This month, we welcome our two new social work interns at The Center – Jamie and Sarah. Both are graduate students in the Masters of Social Work program at UNC-Chapel Hill.

Tom began volunteering with The Center about nine months after he retired. Looking back, there is one thing Tom wishes he had done differently . . . Volunteer sooner!

Chris’s passion for serving older adults began long before he became a volunteer with The Center for Volunteer Caregiving. Growing up, he regularly visited his grandmother, who lived alone in […]

Teresa’s personal caregiving experiences inspired her to give back through The Center for Volunteer Caregiving. As a Friendly Visiting volunteer and transportation driver, she provides companionship, support, and connection to older adults while helping spread awareness of volunteer opportunities in the community.

When Emily began volunteering with The Center for Volunteer Caregiving, she hoped to offer support to someone locally in the same way she would want someone to care for her own family back home. More than two years later, her weekly visits with Leigh have grown into a meaningful friendship built on laughter, encouragement, and mutual support.

Since July 2025, Stefan has been forming a meaningful friendship through weekly visits in the Friendly Visiting program. Inspired by his own experiences with older adults facing isolation, he brings warmth, consistency, and a genuine love of connection to each visit. What began as a way to give back has grown into something deeply rewarding, built on conversation and laughter.

Kaitlin began volunteering with The Center for Volunteer Caregiving in September 2024 after moving to Raleigh to attend NC State University. What started as a way to fulfill a class requirement quickly became a meaningful commitment rooted in her own family experience caring for a grandparent with dementia. Now serving as a social work intern, Kaitlin continues to support care receivers through transportation and caregiver respite while preparing for her future career in social work.

When Heather began searching for a volunteer opportunity, she felt drawn to working with older adults. What she found at The Center for Volunteer Caregiving became a meaningful weekly connection rooted in compassion and trust. Each Thursday afternoon, she provides caregiver respite for a local couple, spending time with Howard, who lives with Alzheimer’s. Through simple moments like a shared smile or a game of cards, Heather has discovered how small acts of kindness can make a lasting impact.

Darci has been a valued volunteer with The Center for Volunteer Caregiving for two years, generously giving her time as a transportation volunteer. Through her reliability, thoughtful planning, and genuine conversations, Darci helps care receivers feel supported and connected. Guided by a lifelong commitment to service, she continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of older adults in our community.

Meet Kim, one of our incredible volunteers whose story comes full circle. After The Center supported her own family during her mother’s illness, Kim felt called to give that same care and friendship to someone else. Today she is building a meaningful connection with her care receiver and making a difference with every visit.

Sarah, a Master’s in Social Work student at UNC–Wilmington and intern at The Center for Volunteer Caregiving, is passionate about advocating for others, especially older adults. From her first job in elder care to her work supporting care receivers today, Sarah’s compassion shines through in every connection she makes.

As Annice approached retirement, this long-time educator wasn’t looking for quiet days on the couch. She was eager to give back, fill her new free time with purpose, and enjoy the same sense of reward she had felt throughout her career. “I wanted to avoid boredom and stay connected to the community,” Annice explained. “Volunteering seemed like the perfect way to do that.”