“One Good Deed has truly been a gift and has enhanced my life greatly. I live alone, have very little family, and my friends have husbands and grandchildren which keep them busy. It's been meaningful to have new friends especially during the pandemic when I'm no longer able to leave home due to being high risk,” said Cheryl, a longtime One Good Deed recipient.
In July of 2019, One Good Deed matched Cheryl with a 26-year-old volunteer named Lexie. They had an immediate connection, have since become great friends, and remain in touch daily.
“I am very grateful for being matched up with Cheryl. Pre-COVID we had a great time shopping and exploring new restaurants around Brookhaven. We talk multiple times a day, and she has helped me too. I can’t wait to take her out after COVID is gone. I do miss seeing her, but phone calls are always nice,” says Lexie.
Due to COVID-19, the friendly visitor program quickly pivoted into a phone friend program in order to adhere to precautions that keep both older adults and volunteers safe. Since the beginning of the pandemic, One Good Deed has provided over 2,400 friendly phone calls to over 150 older adults.
When the pandemic started, Cheryl requested an additional friend to connect with, and was then matched with Jane. Although they have not been able to meet in person, they have developed a special friendship through their phone conversations.
Cheryl has shared, “Recently, One Good Deed has put me in touch with another volunteer, Jane, who has had a very active and interesting life and many interests. She is a good cook and I enjoy conversing with her about one of my favorite interests – food! I'm hoping, when the pandemic is under control, to meet Jane face to face and share a lunch out together.”
During their conversations, Jane was able to recognize another way in which JF&CS could assist Cheryl, and she was then able to help her receive other services. Cheryl is extremely grateful and is certain that her volunteers Lexie and Jane have changed her life!
If you or someone you know would love to be matched with a phone friend volunteer, contact One Good Deed at 770-677-9489. A new friend is just a phone call away!