Pathways does a comprehensive assessment ….

Pathways does a comprehensive assessment of people’s skills beforehand to find a role that fits their abilities, personality and passion as a volunteer.

Since 1985, Pathways has been providing compassionate care and services to families living with illness and loss in the greater Long Beach area and parts of West Orange County.

Here in LW, Pathways volunteers are the heart and soul of its program. From friendly visitations and helping with daily activities such as grocery trips and prescription pick-ups to playing Scrabble or getting out to lunch, the goal is to reach out to the most isolated, lonely people, sometimes with chronic conditions, and help them feel safe and independent in their own home.

Human contact and companionship are vital in later life. Studies show that social isolation causes the same degree of health risk as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

All of Pathways’ services are provided at no cost. Just a phone call away, someone in need can be connected with a volunteer who someday may become a trusted friend.

A partnership with California State University’s School of Nursing allows Pathways to hold workshops with participation of nursing students, who also accumulate clinical practice hours while making in-home visits that aren’t entirely social, and build deeper, more personal relationships with the elderly.

Pathways’ volunteers are required to dedicate at least two hours of their time per week to qualify. The company provides training for most of the positions including patient/hospice caregiver, hospice respite, bereavement facilitators and office volunteers. No training is required to volunteer at the special events, volunteers’ assistance, housekeeping, mailings, crafting gifts (for clients) such as Thanksgiving baskets and singing Christmas carols.

No effort is too small. Giving two hours a week to someone in need can make a deep impact in your community and the lives of many.