Compassionate Care Corps: Phone Buddies Needed to Alleviate Veteran Loneliness

While the holiday season is generally associated with joy and happiness, it's important to acknowledge that not everyone feels this way during this time of year. For some individuals, the holiday season can amplify feelings of loneliness, sadness, and grief, especially when they are dealing with painful life events. Sharing these burdens can provide some relief and comfort as they say, "a burden shared is a burden lessened".

To combat this loneliness, we offer the Compassionate Care Corps (CCC)! This phenomenal group is comprised of compassionate and dedicated individuals who selflessly serve as "phone buddies" for our esteemed Veterans and heroes. This program is designed to address a pressing issue that many veterans face: loneliness.

“With the Compassionate Care Corps, we have volunteers that call the Veteran and that may be the only opportunity that the Veteran gets to talk with someone different in weeks,” shares Kim Coloni, CDCE Specialist. 

Veteran loneliness is a deeply concerning problem that affects the mental and emotional well-being of those who have served our country selflessly. Many veterans find themselves isolated, lacking the social connections and support they need to thrive in their civilian lives.

The impact of this program cannot be overstated. By connecting veterans with compassionate individuals who genuinely care about their well-being, we can help combat feelings of isolation and create meaningful relationships that uplift spirits and restore hope.

Compassionate Contact Corps – Phone Buddies are needed to help provide socially isolated, homebound or at-risk Veterans and their Caregivers with much needed interaction.

One way to serve is to be a volunteer for the Compassionate Care Corps. The CCC Volunteers serve referred Veterans and/or Caregivers who may be facing loneliness, depression, social/geographical isolation, or who may have recently lost a spouse or other family member. The Veterans and Caregivers who are matched with trained volunteers greatly benefit from regular social phone visits.

“Those in the program have expressed how this connection is the highlight of their week,” shares Kim Coloni, CDCE Specialist. 

Volunteers and Veterans are typically matched based on mutual interests. The Veteran gets to socialize while the Volunteer learns about our Veterans.

The Importance of Human Connection for Veterans and How Phone Buddies Make a Difference

One of the key skills that phone buddies possess is active listening. They attentively listen to veterans, allowing them to express themselves freely without judgment or interruption. By doing so, phone buddies validate the veterans' feelings and experiences, fostering a sense of trust and understanding.

In 2021, during the pandemic, CDCE Chief Maria Buehler helped develop the Compassionate Care Corps program, earning her an ICARE award from the Secretary of the VA.

"It was encouraging to receive it, because it made me feel as though people recognized the significance of what the benefits are of the (CCC) program. And it's such a simple program, but the return of investment on it is beyond," shares Buehler.

Phone buddies play a crucial role in building trust and providing much-needed emotional support to veterans. Their responsibilities extend beyond simply engaging in conversations; they are there to actively listen, empathize, and create a safe space for veterans to share their experiences and emotions.

“There are many Veterans out there that live alone and they don’t always have the opportunity to speak with someone. With the CCC, we have volunteers that call the Veterans for 15 minutes to an hour, once a week,” says, Kim Coloni.

The role of phone buddies goes beyond just being someone to talk to; they are compassionate individuals who genuinely care about the well-being of the veterans they assist. By offering understanding, empathy, and a listening ear, phone buddies create an invaluable support system for those who have served our country selflessly.

Join the Compassionate Contact Corps Program and Help Alleviate Veteran Loneliness Today!

The program is looking for more volunteers to socialize with veterans. If you would like more information on just how to fill one of these valuable assignments, please call the Marion VA Health Care System, Center for Development and Civic Engagement (CDCE) Office at (618) 993-4121. We may just have an opportunity for you to serve those who have served and sacrificed so much.

To begin receiving Compassionate Contact Corps calls, please speak with your clinician or social worker and ask for a referral.