WVU Extension and the WVU Center for Service Learning are partnering with on-campus students to increase social connections through the Calling Community program. The Calling Community program will connect WVU students with senior citizens through regular phone conversations.
As we navigate this pandemic, many individuals are finding themselves isolated with reduced social interaction. Social isolation and loneliness impact physical, mental, and cognitive health in all age groups. Senior citizens may be at risk of social isolation if they are homebound and/or experiencing health issues. However, young adults from the age of 18-22 are the most likely to experience feelings of loneliness and isolation. The Community Calling program will pair a college student with a senior citizen to increase social connections and reduce loneliness and isolation through regular interactions via phone.
Through the Calling Community program College students will commit to calling their assigned partner two times per week for open ended conversation throughout the semester. Those enrolled will have the opportunity to meet and get to know a new person, build cross-generational relationships, and protect the health of yourself and your phone partner. Each student will be assigned a peer mentor who will touch base with them each week to offer support/guidance as needed.
Program Elements: College students enrolling in the Calling Community program will commit to the following.
- Orientation/Training: Complete one-hour webinar via zoom
- Regularly Scheduled Phone Calls: Completion of two regularly scheduled phone calls per week with your assigned partner (length may vary but at least 20-30 minutes) through the summer semester.
- Document hours: Record and submit all hour through iServe
- Post Program Reflection webinar
Fall 2021 cohort of students/seniors beginning Sept. 17th, 2021.
