Frequently Asked Questions
General Information
What is Angelic Connections?
Angelic Connections is a free community service initiative dedicated to fostering meaningful relationships between volunteers and elderly individuals, those on hospice, and those living with dementia. Through dedicated volunteerism, we aim to provide companionship, alleviate loneliness, and promote mental and emotional well-being among our senior community, while also supporting the educational aspirations of future healthcare professionals.
Who can participate in Angelic Connections?
Angelic Connections welcomes healthcare students, community volunteers, and anyone passionate about making a difference in the lives of seniors.
What types of activities do volunteers engage in with seniors?
Volunteers participate in a variety of activities, including one-on-one companionship, playing games, reading, assisting with simple tasks, assisting with events sponsored by Angelic Connections, and engaging in meaningful conversations to combat loneliness and foster joy.
How does Angelic Connections benefit elderly individuals?
The program alleviates loneliness and isolation among seniors by providing companionship and fostering connections. These interactions enhance mental and emotional well-being, bringing joy and comfort to their daily lives.
How does the program inspire healthcare students?
By engaging with seniors, healthcare students gain valuable insights into the challenges and joys of working with an aging population. This experience cultivates empathy, communication skills, and a deeper commitment to compassionate care.
Volunteering
How do I become a volunteer?
To become a volunteer, complete the application form on our website. Once submitted, we will contact you with next steps, including training and placement opportunities.
Do I need any prior experience to volunteer?
No prior experience is necessary. We provide the training and support needed to help you make a meaningful impact.
How much time do volunteers typically commit?
Time commitments are flexible. Volunteers can choose schedules that align with their availability, whether it’s a few hours a week or occasional visits. To be eligible for scholarship, we ask you donate an average of 4 hours a week for a full semester.
Can I volunteer if I’m not a healthcare student?
Absolutely! While healthcare students are a core part of our mission, we welcome anyone who is passionate about supporting seniors, those on hospice or those living with dementia.
What kind of training or support is provided to volunteers?
Volunteers with Angelic Connections receive a comprehensive orientation designed to ensure they are confident, compassionate, and prepared to engage with seniors, hospice patients, and individuals living with dementia. Orientation covers:
Best practices for interacting with seniors, including communication strategies, understanding cognitive or physical limitations, and fostering dignity and respect.
Guidelines for activities and events, such as how to facilitate conversations, assist with games or creative projects, and support seniors during our events.
Safety and confidentiality protocols, ensuring all volunteers understand how to maintain a safe and trusting environment.
In addition to the initial orientation, volunteers receive ongoing support and check-ins from the Angelic Connections team. This includes:
Regular feedback and coaching to enhance interactions with seniors and improve the volunteer experience.
Access to resources and guidance for addressing challenges, such as behavioral changes in residents or ways to engage individuals with dementia.
Recognition and appreciation, including small tokens of gratitude, opportunities to participate in program events, and eligibility for scholarships for semester-long commitments.
This combination of structured training, continuous support, and recognition ensures that volunteers not only provide high-quality companionship and engagement for seniors, but also gain meaningful personal and professional growth from their experience.
Partnerships
Can nursing homes or hospice centers partner with Angelic Connections?
Yes, we are always looking to collaborate with facilities that share our mission of enhancing the quality of life for elderly individuals.
How does Angelic Connections select its partnering facilities?
We partner with facilities that demonstrate a commitment to compassionate care and are eager to collaborate on improving the emotional well-being of their residents.
Donations & Support
Can I donate to support Angelic Connections?
Yes! Your donations help us expand our reach, provide training, and ensure we can continue our mission. Visit our Donation section on our home page for more details.
How are donations used to support your mission?
Donations are used to fund meaningful activities and events for seniors, in addition to providing eligible volunteers with scholarships.
Are there other ways to support Angelic Connections besides volunteering or donating?
Yes, you can support us by spreading the word about our mission. Share our website, follow us on social media, and engage with our posts!
Program Impact
What makes Angelic Connections different from other volunteer programs?
Angelic Connections uniquely focuses on bridging the gap between generations by connecting healthcare students with seniors. This dual-purpose mission ensures both populations benefit in meaningful and lasting ways.
What kind of feedback have you received from seniors and their families?
The greatest measure of our work comes from the voices of those we serve. Over and over, seniors, families, and our partner facilities share how Angelic Connections has touched their lives:
Seniors often say they look forward to our visits with excitement. Knowing someone is coming just for them brings a sense of joy and anticipation. Many share that our time together lifts their spirits, eases loneliness, and makes their days feel brighter.
Families express deep gratitude knowing their loved ones aren’t just cared for, but truly connected. They often notice renewed joy, more conversation, and a lasting spark after our programs.
Facilities tell us our presence changes the atmosphere. Staff see improved moods, increased engagement, and a ripple of positivity that extends well beyond the day of the visit.
Every story, every smile, and every thank-you reminds us why we do this work: to bring companionship, dignity, and joy that seniors can look forward to.
What impact has the program had on healthcare students?
Healthcare students often share that their time with Angelic Connections changes the way they see their future patients. They come away with a stronger sense of empathy and a better understanding of how important communication and presence are in healthcare. Many say the experience has been eye-opening and has given them a clearer picture of the kind of provider they want to become. They also benefit in practical ways through scholarships and letters of recommendation that support both their studies and career goals.
For pre-med students especially, the program fills a vital need. Medical schools look closely at volunteer hours and direct patient care experience, and Angelic Connections provides both. More than just checking a box, though, students gain meaningful one-on-one experiences with seniors in hospice, dementia care, and other settings where compassion is essential. It gives them a head start in developing the skills and mindset they’ll carry into medical school and beyond.