College Gap Year- Reset- End Loneliness Isolated Elder LBFE

Little Brothers - Friends of the Elderly (LBFE) is committed to meeting the needs of older adults who are isolated and alone, serving older adults in the City of Chicago, Northwest Indiana, and DuPage & Kane Counties. Our motto, flowers before bread, expresses the belief that love, dignity and beauty in life are as important as basic physical needs. This philosophy is reflected in all of our activities, which include one-on-one visits, holiday parties, summer vacation experiences and individual birthdays celebrated by the delivery of a cake and a gift.

The quality of our services is just as important as the services themselves. The older adults served by LBFE have little or no contact with family and friends, limited financial resources, and are often living in vulnerable circumstances. When we enter their lives, we provide them with companionship, which is something that many of them have not had in years.

Last year we served nearly older adults, with the indispensable help of over 1,500 volunteers giving more than 35,000 hours of their time.

We have a broad range of opportunities for volunteers, donors, and older adults to share, learn, grow and to celebrate life. Opportunities are available year-round. LBFE is also a great way for families to volunteer together and to introduce youth to service.

Help LBFE bring older adults from isolation to celebration!

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Little Brothers - Friends of the Elderly (LBFE) is a nonprofit in Chicago that focuses on alleviating loneliness and isolation among older persons in Chicago. Our philosophy, programs, and activities are designed towards engaging social interactions, which are critical to the human spirit. We believe that nurturing the spirit is as important as feeding the body.

The Volunteer Program Assistant (VPA) program is a year-of-service volunteer role designed to provide young adults with a structured learning environment and meaningful friendly relationships with older people throughout the Chicago area.

VPAs commit to a year-long volunteer experience and visit 25-30 elders twice a month within a specific area in Chicago, with the goal of sharing experiences and the celebration of life together as friends. VPAs plan monthly social opportunities with elders and work with staff to coordinate and facilitate activities. In addition, VPAs may also participate in LBFE’s special  summer vacation  programs and annual holiday activities.

VPAs experience the diversity of Chicago through our elders and are supported, mentored, and collaborate with a committed staff of 35 and hundreds of volunteers. Regular training and learning opportunities are also included during the year of service, as well as oversight of a special personal project. VPAs also work in community with a cohort of 5 - 8 VPAs who are also engaging elders across Chicago.

A VPA at LBFE makes a real difference in an elder’s life, while simultaneously working to end loneliness and isolation. If you are interested in making an impact like this, please apply today!

• Effective communicator, attentive listener, good conversation starter, sensitive to other’s needs.
• Excellent teammate and co-worker and an active participant within an organization.
• Minimum of one year of consistent driving experience. Able to drive LBFE vehicle in and around Chicago daily, including highways and side streets.
• Must be 21 years old.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) is a plus.

• Commitment to a year-long, structured volunteer experience.
• Establish meaningful relationships with 25-30 elders within a specific area of Chicago.
• Provide engaging social opportunities with elders, just like what two friends would do together.
• May assist elders with small errands, as a friend would (accompany with shopping, transportation, etc.).
• Assess elders’ needs and refer findings to appropriate staff.
• Maintain reliable and consistent database records of elder interactions.
• Participate in staff meetings, VPA meetings, and program evaluations.
• Be accountable for your own scheduling, workday, and performance.
• Oversee a…