My father lives with us (originally from the NE)and recently split from his girlfriend. He hangs around the house all day because he has no friends here. He is a very spry 76 year old, drives a sports car, and isn't into athletics, golf, etc.. I was wondering if anyone knew of any places in the area where he might volunteer his time, or connect with other seniors that still get around for friendship. I love him but having him here constantly is driving us all crazy.
My parents go regularly to the Frisco senior center and love it. It's a really nice facility. I'd start there - good luck!
Hi R.,
A great opportunity for your father might be volunteering for Children's Medical Center (either the downtown Dallas location or Frisco). There are many things he can do there and they totally depend on their volunteers to make their facility run as smoothly as it does.
They are wonderful people with wonderful opportunities to help amazing children. He can register online at www.childrens.com, look for the volunteer services page.
Regards,
M. S.
Fairy Godmother at Children's Medical Center of Dallas
Hey R.,
There is a seniors group in The Colony that is pretty active
You may check into that.
K.
Have you considered your local hospitals? They're looking for a variety of volunteers to help out in a variety of capacities.
I work with quite a few people who are close to your father's age, and they regularly hang out at the Frisco Senior Center.
Richardson and Plano both have senior centers which are for active seniors. I know when I worked at the Richardson one, they had all kinds of classes in addition to people sitting around working puzzles or crossword puzzles and chatting with friends. I'm sure there's something similar in Frisco.
what about being a "pink" man like the pink ladies at the hospitals? also, he could be a elementary school volunteer, maybe reading to the children, making copies for the teachers, etc. what about a wal-mart greeter? record your dad's memories... you'll treasure them forever!
Try http://www.volunteermatch.org/
I had success finding some good opportunites there.
Good luck!
Greater Lewisville Cares offers an organized guide to volunteer opportunities in Denton County (I'm not sure if there's a similar group in Collin County). http://www.greaterlewisvillecares.org/ Once you go to an orientation (about 30-45 minutes), you'll receive a monthly calendar of opportunities. You only RSVP for those you're interested in, and can skip a month or two if your schedule gets busy... there are no expectations about your involvement. Many of the opportunities are also open to kids as young as 2-3 years old, so you could even go along on a few activities until he's comfortable, then let him do it by himself once he meets a few people.
Opportunities include things like: playing bingo at assisted living, delivering meals to the homebound, stocking food pantries, singing at retirement homes, tutoring kids at Boys & Girls Clubs, cleanin out guinea pig cages... You name it - they have it.
Good luck!
www.familyeguide.com Free guide to affordable family activities in Lewisville, Flower Mound, Highland Village and the surrounding communities.
I just talked to some friends last night who moved their parents into a senior community in Frisco that they love. They have all types of activities and social functions. I don't know if this is an option for him financially, but I think that these type of communities often have condos and houses.
Also, look into your local senior center. My mom goes to the one in Plano and loves it. They have everything from swimming to cards to "field trips". I know the one here in McKinney also has a good program.
Good luck!
What about contacting your local school district to see if they have a volunteer tutoring program. Schools usually welcome, after a background check, seniors to tutor kiddos in Math and Reading.
