Volunteers needed to work with Seniors through Catholic Charities

By Susan Mazur
Contributing Writer

GREENSBURG – It’s difficult to forget the effects the COVID-19 pandemic had on our society. The human toll on the population was almost unimaginable. Even those who were fortunate enough to remain healthy were touched — even scarred — by the reality of the lockdowns and the physical and mental isolation that resulted from them.

As the outbreak waned, it became possible, to a great extent, to reconnect socially. But it’s important to remember how that isolation felt, because, sadly, too many of our aging population experience this same sense of loneliness in their daily lives. A 2021 study from the National Institute on Aging notes that 24% of adults over 65 reported feeling isolated, even if they live in a community setting. A 2019 Pew Research study found that Americans over the age of 60 spend more than half their waking hours alone.

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Greensburg is trying to change those statistics with an initiative that is still in its infancy, and volunteers are needed to help.

In October 2024, Catholic Charities established its Older Adult Services program with Deborah Klinvex as its coordinator. The goal of the program is to engage with older adults in the Diocese who may not have regular interaction with others.

“I’ve always loved the elderly population, from the time I was young,” Klinvex said, explaining her interest in this new service. “They have always had a special place in my heart.”

In the four counties that make up the Diocese, an average of 20% of the population is over age 65, according to figures from the 2020 U.S. Census, so the need for this service is clear.

Klinvex is looking for volunteers willing to interact with older adults, making regular phone calls, for instance, or weekly home visits. As the initiative grows, volunteers may deliver food boxes for those in need, send greeting cards for the holidays or perform other acts of kindness that will make the elderly feel seen, remembered and appreciated. Regular contact will be key to the program’s success.

Volunteers need no special skills. Training mainly will consist of providing topics for conversation and ideas for simple activities to share. Volunteers also will be instructed on how to handle emergencies and recognize when situations may seem risky for the elderly.

Volunteers will be required to obtain all standard Diocesan clearances. Details on those clearances can be found DioceseofGreensburg.org. Those who have clearances through their parish will not need to obtain additional clearances.

For information on volunteering, contact Klinvex at 724-837-1840 or [email protected].  Additional information and volunteer applications are available at ccharitiesgreensburg.org/get-involved/volunteer/.