Connections facilitates personalized enrichment experiences for long-term care residents.
- Connecting volunteers and residents in creative, fun ways.
- Connecting residents to the movies and music they love with donated devices and media.
- Connecting residents, staff, and volunteers to joy and memories through shared singing each week.
WHO WE ARE
At Connections, we have three core values: to ease suffering, to bring moments of joy, and to listen deeply. Our volunteers might read to residents, watch movies with them, come with a well-mannered animal for visits, lead an art activity, listen to resident stories, or simply sit and hold a hand. Every moment of caring makes a BIG difference. We'll show you around and connect you with staff who will help you along the way.
Caring for elders is a deeply personal and individualized experience.
Not every resident enjoys group activities or thrives in social settings.
That’s why our volunteers focus on building meaningful one-on-one relationships. Through regular visits, solitary residents are reassured that they are not alone and have a trusted friend who cares about their well-being. When individuals are supported in this way, depression lifts, anxiety is calmed, and overall health often improves substantially.
Connections also creates opportunities for shared experiences through group activities held on Wednesday and Friday mornings.
Music is at the heart of every session. From hymns to show tunes, and classic favorites, we sing together. Songs are carefully curated to spark memories of times past. Volunteers engage with individuals by singing with each resident, maintaining eye contact, tapping gently on a hand or shoulder, and moving throughout the group to help residents awaken different areas of the brain. The results are often transformative, bringing joy and a sense of family.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
"Volunteering with seniors facing memory loss not only enriches their lives but also brings a profound sense of connection and purpose to the volunteer."
Volunteer on your schedule to share conversation and activities.
Volunteer on singalong days (Wednesdays and Fridays from 11:15-12:00).
Play piano or other instruments. Bring your choir or band for a concert.
Make a financial donation to Connections to provide music and technology resources for residents and volunteer training support.
A SEISMIC SHIFT THROUGH VOLUNTEERISM
Connections is committed to a long-term pilot program at Brown County Health and Living Community. We aim to recruit, train, and provide resources for 30 volunteers by the end of 2026. Each volunteer will have the opportunity to build long-term relationships with up to 4 specific residents in the facility. This means that every individual who wishes would have an advocate and companion who visits them weekly. Many residents who have had no support from outside the facility will have someone who listens deeply, shows compassion, and works in practical ways to make them more comfortable and content.
Imagine what a difference that will make!
"We need YOU to become one of our highly skilled volunteers. Training and ongoing support will be provided. Please contact us today!"
- Carla Warren, Connections Director
INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING?
APPLY BELOW
Make a Financial Donation
"Act with Compassion."