WVU Students Connect With Seniors in New Volunteer Program

West Virginia University (WVU) Extension Services has launched the new Calling Community volunteer program so students can connect with senior-age men and women, reports WDTV-5 . "We're pairing WVU students with senior citizens across the state for two phone calls per week," said WVU's Lauren Prinzo. The program aims to both provide students with a volunteer opportunity and connect groups who are prone to loneliness. "Seniors and young adults ages 18 to 22 are high-risk groups for feelings of loneliness and isolation in a normal world," noted Prinzo. "And right now we're all experiencing more social isolation than normal." The program also seeks to hone students' phone communication skills. The program accepts students from any study discipline, with some departments counting the hours toward internships. After the conclusion of the spring semester group's Calling Community session, WVU Extension Services hopes to offer another session for the summer semester.