Dolphin Companions visit individual residents of nursing facilities or those aging in place throughout Philadelphia and the five-county region.
To ensure a successful match, the needs of both the volunteer and elder are carefully considered before an introduction is made. Volunteers receive careful coaching, and dedicated ECS staff check in regularly with each individual in the partnership.
Some of these touching relationships have lasted for more than a decade. Sharing one-on-one experiences with people in fragile circumstances breaks down the barriers between those who serve and those who are served, those who have and those who need. Such connection is the guiding principle of this work.
The Dolphin name was selected for the program because the sea mammal has long stood for friendship—even rescuing sailors at sea. If our members can rescue their new friends from loneliness and dejection, they, too, are Dolphins.
In 2020, the Dolphin program was combined with Community Outreach Partnership’s similar program, Communicare. Together, these two companionship programs have been brightening the days of seniors for more than four decades.
For more information or to get involved, contact Marilyn Knox, volunteer coordinator, at marilynk@ecsphilly.org or 610.585.7141.