number which is still my parents house, and she called to see how I was doing. I was really excited to hear from her because I had been thinking of her but didn't really know how to contact her. 

I gave her a call tonight, and she was so happy to hear from me, as I was to hear from her. She is 94 years old now, and I'm 26. It was so great to catch up, and I think we are going to have a relationship again moving forward. She was an important influence in my life as I'm sure I was for her, it was definitely a mutual love for each other and I'm pleased we got to reconnect.

Thanks for doing what you guys all do. -Past Volunteer