A weekly walk, chatting over coffee, or watching a movie together. It might seem simple, but for the elders supported by the Little Brothers of the Poor Association, it makes a world of difference.
Loneliness is a growing issue for many elderly people. The absence of human connection can be overwhelming and diminish their joy. However, the “Presence” program offers a way to change this.
The program revolves around volunteers making regular visits to the homes of those supported by the Association. These visits can significantly improve the daily lives of lonely seniors.
Volunteering in the Presence Program is about sharing your time, attention, and genuine interest with seniors.
These simple things can make them feel valued and connected again. It might seem small – but having someone to talk to, celebrate with, share memories, or just take a walk with is incredibly meaningful for someone who's lonely.
See if you're ready to make a real difference in the lives of our residents.
The best friendships aren't about doing tasks for someone, but simply sharing simple moments together. That's really what it's all about. As a volunteer, you'll visit a senior and spend time just like you would with a friend – grabbing coffee, chatting over tea, going for walks, listening to music, maybe catching a movie or play, or sharing your hobbies.
Real, meaningful connections take time and consistency. That's why we emphasize regular visits—ideally, at least once a week for about two hours. Of course, if you and your senior decide you'd like to meet more often or for longer periods, that's absolutely fine.
You and your senior will decide together when to meet. Before we connect you, we'll just confirm your general availability and preferences for days and times. This helps ensure it's easy to find a time that works for both of you.
We want to make sure you and your senior are a good fit. That's why we take time to understand both of your interests and preferences. We try to match people based on shared interests, personalities, availability, and even where you live. We want to make it as easy as possible for you to build a strong connection!
After we've met with the senior and got to know them, our coordinator will introduce you. Your first visit together will be with the coordinator present. After that, you'll arrange future visits directly with your senior, just letting the coordinator know the general plan (like if you're meeting on the same day and time each week).
We want to set you up for success in building a lasting relationship, so we're here to support both you and your senior. During the application process, we'll talk about how volunteering fits into your life and make sure it's a positive experience for everyone. We'll also provide training on how to be a good companion, help you understand some of the challenges that come with aging, and get the necessary paperwork done. And we'll be here to support you throughout your time as a volunteer—you can always reach out to the coordinator.
Building a genuine connection is rewarding, but it does take time and effort. Everyone is different, with their own personalities and good days and bad days. We do our best to match you well, but sometimes a visit might require a little extra patience and understanding.
We'll have a volunteer agreement, which is a standard document we both sign. It outlines things like how long you'll volunteer, what's involved, and insurance information—all based on legal requirements.
Volunteer in one of our locations across Poland and become a companion—or maybe even a friend—to a senior.
Select a city you’re interested in from the list and you will be redirected to the form.
It honestly doesn't feel like volunteering. It's more like visiting a friend. Many seniors are lonely and just need someone to connect with, someone to talk about their lives and memories.
Agnieszka Nieczyperowicz
Volunteer
Distant friends are surprised that I find time to volunteer. They ask: "What are you doing with this elderly person?" Instead of looking through my phone, I prefer to come to Mrs. Alicja and talk.
Agnieszka Pylak
Volunteer
People say you don't get anything out of volunteering. I think that's totally wrong. You might not get anything material, but you learn so much—about yourself and about other people.
Rafał Janczuk
Volunteer
