Friendly Visitor Program Volunteer Training Resumes

The Town of Warwick Friendly Visitor Program (FVP) is alive and well and growing.  COVID-19 has certainly been a factor with influence, yet it has only altered the way some of the services are provided.  

The FVP is a Volunteer service that helps Warwick seniors manage their independence in their own homes.  There is no charge for the service.  Services are offered to older adults and adults with disabilities.  Rides to appointments, food shopping, visiting, and light chores are among the services that are provided.  The Volunteer services are coordinated by a part-time Town of Warwick employee.  Volunteers are trained, background checks are performed, and Town of Warwick Identification badges are issued to Volunteers.  A Board of Advisors governs the program.

The program is a partnership with the Office for Aging and Jewish Family Service (JFS).  JFS provides the training and has shifted to a virtual, 90-minute training from a three-hour classroom training.  

During the pandemic, Volunteer Ann Briscese didn’t skip a beat in making her weekly calls to a 101-year-old Florida gentleman who lives alone in the home he was born in.  Both Ann and Carl look forward to the weekly chats and have developed a warm neighborly regard for one another.

Neighbor Sharon Stearns, like many of us, went months without a haircut and just this week got a ride from a FVP Volunteer to Nicole’s House of Beauty.  Sharon left with a fresh haircut and a bounce in her step.  Sharon uses the FVP to get to medical appointments and also has a Volunteer who takes her shopping regularly.

Volunteer training will take place on the following dates: Tues., Aug. 4 at 10 a.m.;
Mon., Sept. 14 at 10 a.m. and Thurs., Oct. 15, at 3 p.m. Training will be held via Zoom. Reservations are required, call 341-1173, ext. 305 or email Paula Blumenau at pblumenau@jfsorange.org. Call the Town of Warwick FVP at 986-1124 ext. 400 for assistance with a ZOOM presentation. 

For information about FVP services call 986-1124, Ext 400, and leave a message. The Volunteer Coordinator, Jean Ciappa, will return your call within 1-3 days.  Another option is to go to the TownofWarwick.org or email fvp@townfowarwick.org. 

Sharon Stearns follows the FVP protocol for a Neighbor getting a Friendly Visitor Program Volunteer ride to her haircut.  She rides in the back seat to maintain social distance & both the Volunteer & the Neighbor wear a mask to minimize risk.

FVP Volunteer Ann Briscese makes weekly calls to a Florida gentleman from the comfort of her own home.  Plans are afoot for Ann to meet her Neighbor next month for his 102nd birthday!